HOTEL FOOTBALL
On the 14th of May 2016, Manchester United were due to play AFC Bournemouth, in their last game of the Premier League season, and like several times previous, my Dad and I had secured tickets to watch it. Football fan or not, you may remember this particular fixture being on the news at the time as it did not happen, at least not when and how it was originally intended. What was thus discovered to be a "dummy" training bomb had been left unknowingly behind by security staff, forcing Old Trafford to be evacuated and the game to be abandoned.
If that had been the be all and end all then a day would have been sadly and annoyingly wasted. Fortunately, for the first time as well as watching the match, we had also managed to secure pre and post hospitality at the Hotel Football.
Located slap bang next to Old Trafford, the modern, crisp and imposing building plays host to thousands of football fans and enthusiasts every year, and on that particular afternoon we were among them. The catering and hospitality staff saved what would have otherwise been a lamented and wasted day in my view.
Providing first class fayre for lunch, doing so with swift polite and friendly style and manner, and for easily and definitively creating a brilliant atmosphere where football and United fans from across the world could sit, relax, congregate and enjoy together in a unique and positive way (along with a few guest appearances from United legends too!). Pre-match was one thing, but post-unexpected evacuation and hurried reconvening of guests, they all rose admirably to the challenge, recreating the superb setting and ambience we were treated to before the game.
The game was of course reconvened days later and we returned to Old Trafford again to see a respectable scoreline (see my season round up in the BLOG ARCHIVE) but really it was the experience created next door surrounding that particular match, the first time round, that stood out for me. Thank you kindly Hotel Football - I salute you!
STANLEY HOUSE
I know several people who are on regular terms with Stanley House, the ever expanding, traditional hall/modern boutique hotel crossover located in Mellor, boasting one of the finest hotel, spa and dining experiences around.
I however had not frequented it in years, until tonight when I adjourned for dinner.
I was expecting plush, slightly vulgar levels of attempted nouveau-riche in design and atmosphere. What I was not expecting was for it all to actually work. Yes the decor and design of the Grill on the Hill restaurant was a tad chintzy and in your face, but the levels of luxury, whilst not necessarily tasteful in the classic sense, did invite you in and once you were settled, did provide a nice place to be. Add to that attentive, welcoming, if a little stylised staff and you're already onto a winner.
But by far the highlight was the fayre which those at Stanley House were offering to match their uniquely high brow image. It all read well, and it all looked equally sublime. I myself was treated to a staple and beautifully cooked pork belly starter, a uniquely presented but delectable fillet steak, and a divine peach souffle.
It may be an acquired taste going to Stanley House, but it might just be well and truly worth it.
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