St Michael's Manor

Village charm and lakeside gardens in historic St Albans

This beautiful, privately owned country house hotel is set within five acres of delightful landscaped gardens with its own one acre lake in the most historic area of St Alban's, only a short walk from the magnificent Abbey and the city centre itself.

The Newling Ward family has celebrated 47 years of ownership of this manor house originally built in 1512 on existing medieval foundations. Throughout the centuries the building has been harmoniously altered and extended, always retaining the character and architectural detail of the original building. Each of the 30 bedrooms are individually designed and provided with many luxury extras. Many of them overlook the hotel's sweeping lawns, award-winning grounds and picturesque lake.

You will not want to miss Chef Perry Butler's freshly prepared, award-winning, modern British cuisine served in the restaurant, conservatory, lounge, bar, patio or alongside the lake itself. Seasonal a la carte dishes might include glazed asparagus, truffle hollandaise with crispy quails eggs, tournedos of beef Rossini, port and onion marmalade with green beans, and for dessert, Valrhona chocolate fondant with pistachio ice cream and chocolate sauce. The Lake Menu, a weekly changing table d'hote style menu, is equally exciting and of fantastic value. The recent refurbishment of the public areas, including a beautiful new orangery-style restaurant, is marvellous.