Another stay at The Fev

Last September I posted about a lovely birthday break for Stu in Helmsley, and we've just been back to the hotel, for no special reason other than we wanted some time off over Easter. So, Back to the Feversham Arms for some rest, relaxation and pampering. What we didn't expect was so much sunshine! When I booked the room and heard that it had an open fire in it, I remember thinking that I hoped we wouldn't need it, but I thought there was a good chance that we might light it in the evening, but no chance!

Arrived on Wednesday lunchtime, and went for a walk round the town until the room was ready. Took in the wonderful food shops in the market square, the lovely old toy shop, and eventually settled on The Feathers for lunch. I broke my record of not eating chips since January, by nicking one of Stu's - but only one!  Then back to the hotel, where we were shown to our room, and discovered a complementary bottle of champagne in an ice bucket. Because the weather was so good, and we didn't want to waste any of it, changed into swimming gear and went to the pool, clutching the bottle, ice bucket and glasses!  Had a fantastic afternoon sipping champagne, reading a good book (yes, Voodoo Histories had arrived), and occasionally sitting in the hot tub, or cooling off in the very warm pool. Then back to the room, where everything has been thought of - the fire is ready laid with matches and candles nearby, a Bang and Olfsen TV with a selection of CDs and DVDs, and in the bathroom joss sticks, candles and a huge bottle of Sheep Dip (actually lavender bath oil).

After a long soak in the bath, with candles lit, joss sticks burning, it was time for dinner. After a pre-dinner scottish gin (with apple, not lemon), we opted for the a la carte, and as usual it was exceedingly good! Crab then slow roasted belly pork - served with something black which I later learned was truffle potato. Stu opted for the cheese trolley rather than desert and got to chose from the 20 or so different cheeses - including some of my favourite, Bells Bluemin  from Shepherds Purse. I had a Pimms desert which I'd been told was unusual, and it certainly was - cucumber ice cream played a big part in it. But, combined with all of the other parts including fruit sorbet, it worked!  Then back to the room to curl up in the cosy arm chairs, watch some TV, and in my case, fall asleep!

Next day we had coffee and newspapers in bed, followed by breakfast delivered to our room - smoked haddock and poached egg - yum!  Then off to the spa where we tried the various heat treatments including the sauna, steam room, and I managed to rub ice all over myself. The relaxation room is huge, and full of comfy sofas, iced tea and magazines, and after some serious chilling out it was time for my facial and Stu's massage. Then a session in the hot tub and more sunbathing and it was lunchtime. Another walk round Helmsley, along the Beck, and quick look at the castle, and we found ourselves in the Feathers again for another excellent lunch.

The lure of the pool was just too much for us, and we headed back, and stayed there all afternoon. It was hot, and we felt as though we were somewhere round the Med. The pool area is lovely, and half way through the afternoon I just had to have a cream tea - didn't have the full one, just scones, served with homemade lemon curd, strawberry and passion fruit jam, clotted cream, and a nice glass of chilled pinot to complete the opulence (and calorie count!). Both of us turned a lovely pink colour so by 6pm it was time to go in, and cool off - in another long hot bath!

This time for dinner we opted for a cocktail followed by the five course tasting menu - the chef's choice of small courses - we had butternut squash soup, soused mackerel, salmon, duck, and a banana desert. Just amazing presentation and flavours. All washed down with some very nice Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc, the second bottle of which we finished off in the very comfy lounge later.

Friday morning we opted for breakfast in the restaurant, and I managed to try 4 different juices and smoothies. We went back to the market square so that we could do some shopping at one of the food stores, and I bought some easter eggs for the kids/grandkids.  Also bought some sandwiches and a raspberry tart for a picnic lunch. Very sadly we then said goodbye to the Fev - a very special treat. Hoping it won't be too long before we're back.

On the way back we stopped at the top of Sutton Bank so that we could admire the view, but it was a but misty, then we headed on to Fountain's Abbey for the day. Haven't been for years, and it was so busy - lots of folks enjoing themselves in the sun. Really is a lovely place. We walked along the water gardens, and had a picnic by the pools. Loads of wild flowers out - cowslips, primroses, bluebells, wood anenomes. As you come back there's some wonderful views of the Abbey.  All in all, a lovely few days.