With the limited options for holidaying this year my family and I have been on the hunt for an escape from city living. A short 30 minutes outside of North London you'll find the Birch Community, the closest train stop is Cheshunt station which is just a 5-10 minute drive away. My sister was recommended this spot by one of her friends so we booked ourselves (My mum, my sister and I) and the dog (Bella the Bichon Frise) in for a long weekend stay, keep reading to find out everything you need to know.
Venue
Whether you want to cosy up indoors or venture outdoors there is plenty of open spaces or the surrounding 55 acres of nature. It has a real home from home feel, with well designed spaces that are both inviting yet functional. With a clear direction you are sure to find like-minded individuals that help to create a socially conscious atmosphere and community feeling. The staff are always on hand to accommodate and meet any of your needs or requirements, which allows you to put your feet up for a couple of days. Decorated in warm tones with a balance between modern and retro this is the ideal off-grid retreat. Set within an extended Georgian mansion to create this award winning hotel, you can instantly see the charm and character of the place.
Entertainment
With workshops, workouts, feasts, and films you have hours of entertainment where they encourage disconnecting and switching off with no tv screens in the bedrooms. If you want to fully escape you can learn how to grow and compost, forage with farmer Tom or beekeeping.
In The Hub you have access to a pool table, with many adjoining rooms hosting workshops or classes in the Art studio, you could pick up an instrument in the Music room, watch a range of films and documentaries in the 60-person Screening room
(all start times available on the notice board so you don't miss your must-sees), Arcade shuffleboard, ping pong and every board game imaginable. We ended up playing connect four and guess who one evening which made us very nostalgic about our childhood. If you aren't fully able to log off or want to stay on weekdays they have meeting spaces to hire and a co-working space to use including seven Think Pods and a quiet room for when you need to get in the zone. With an open area with plenty of charging points, hot desks and phone booths you catch up on business or social channels if needed.
For a day activity we also opted for a Clay Session in the Pottery Studio which was approximately 3 hours long. Guided by expert potter we learnt pinch and coil techniques which are the principles of hand-building in clay. We all formulated three miniature designs, I did a key holder, a ring holder and trinket bowl for mine. I took a particular liking to the the stamps and ended up making a floral overlay with it. Although I wouldn't say I was ready to leave my day job and become a professional ceramist I found the experience very relaxing and the task is all encompassing which is the perfect way to keep your mind busy. They also post creations out to you which is included in the £40 price which I think is well worth what you get out.
If you want to keep up your fitness regime the Wellness Space offers a yoga class or spinning session, time on the treadmill or in the gym. There is specific workshops and masterclasses for mindfulness which further aid your relaxation. Post work out you can head to the Sauna or they have partnered with re:lax a skin studio in Hackney to provide massages or treatments which you can pick according to your needs or health benefits. Think soothe, release, energise, reflex and specific treatments for sports or pregnancy. You can also feel reassured by the completely natural, vegan-friendly, cruelty free, and sustainably sourced products.
You can explore the many green space including the Side Garden which was personal favourite, the well manicured law and band stand make a picturesque spot. Make sure to the check out the Vegetable Patch and Herb Garden which are both used to support the onsite catering. With animals including sheep, chickens, pigs and bees you can take a guided tour or wander at your own leisure. With surrounding fields ideal for long walks or if like us you wanted to take the dog with you to mix up your routes.
The latest addition tucked away in a the secret walled garden is the 25 metre Lido. With a sections for doing lengths and another for play there is no better place to be when the sun is shining. With poolside DIY BBQs, the Lido Kitchen, and two brimming bars you can easily spend the whole day in this one spot. Tip: It's a child-free zone from 3pm!
Food & Drink
First thing in the morning you could pop in to the Interactive Bakery which produces fresh bread and pastries for breakfast in Valeries or at the Store. They have regular baking classes that take place where you can eat the Bakery’s best bits fresh out the oven. The pain au chocolat is my recommendation to try, my Mum to this day still raves about them.
As mentioned earlier post swim you can refuel at the Lido Kitchen which has a casual izakaya style street-food store. There is two options for soft and alcoholic drinks from the Mirabeau Lido Bar or the Casamigos Lido Bar which brings you a step closer to your usual holiday destination.
If you are looking for something on-the-go The Store offers speciality coffee and tea, sandwiches, salads, and pastries throughout the day.
With ingredients grown on-site, produce made in-house and open-flame cooking The Zebra Riding Club is open for lunch or dinner reservations, regardless of stay or not. Created with an indoor/outdoor seating this restaurant has an impressive set menu that changes seasonally. With a delicious five course menu, which is flexible for dietary requirements this was one of the best places to dine. With an elevated experience this was perfect for my Mum's birthday, any occasion or something special during your stay.
We also tried Valeries for both breakfast and dinner. Open to guests and members only this is an all-day dining restaurant. We chose to sit out on the terrace where they provide warming heaters and cosy blankets to keep you comfortable well in the night.
With a similar menu you could also opt for the Outdoor Tipi outside on the back lawn. We loved sitting here for classic cocktails or some rosé watching the roaring fires, glowing lights and people watching. Another option here was to sit at the BBQ Pits and order a DIY feast of various sizes available up to 15 people come with instructions, tongs, and treats you need (meat and veg boxes available).
With three bars onsite you could also get a beverage of your choice at the Spritz, Links or Frick Bar.
All of us throughly enjoyed our time at Birch and with such few locations that allow dogs to stay this has to be up there for any fellow dog owners. Bella was showered with love and treats so I'm sure she'd go back in a blink of an eye. With a number of families, couples and friends this truly was a place for all and certainly looking for a few more spots like this in future.
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