Oakley Court

This was one of my favourite hotels in the country having stayed there many times over the years. Having moved abroad I recently found myself back in the area and decided to go for a drink one afternoon with my partner as it was her birthday and we wanted to kill an hour or two before dinner in Bray by partaking of a few drinks in one of my favourite places. My experience was terrible. My immediate impression was that the atmosphere had changed from the warm, welcoming familiarity I was used to a decade ago, to be replaced by a somewhat indifferent hostility. I was told in no uncertain terms that unless I was a resident they couldn't serve me. The new management had implemented a policy in partnership with those halfwits at Soho House to (I paraphrase) 'keep the riff raff out'. Now let me be clear, I have been welcomed with open arms at some of the most exclusive establishments across the world and never have I been treated with such hostility. In the past, Oakley Court treated me like a VIP and I've made many great memories there. Those days are long gone. The hotel itself may have remained as beautiful as I remember it but the service has changed for the worst. I had considered booking a stay in the old house for old times sake but I'm sad to say that I shall just let the memories of the Oakley Court live in the past. The current staff just do not understand the nature of hospitality anymore. I shall no longer offer a recommendation nor shall I sing the praises of this formerly fine establishment. SH's reputation for head-up-their-backside arrogance is well founded and has sadly poisoned this place. The disappointment is very real.

The main building is stunning, and many of the annnex rooms have been remodeled. A spot that is especially appealing to those who enjoyed the Rocky Horror Picture sShow. It also has housed a large number of Hammer, Horror, films, such as Christopher Lee’s Dracula! Summer pop up being operated by SoHo House looks interesting, but we were unable to sample it, only open on weekends. A truly beautiful setting on the River Thames! Great service, nothing stuffy! Only hiccup was air-conditioning in room. You might want to check its operation when you arrive to make sure you’re not going to have a warm evening! Thankfully, it is England and the temperature was lovely at night! The restaurant had an interesting menu. No set dining room, you choose which room in the mansion you would like to sit while dining or having cocktails. Very nice!

Really disappointed with my visit to the river house..For such a fantastic location and great potential I feel it’s wasted.I know it’s not known for the food there as in big restaurants and a vast menu but again loads room for improvement… lobster linguine my wife ordered was terrible with one piece of of lobster,in there defence they took two portions of the bill but I would rather pay and enjoy my evening.As a local I’ve been several times but this visit by far was the worst experience.Service was really slack from certain servers not all but some..the toilets were unclean which we had to mention..just felt grubby everywhere!! I noticed on entry there was a dried patch of vomit which wasn’t good.Price for the premixed picante which I normally love were made with no passion at all so generally value for money at the moment I wouldn’t recommend I’m afraid.Generally overall a disappointment.