Last week I was invited to Laura Ashley The Manor Hotel in Elstree, just outside London. After meeting a bunch of other bloggers at King's Cross, we hopped on a vintage bus and made the short(ish) journey up to the hotel.



I wore an ASOS polo neck jumper (similar), ASOS culottes and Kurt Geiger boots - brightening up the look with my favourite red lippy from Mac - Russian Red.


The hotel is an old Tudor house which dates back to the 16th Century - inside is all old wooden beams (some of which came from ships involved in the Spanish Armada) and big ornate fireplaces, and is all entirely furnished in Laura Ashley; the company bought the hotel in 2012 and have really encapsulated the brand in building-form. 


Upon entering the hotel we went straight to Afternoon Tea. It had everything you'd expect - cucumber sandwiches, scones with jam and cream, a selection of cakes, and good old English breakfast tea served in delicate blue and white Laura Ashley teapots and teacups. The room where it was served was equally as gorgeous - high ceilings and large windows made it really light and airy, with thick velvet curtains providing that warm, homely feel. Unfortunately I didn't get any pictures of the room as the food was far too distracting...just look at that spread!




After tea we were taken on a tour of the hotel. Each room is furnished differently, but they're all given the same attention to detail and of course, everything is Laura Ashley. It's a real traditional English hotel but still manages to be stylish rather than twee and chintzy, plus they've managed to incorporate both feminine and masculine touches throughout so men shouldn't be scared off! 


Image courtesy of Laura Ashley


Image courtesy of Laura Ashley

Following the tour, we went outside to enjoy a bit of the country air (a novelty for those of us living in London!), the giant chess board and the view of the city below. After all that hard work, we settled down to a glass of prosecco before getting back on the bus and heading home.


When can I go back?