Brockencote Hall

Food poisoning Last month we held an annual reunion at Brockencote Hall of former pupils and their partners from our old school. We are all around 80 years of age. On the second evening four guests suffered food poisoning resulting in repeating vomiting, abdominal pain and diarrhoea, all within an hour of finishing the meal. It was a severe gastrointestinal upset which was very distressing to all concerned. Although the worst effects lasted only a day or two, others had after effects up to two weeks later. The meals were pre-ordered and each of the four had chosen the same dish: a mushroom risotto. They were the only guests to eat the risotto, and no-one else had any adverse reactions. It therefore appears conclusive that the cause of the poisoning was something in the risotto. The stated principal ingredients were rice, asparagus, garlic and morels. Morels are a relatively rare form of mushroom or fungus known to be toxic without very careful cleaning and cooking at a high temperature. There are documented cases of morel poisoning, including one where over 50 diners suffered food poisoning, two of whom died. Despite this, Brockencote Hall has not admitted any liability, although at our request it compensated those affected by reimbursing the cost of their meals and a contribution towards their accommodation costs “as a goodwill gesture”. They carried out an internal investigation over several weeks which concluded “with no definitive findings”. They said that their supplier of the morels carried out laboratory testing of the same batch and reported that they were “safe for consumption”. They also emphasise that food safety is a priority and staff undergo “comprehensive food hygiene and safety training”. However, none of this explains why four guests were violently sick after eating the same dish in this hotel. I asked if they were still serving morels at Brockencote but they failed to answer. It appears that they have learned nothing, and are not changing anything, as a result of this incident. We feel that guests at Brockencote Hall should be made aware of this event, and they would be well advised to check out any ingredient with which they are unfamiliar.

This is a very comfortable hotel to stay at. My room was keenly priced and very spacious. I do enjoy the cordial and the flapjacks and likewise the nice toiletries. The setting is delightful and the breakfast chef certainly knows what they are doing. I am very pleased to return here again. It’s not perfect but it’s the most civilized hotel in the area.

Brockencote Hall , part f the Eden Hotel Collection (EHC), is a beautiful tranquil haven oozing with elegance and charm in the heart of rural Worcestershire. It is located in convenient proximity to Worcester, Bromsgrove and Kidderminster. This stylish retreat caters for guests in the smallest of details;- from comfortable, clean spacious rooms (offering excellent complementary tea , coffee, homemade oat bars and cordial, slippers,etc) to the beautiful dining rooms adorned with fresh flowers throughout. Most importantly the staff is the heart and soul of Brockencote Hall. The welcoming friendly atmosphere is prevalent. I would like to thank all the wonderful staff for making me feel welcome. Thank you Jack, Angela and Dan Brennan for the superb management. I have been a returning guest for many years and have visited many hotels . Brockencote Hall is my favourite hideaway of all.

We had a fantastic stay at Brockencote to celebrate my wife’s 50th birthday. We had afternoon tea when we arrived which was delicious. It was lovely to view the lambs gamboling as we relaxed. The reception staff were so helpful and all the staff were so friendly. We had a walk around the grounds which are beautiful and walked to the nearby historic village of Chaddesley Corbett which was so picturesque. We ate dinner in the restaurant and it was perfect- the food is sourced locally and is presented beautifully. We couldn’t fault it. After dinner we retired to the library for coffee and petit fours. We had a superior room which was huge. We took advantage of the complimentary turn- down service whilst we were having dinner, so on return the room was set to ensure a good nights sleep. The bed was so comfortable and we both slept so well. The breakfast was great with freshly served juice and a choice of a continental or cooked breakfast options. Again it was served beautifully. We will definitely return but for longer next time.

We went for a Tuesday night stay, opting for what they call their master room. Firstly, the king sized bed was great and was fitted with quality bedding. The bathroom had a walk in shower and a full bath. Secondly, our room was on the ground floor with a lovely dual aspect view over the grounds. Third, the staff were super helpful. Be that with recommendations, or helping us book a repeat stay in the same room. All in all we loved it enough to book a return.

I regularly attend The Inspirational Lunch held each month at Brockencote. Usually the food is good but last Thursday as a non meat eater I was served three spears of white asparagus, plus three steamed potatoes and a watercress veloute as a main course. The others on my table were astonished at what was given. I did raise the issue with the duty manager (?) and he said it was served regularly and no one ever complained. I realise this isn’t a 5* hotel but hotels are struggling and serving meals like this isn’t going to encourage return business, which is a shame as it’s a lovely building and grounds.