Being a “Leeds lass” I have embarked on many city breaks, it’s home from home for me, much like Sheffield. I love a weekend trip away and when it’s down the road – it means less time travelling and more time doing.
There’s plenty to explore in the bustling city of Sheffield, from museums, botanical gardens and theatres to the well-known Meadowhall Shopping Centre. Sheffield is well populated and in turn well equipped with entertainment for all niches. So if there is an activity you fancy, you’ll be sure to find it around one of Sheffield’s many corners.
Our aim was to experience everything DoubleTree By Hilton Sheffield Park had to offer over a two day period and embrace a little slow living – This phrase isn’t something I live by but, I was excited to experience the hype.
We arrived at our destination, which was surrounded by beautiful and well-kept greenery and made our way through the grand entrance. We were met at the front desk by a polite concierge who checked us in seamlessly, confirmed our evening restaurant reservations and handed us our key cards and a couple of warm cookies. Who doesn’t love a cookie?!
First on the agenda was dropping off the bags and exploring the expansive venue. We arrive on the second floor and open the door to our roomy family suite with a large bay window allowing for natural light, contrasting the deep sleepy tones of the room.
The small entranceway leads to the pristine bathroom, featuring a large wall-mounted mirror and lush complimentary hand and body washes, creams and towels. Furthermore, is a wardrobe encasing the spa necessities – robes and slippers, along with convenient items such as an iron, board, hairdryer and safe.
To my excitement, I spot two double beds! A WHOLE DOUBLE BED TO MYSELF – YES PLEASE! The suite features a super king-size bed wrapped in fresh white sheets and comfy pillows, alongside a double sofa bed which was equally as plush. A large wall-mounted TV in prime position for some bedtime watching and a desk space with a welcomed coffee station.
Feeling very happy with our room for the weekend, we head off to the spa for a little R&R.
We walk into the spa entrance and are transformed into a world of zen. Soft music plays in the background as we are greeted with a bottle of cold water and fluffy white towels before we are shown on our way to the facilities.
The spa features a Jacuzzi bubbling away with views of the hotel’s beautiful gardens, a quiet pool with surrounding comfy seating and around the corner sits the sauna and steam room. For those, not embracing the slow living lifestyle, upstairs is a large and well-spaced gym with water coolers, mirrors, TV and ample machinery.
After a little swim and spa indulgence, it’s time for my full-body glow scrub massage. I’m welcomed into a quaint little room with ambient mood lighting and clean warm towels. My masseuse is polite gentle and very informative about the products being used. The whole experience exuded relaxation and I left feeling on cloud nine – I practically floated out the room.
It’s such a treat to spend the afternoon in robes with no sense of time. I imagine this is the definition of bliss. I float onto my suite to get ready with a glass of bubbles for our dinner reservations at Marco Pierre White restaurant.
We head downstairs and walk through the double doors to the restaurant where we are met with a sophisticated setting, magnificent mood lighting, and an illuminated circular bar. A rather spectacular first impression.
The restaurant plays homage to Marco, with expansive framed photography and artwork displayed throughout. Deep wintery tones and statement furniture sweep the floor, while soft music echoes in the background.
We are greeted with a friendly face and shown to our table, where we are handed Menus; showcasing a generous selection of high-class dishes. We opted for a bottle of Prosecco, which soon arrived with an accompanying ice bucket to keep the bubbles crisp!
After lots of umming and ahhing, we finally decided on our dishes. To start was the Wheeler’s Crispy Calamari with a side of fresh lemon & tartare sauce, a delicious and well-executed dish. My companion opted for the classic staple, Prawn Cocktail with Marie rose sauce; a generous portion with heaps of fresh cold water prawns and wholemeal bread for dipping.
Shortly after our plates were cleared our main dishes arrived. A succulent fillet steak and flavoursome rib-eye cut. We opted for a platter of sides to share; of course, we chose the obligatory crispy battered onion rings and Koffman chips, which did not disappoint! Alongside our carb heaven was Chilli & Garlic Buttered Spinach, the perfect little kick to accompany any steak and delicious Garlic Woodland Mushrooms with a peppercorn sauce.
Finalising our feast was a hot Sticky Toffee Pudding with a creamy vanilla ice cream scoop melting away and lashings of delicious gooey toffee sauce and across the table was a warm chocolate brownie layered with chocolate sauce, simple but delicious.
After such a tasty feast, the double bed was calling my name and so we rolled out of the restaurant and into bed.
After a top night’s sleep and a rejuvenating shower, we had a leisurely morning in the room before we ventured to the local shopping centre for a wander – after all, we should probably have a little exercise after our three-course meal the evening before!
Having made pointless purchases, we were ready to repeat overindulging in spa serenity and delicious food so head back to base for afternoon lunch @ Marco restaurant reservations.
Now Afternoon lunch was just as special as the evening meal but entirely different. We were shown to our table which was the same table as the evening before, I felt like part of the furniture now. I just belonged.
Two tall glasses of bubbles arrived along with a spectacularly presented afternoon tea. A selection of sandwiches on soft white and wholemeal bread, including hams, cheeses, salmon, and beef – a truly great selection. I am a lover of a good sandwich and they did not disappoint.
Below was an assortment of fluffy carrot spongecakes, creamy lemon drizzle cheesecakes and indulgent rich chocolate mousse slices. Last, but definitely not least were the afternoon tea staples, soft current scones with strawberry jams and clotted cream.
A little of everything is my favourite and everything on the board was exquisite, presented beautifully and utterly scrumptious.
Marco Pierre White – Steak house by night and boujee lunching by day.
We head for a wander of the hotel’s fairy lit grounds before retiring to the atmospheric bar and lounge area. We opted for the comfy sink-in seats with the prime position for the widescreen TV, showcasing the much-anticipated boxing match, which set out our evening plans.
Conclusion
So … Slow living – I could get used to this! It’s a bit of me. However, with a busy life like mine, I’ll settle for this being my guilty pleasure.
For anyone needing some quiet luxury, this is the place. From delicious dishes, friendly staff, relaxing massages and whirlpool jacuzzis. It’s an escape worth visiting and you should absolutely make time for it.
Another of my If you don’t know, GET TO KNOW list.
Words By Hannah Parnaby
Young’s welcomes guests back to newly refurbished Kingston pub, The Albert
