Eating out

Holiday Inn in Farnborough

March 15, 2010

The Holiday Inn, Farnborough, is now under new management and has recently taken new approach to its menu, look and atmosphere of the hotel.

Known to many locals as ‘The Queens Hotel’ from its eventful history, the Hotel has changed shape many times during the last 155 years in one way or another.

It originally had a wooden structure, offered first class accommodation unseen outside of London and was a popular destination for visitors when Queen Victoria held her military displays in Aldershot. The Hotel has had many well-known people stay over the years including Rudyard Kipling, who used to be a regular guest. It was also one of the first buildings to have a telephone number in Farnborough.

Rowen kindly invited my girlfriend, Katie and I to try the Sunday Lunch Carvery in the Hotel’s restaurant.

We were given a warm welcome and we couldn’t help but notice the grand surrounding and traditional look of the Hotel, which to us, was a great first impression. We went to the bar area first and Rowen explained a bit of the Hotel’s history and the new things he hopes to bring to it, over a refreshing drink.

We then went to the restaurant across the hall, where we caught a glance of the beautifully presented Sunday roast, cold meats, salad and deliciously decorated desserts on display as we made way to our table.

The menu included a selection of cold meats, salads and freshly made soup from the buffet counter for starters. Roast Sirloin of Beef, Leg of “melt-in-the-mouth” Lamb, Roast Lemon and Thyme Chicken breast and many others to accompany your dish for mains, including Honey Glazed Carrots, which were definitely a winner for me. Dessert quite literally put the icing on the cake; a huge selection of cakes, crumbles, dairy ice-creams as well as a selection of British Cheeses with Onion Chutney were on offer.

Both Katie and I were extremely pleased with the quality of the food to choose from, the care that had obviously been taken to cook, present and deliver it all was spot on. The staff were very friendly, welcoming and always at hand.

On top of the great dining experience we had a chance to see the rooms available to guests, which were also very generous, well thought out and clearly cared for.

The Holiday Inn Farnborough may not always be at the front of your mind when thinking of somewhere to eat out, but I think it should be a regular to anyone looking for a great meal, whenever and whatever the occasion.

Upcoming special events at the Holiday Inn Farnborough include ‘Mamma Mia Themed Night’ on Friday 5th March in aid of Breast Cancer Research, a Mother’s Day Carvery Lunch on Sunday 14th, an Easter Day Carvery Lunch on Sunday 4th April and many more throughout the year.

You can get more information on the restaurant, rooms and special events and facilities by calling the friendly, helpful staff on 0870 400 9029.