A beautifully presented inn and spa on the edge of the Peak District, the Three Horseshoes Country Inn and Spa takes luxurious relaxation to the next level.
The establishment, which has been run by the Kirk family since 1981, offers a perfect mix of effective treatments, relaxing chill out areas, an award winning AA Rosette menu and excellent customer service from your arrival to departure.
On arrival, the friendly, warm welcome by the staff along with the relaxing atmosphere will have you ready for your stay at the Three Horseshoes Country Inn and Spa. The beautifully decorated modern extension, which was built in March of last year, leads to the 26 accommodation rooms: Pub rooms, Classic rooms, Superior rooms and the Garden rooms.
The Superior rooms, featuringc harming décor (every room was individually decorated by the family) and special touches such as Four Poster king sized beds. The rooms also feature bathrooms with walk in showers and whirlpool baths, large Smart TVs with free view, as well as tea and coffee making. Last but not least, the rooms offer unrivalled views of the local area, surrounded by the beauty of the Peak District. For added luxury, why not try the Garden room, which has its own private garden with a Cedar Hot Tub.
The food is outstanding and delicious – there is also plenty of choice with restaurants on site from the Bar & Grill to the Carvery Bar and the renowned Stables Restaurant.
The Stables Restaurant, which opened June 2015, specialises in the very best seasonal cuisine, and offers the most delicious food that you will find in the area! Headed up by Executive Chef, Gary Woolliscroft, you can see through his considered menu, he certainly serves food that is akin to a fine dining experience, full of innovative as well as traditional dishes.
A note from Gary Woolliscroft, Executive Head Chef at the Stables Restaurant: “Personal Philosophy: Modern British food locally sourced ingredients, fresh clean flavours. Our Restaurant provides the very best in Modern British cuisine only using ingredients where possible from in and around Staffordshire. Therefore my cuisine is a journey through ‘Textures and Temperatures’ enhancing the natural flavour of the products, giving you an experience and enjoyment of the ‘Teams’ imaginative cooking.”
TASTING MENU
Beetroot Cured & Smoked Salmon
Horseradish “Bagel” ice cream
Slow Cooked Pork Belly
Cider Braised Cheek, Charred Cauliflower
Roasted Hand Dived Scallop
Crispy Confit Chicken Celeriac and Apple
Tasting of Cumbrian Black Beef
Artichoke Panna Cotta, Truffled Potato Mousse
Coconut Mousse
Lime Granita
Chocolate Granache
Textures of Blood Orange
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Not only does the food taste outstanding, it is beautifully presented and the wine recommendations do not come any better. N.B also order the triple cooked chips, as they are the best you will taste!
Of course, the serene spa (The Mill Wheel Spa) and the treatments were the stars of the show. The décor of the treatment rooms is soothing and calming, lending itself to the ultimate relaxation experience. There are three treatment rooms in total along with a relaxation suite that consists of a number of seats and beds with fluffy, comfy cushions. This leads onto the outdoor 3m square vitality pool set at 36.c in the courtyard which allows you to enjoy the heat of the water and its hydro jets whilst enjoying the countryside views.
The centrepiece to the spa is The Mill Wheel Shower, which is dedicated to the history of the James Brindley. Water Mill in Leek and Cheddleton. A UK first, it is turned by waterpower, and as the water pours out from the shovels in intervals expect warm and cold water to alternate! It’s a perfect cool down to the hotter treatments.
The Cedar Plunge Pool is a recommended for 30 seconds, it may be cold but it is great for the body, it stimulates circulation as well as alleviating muscle and joint pains. It will also help tighten the skin and leave you feeling refreshed if you dare!
Rasul is another must-try experience, this time it’s for 2 people, so you can share this with a loved one. The main element to this treatment is mud. It involves smoothing mineral rich mud onto the skin whilst the room heats up, lasting for 30 minutes. Dim lighting and soothing music will help you relax. Nearing the end of the treatment water is then rained down to wash away the muds to leave your skin feeling silky soft and totally revitalized.
Sit back, relax and imagine you’re in the Mediterranean with The Beach Hut experience. Truly unique, this treatment mirrors the benefits of being on a beach in the sun, in a relaxing environment. Lying on a bed of warm sand, this 25-minute experience takes guests from darkness to sunrise to peak sunshine and then sunset. Relaxing music and essential oils complete the ‘holiday’ experience. It is the perfect way to combat Seasonal Affective Disorder and to top up on your Vitamin D levels.
We also loved the Heaven Bee Sting Facial (a favourite with Gwyneth Paltrow and the British Royals), which is one of the spas most popular treatments. The facial is designed to be anti-aging, leaving the skin feeling and looking younger.
Pros
Family run
Flawless service
Prestigious 2 Rosette restaurant
Beautiful surroundings
Cons
Book early to avoid disappointment
Important Information
Address: Three Horseshoes Country Inn & Spa, Buxton Road, Blackshaw Moor, Leek, Staffordshire, ST13 8TW
Telephone Number: 01538 300296
Spa: Yes
Private parking: Yes
Child-friendly: Children welcome
Pet-friendly: No
Check In: 2pm
Check Out: 11am
Internet: Yes
Smoking Policy: Smoking in rooms not permitted.
Prices: Romantic Escape Spa Break, from £190 per person
“Rise & Shine” Spa Break, from £120 per person
“Two’s Company” Spa Break, from £180 per person
Sunday Overnight Slumber Spa Break, from £135 per person
The Mini Moon Spa Break, from £180 per person
To Book: 01538 300296
In a nutshell
Perfectly located, the Mill Wheel Spa is the ultimate sanctuary in the Staffordshire countryside. For the best massage, the most delicious food and attentive staff, it truly is a must visit.
