History of the Grove of Narberth

Daniel & Elizabeth Suite

Among the various buildings and cottages onsite, room selections are endless with each space offering a melding of traditional interior Welsh design. Within the House property, the Daniel & Elizabeth Master Suite is a reflection of the luxury that the Grove of Narberth can offer. Named after two lovers at Grove, this suite on the top floor offers triple-aspect views of the Preseli Hills and surrounding gardens. Within the room, vaulted ceilings create an open design along with a King sized four-poster bed and antique fireplace. A lounge area fitted with a coach and plush armchairs offers an additional spacious feel for guests to relax and enjoy the exterior views. The bathroom continues with the theme of pure relaxation with a walk-in monsoon shower and a deep cast iron soaking tub. Throughout the suite, muted colors of a blush pink, cream, and the natural deep wood stain adorn the furniture and décor which allows for an elegant ambiance.

Bramble Suite

Located in Poyer’s Cottage is the Bramble master suite has an interior design that reflects the 16th-century architecture within the cottage. This ground floor suite features masonry walls which add additional texture to the design of the room as well as the inglenook and original arrow slits window. The inglenook is fitted with a bread oven and wood-burning stove for guests who adore the historical significance of the cottage. Additionally, French doors open up onto the glass box lounge outside providing a conversational element to the room’s design. As for the design of the Bramble suite, textures are further explored within the abstract design of the rug and cloth King size bed which creates a playful ambiance.

The Fernery

Located inside the Grove of Narberth, the Fernery restaurant is a testament to the sustainability featured in Welsh dining. In fact, the restaurant’s name is inspired by wild ferns that grow throughout Pembrokeshire’s countryside and in turn represents the team’s commitment to utilizing local ingredients. Executive Chef Douglas Balish heads the kitchen and along with the hardworking staff has earned the restaurant 4 AA Rosettes. Moreover, Chef Balish works with a gardening team at the Grove of Narberth to take care of the kitchen’s gardens. The gardens contain herbs, vegetables, and fruits which are maintained organically with special attention to composting during the winter months so the vegetable garden can rest. Chef Balish also works with local suppliers for sustainable sea bass as well as having the Fernery team forage for produce along the hedgerows and woodland that surround the Grove. The current tasting menus which often change according to the season and produce availability includes Pescatarian, Vegetarian, and Vegan menus for those with dietary specifications. The current five-course tasting standard menu features dishes such as the Chawanmushi of lobster and caviar which combines a traditional Japanese savory egg custard with fresh local seafood. Another dish of Sea Bass and gnocchi is served with bouillabaisse, a provencal fish soup that utilizes spices and vegetables to create a flavorful broth.

Artisan Brasserie

The Artisan Brasserie is another on-site restaurant offering guests lunch, dinner, Afternoon Tea, and picnic packages. Overlooking the garden terrace and the property’s apple trees, the Artisan Brasserie reflects a relaxed Welsh style of dining as further enhanced by the rooms lit by the rays of the sun. The lunch menu offers various seasonal dishes such as a Steak and Ale Pie served with creamed potatoes and garden greens. For those who want a lighter fare, a selection from the Sweet Plates selection such as a Sticky toffee pudding with notes of walnut and vanilla would pair perfectly with a cup of Rooibos tea. Both the lunch and dinner menus offer various tea and coffee selections as well as a wine list to accompany whichever dish suits the guest’s palette. As for the gourmet picnic option, this unique addition to the restaurant’s menu offers guests a picnic hamper prepared by the chef. Each basket includes Pork terrine, Grove smoked salmon, Charcuterie, Welsh cheeses & chutney, homemade cookies and scones, mineral water, a half bottle of Billecart Salmon champagne, a flask of tea or coffee, and more. This extensive selection provided by the gourmet picnic package allows guests to enjoy the delicious creations of the restaurant’s chefs to spend an afternoon within the surrounding Welsh nature.

Sustainability

Sustainable tourism is a top priority for the Grove of Narbeth as seen within their food preparation, energy consumption, water sourcing, and wildlife efforts. All of these efforts have earned the luxury hotel membership within the Green Tourism UK organization as well as the Gold Award in 2017. As previously explored, the hotel sources local ingredients from the properties gardens as well as local suppliers within a 50-mile radius of the hotel. Furthermore, the Grove is home to four beehives that provides sustainable honey utilized within the dishes of both on-site restaurants. As for energy consumption, the Grove holds a Green Electricity Certificate which means the property utilizes 100% renewable electricity powered by wind and hydropower. Additionally, solar panels supply electricity to each cottage and a 199kw biomass boiler provides hot water and heat to each building. As for the water used on-site, the Grove maintains their own boreholes which supply the property with fresh spring water. Lastly, the Grove focuses on aiding wildlife within the property by planting 4,000 indigenous trees as part of their woodland project which began in 2012. This project has allowed wildlife to thrive in a natural habitat. Moreover, the property built two wildlife bonds to increase bird biodiversity which has been successful as the ponds are now home to Canadian geese and herons.

The Grove of Narberth is a renovated luxury hotel property consisting of various cottages dating back to the 16th century. Luxury is embraced within a sustainable lens as the hotel maintains various environmental efforts to ensure harmony with Welsh nature. The property is a haven for wildlife as guests can explore the various scenic gardens, ponds, and general ambiance of the landscape. As for the rooms and suites, guests can pick from a selection of housing options within the historic cottages and buildings on-site which creates a unique feel. In particular, the Daniel & Elizabeth and the Bramble master suites offer the beauty of Welsh traditional interior design that works with the natural surrounding. Overall, the Grove of Narberth is a stunning countryside getaway for those who adore the true beauty found in Wales.