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Haycock Manor Hotel in Wansford prepares to open after multi-million pound refurbishment




After months of anticipation, a luxury village hotel is set to reopen following a multi-million pound refurbishment.

There is a buzzing atmosphere at the Haycock Manor Hotel in Wansford, as staff finalise the last details before its official launch on Sunday (October 31).

The former coach house building has undergone an extensive restoration in the past 18 months in a bid to 'bring the heart and soul back to the property'.

Francisco Mendez, bar manager, making a coffee at the Haycock Manor Hotel in Wansford
Francisco Mendez, bar manager, making a coffee at the Haycock Manor Hotel in Wansford

As one of the oldest surviving hotels in England the property has an interesting history, dating back to 1571, which the staff hope it paid tribute to through the restoration. Keen to keep it prominent, the new design is sympathetic to this with exposed beams and restored Elizabethan fireplaces, as well as bespoke bedrooms named after historical figures who have visited, such as Queen Victoria, formally Princess Alexandrina and socialite turned activist, Nancy Cunard.

Sergio Martinez, operations manager, said: “The Haycock has a proud history of welcoming guests for over 450 years. The guest experience we are creating now combines that wonderful history withal the luxury finishes and the latest smart technology.

"Most importantly this is a place where we want our guests to share our sense of fun and feel completely at ease.

The Haycock Manor Hotel in Wansford
The Haycock Manor Hotel in Wansford

"We have the team with the skills and experience to make the Haycock one of the finest hotels and food destinations in the East of England and the determination to deliver on that."

In recent times, the Haycock Hotel has also hosted many celebrities and stars including the England football squad, Freddie Mercury, Princess Diana and Pierce Brosnan.

The first phase of the opening will see its 49 bedrooms unveiled with clusters of classic doubles, garden classics, feature rooms, junior suites and master suites.

For Theresa Rossall, who has worked at the hotel for decades, the restoration has made her feel a sense of pride in the business.

The Haycock Hotel in Wansford
The Haycock Hotel in Wansford

"It's really exciting how things have changed so drastically," said Theresa.

"I'm definitely really pleased to be part of the team.

"Having been here a long time I've seen the hotel go up and down, now it's even better than before."

Theresa Rossal, deputy operations manager with Francisco Mendez, bar manager, at the Haycock Manor Hotel in Wansford
Theresa Rossal, deputy operations manager with Francisco Mendez, bar manager, at the Haycock Manor Hotel in Wansford

She added: "It's always been a wonderful building with lots of history and potential.

"It's nice to see it's come back to its former glory."

With many regular customers, there's been a great deal of anticipation to return to the hotel, with some guests even crying happy tears upon their first tour of the building.

The Haycock Hotel in Wansford
The Haycock Hotel in Wansford

"We have had some upset people who were disappointed we were closed but I think with people being able to see the work from the outside, they are nearly knocking the door down to get in," said Theresa.

"People are so eager to see it."

While covid has significantly impacted the hospitality industry, it gave staff at the hotel a push to speed up plans for the renovation.

Rather than doing the restoration in parts, as was the original plan, it was decided they would do one big project, despite not knowing how long it would take due to delays with Brexit and Covid-19.

Cameron Ellson, reception manager, and Jessie Reeve, sales manager at the Haycock Manor Hotel in Wansford
Cameron Ellson, reception manager, and Jessie Reeve, sales manager at the Haycock Manor Hotel in Wansford

Sales manager, Jessie Reeve, started work at the hotel at the beginning of the pandemic, just before the restoration work began.

She said: "When we envisaged what we were told to then seeing the restoration, it has exceeded our expectations.

"When you look for nice unique spots in the area, there just isn't anything like this."

Food from Prévost at The Haycock Manor Hotel in Wansford
Food from Prévost at The Haycock Manor Hotel in Wansford

The Haycock Manor Hotel is also home to Prévost, led by executive chef Lee Clarke and recognised in the Michelin Guide, which offers three, eight and five-course taster menus.

Brasserie-style seasonal food is served from the Haycock Kitchen while the Courtyard Bar gives guests a place to taste cocktails and wine.

For more information, visit: https://haycock.co.uk/

Don't Burst My Bubble Cocktail from the Haycock Manor Hotel in Wansford
Don't Burst My Bubble Cocktail from the Haycock Manor Hotel in Wansford
Food from Prévost at The Haycock Manor Hotel in Wansford
Food from Prévost at The Haycock Manor Hotel in Wansford
Food from Prévost at The Haycock Manor Hotel in Wansford
Food from Prévost at The Haycock Manor Hotel in Wansford
The Haycock Manor Hotel in Wansford
The Haycock Manor Hotel in Wansford
The Haycock Manor Hotel in Wansford
The Haycock Manor Hotel in Wansford
The Haycock Manor Hotel in Wansford
The Haycock Manor Hotel in Wansford
The Haycock Manor Hotel in Wansford
The Haycock Manor Hotel in Wansford


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