Down Hall to overhaul bar and outside space in £2.8m refurb

Down Hall hotel in Hatfield, Essex, has revealed details of an ongoing £2.8m refurbishment of the 98-bedroom country house property.

Following the renovation of the hotel's west wing in 2019 and its reception area and Garden Room restaurant last year, attention is now being turned to the bar, lounge and outside spaces.

Bespoqe design agency is overseeing the creation of the new-look bar and lounge (pictured below), informed by the history of the grade-II-listed Italianate building. An illuminated 12-foot-tall bar will take centre stage, with seating upholstered in leather and Italian velvet and a rich blue colour scheme enhanced by pops of red and orange.

The adjacent lounge will feature a softer palette of periwinkle blue and rose pink alongside the restored marble fireplace and wall art depicting the hotel's grounds.

Outside a one-acre kitchen garden and apple tree orchard have been planted, along with a landscaped wedding garden. The tennis facilities have been expanded with a new padel court, while a 120-cover alfresco dining terrace will follow in May.

Down Hall's deputy general manager Shaun Corrigan said the latest investment was part of the hotel's longstanding commitment to establish Down Hall as one of the finest countryside hotels and wedding venues in the UK.

Down Hall is owned by Veladail Hotels and is sister property to Flemings Mayfair in London.