This festive season, Executive Head Chef Stu Deeley of The Warwick at Mallory Court Hotel and Spa shares his expert tips on creating a Christmas dinner that blends fine dining flair with home-cooked warmth.
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As a MasterChef: The Professionals winner and one of Warwickshire’s leading chefs, Stu believes the key to a show-stopping festive feast lies in preparation, precision and a touch of creativity.
“Brining meat in salted water is a great way to enhance flavour and texture.You can go further by adding oranges, lemons and tarragon to the brine. This infuses the meat with subtle citrus notes and aromatic depth, keeping it juicy and full of flavour. For best results, leave overnight.”
Start your prep around two days before Christmas Day. Prepare your vegetables, brines and marinades in advance so you can focus on the joy of cooking rather than rushing.
Whether it is turkey, chicken or pork, brining helps lock in moisture. Try adding citrus fruits like oranges and lemons for a festive twist that brightens every bite.
Use a good-quality stock and wine you would happily drink. Reduce it slowly to intensify the flavour for a luxurious finish.
Part-boil your potatoes in salted water, then drain and fluff them with a fork before chilling them in the fridge or freezer. Fry in warm oil for that irresistible crisp exterior and fluffy centre.
For tender, perfectly cooked meat, sous vide removes the guesswork. Once cooked in temperature-controlled water, finish with a quick sear in a hot pan for restaurant-quality results.
Hold side dishes in the oven at 90°C while finishing your main course so everything arrives at the table piping hot.
Set a celebratory tone by serving canapés on a wooden board before the main meal. Presentation is as important as flavour.
“For me, Christmas Day ends with a takeaway curry,” Stu adds with a smile. “After all the festive dining, it’s nice to relax.”
Experience Festive Dining at The Warwick
Join us at Mallory Court Hotel and Spa this December for an unforgettable season of festive dining. From elegant à la carte experiences to Boxing Day Lunch and a New Year’s Eve Gala Dinner, each dish celebrates local produce and seasonal flavours.
Plan your visit and discover more about Festive Dining at The Warwick.
The leaves are turning, the fires are crackling and our latest Eden Edition has arrived. It is a celebration of autumn’s golden glow across the Eden Hotel Collection, filled with stories, inspiration and moments that capture the season’s charm.
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Here is a glimpse of what you will find inside:
Whether you are dreaming of crisp walks in the countryside, an indulgent spa escape or simply love to read about life behind the scenes at our hotels, this edition is made for you.
Get creative this Christmas with mulled wine, afternoon tea, and wreathmaking magic!
Embrace the festive spirit and join us on Saturday 22nd November 2025, for a hands-on wreathmaking workshop led by our talented in-house florist, Alison Gainsford.
In this cosy and creative experience, you’ll:
Price: £85.00 per person
Starts at 10.00am
This event is now fully booked. Explore our calendar for more charming moments to look forward to. See our other events.
This event takes place on Saturday 22nd November 2025, at Mallory Court Hotel & Spa. The price of £85.00 per person includes the wreathmaking workshop, all materials, afternoon tea, and mulled wine. Spaces are limited and subject to availability. Pre-booking is recommended.
Step away from the festive flurry and into a world of calm at Mallory Court this December. Nestled in the heart of Warwickshire, our country house hotel invites you to pause, recharge, and savour the quiet beauty of winter with this exclusive seasonal escape.
From £330.00 per room, per night.
(Based on two people sharing a Double Classic Room).
This indulgent winter package is designed to help you slow down and enjoy the season in style. From the moment you arrive at Mallory Court, you’ll be surrounded by comfort, warmth and festive charm. Relax in a Classic Room, indulge in a traditional festive afternoon tea served with seasonal treats, and restore body and mind with one hour’s access to our luxury Elan Spa facilities. After a peaceful night’s rest, wake to a freshly prepared breakfast before stepping back into the season refreshed and renewed.
Our package includes:
From £330.00 per room, per night.
(Based on two people sharing a Double Classic Room).
Or call us on 01926 330 214.
This offer is available from 1st to 23rd December 2025 and is based on two guests sharing a Classic Room. The package is subject to availability at the time of booking, and spa access must be reserved in advance to guarantee use of the facilities. Prices are from £330 per room and cannot be used in conjunction with any other promotion or offer.
As summer gives way to russet tones and cooler air, retreat to the warmth and elegance of Mallory Court Country House Hotel & Spa, proudly named Best Large Hotel in England at the VisitEngland Awards for Excellence 2025.
From £390.00 per room, per night
(Based on two people sharing a Classic room)
As the leaves fall and the light turns softer, retreat to the warmth and elegance of Mallory Court. This two-night escape invites you to embrace the season’s quiet beauty: enjoy a seasonal cocktail as dusk settles, unwind with an hour of calming spa access and indulge in an à la carte dinner in The Warwick on one evening. Wake each morning to a freshly prepared breakfast and the stillness of autumn all around.
This two-night Autumn Interlude invites you to embrace the season's gentle pace. From misty mornings in the gardens to candlelit dining in the evening, Mallory Court offers a place to pause, unwind and enjoy everything autumn brings.
What’s included
From £390.00 per room, per night
(Based on two sharing an Classic Room. Single supplements apply).
Or call us on 01926 330 214.
This offer is available for stays between 1st September and 30th November 2025, with prices starting from £390 for two guests based on two adults sharing a room. Dinner is included on one evening only and is served in The Warwick restaurant. One hour of spa access per guest is included during your stay and must be pre-booked. The offer is subject to availability and cannot be used in conjunction with any other promotion. Room upgrades and additional treatments are available at a supplement.
A sun-drenched celebration of everything we love about summer at Eden
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The rosé is chilled, the gardens are in full bloom, and our latest Eden Edition has just landed. It is a joyful celebration of the season, capturing the warmth, charm, and character of summer across Eden Hotel Collection.
This issue brings together stories from our hotels, moments that made us smile and a few delicious surprises along the way.
Here is a taste of what you will find inside:
Whether you are dreaming of a countryside escape, planning your next spa retreat, or simply here for the stories and snapshots, this edition is made for you.
Get creative this Christmas with mulled wine, afternoon tea, and wreathmaking magic!
Embrace the festive spirit and join us on Friday 21st November 2025, for a hands-on wreathmaking workshop led by our talented in-house florist, Alison Gainsford.
In this cosy and creative experience, you’ll:
Price: £85.00 per person
Starts at 10.00am
Whether you're a floral enthusiast or simply looking for a fun festive day out with friends, this workshop is the perfect way to kick off the Christmas countdown.
This event is now fully booked. Explore our calendar for more charming moments to look forward to. See our other events.
This event takes place on Friday, 21st November 2025, at Mallory Court Hotel & Spa. The price of £85.00 per person includes the wreathmaking workshop, all materials, afternoon tea, and mulled wine. Spaces are limited and subject to availability. Pre-booking is recommended.
Discover the secret world of honeybees at Mallory Court – an unforgettable beekeeping experience in the heart of Warwickshire.
Explore nature like never before with our exclusive Beekeeping Experience at Mallory Court. Guided by our expert beekeeper Lottie, you will don your bee suit and step into the enchanting world of the honeybee. This 90-minute hands-on experience invites you to get up close with one of nature’s most fascinating species in a safe and educational setting.
Available exclusively to hotel guests, this immersive session is ideal for families, couples, and solo nature lovers looking for something a little different during their stay.
After a short safety briefing and an introduction to honeybee welfare, you will head to our beehives with Lottie. From there you will:
Learn how to handle honeybees correctly and safely
Open a working hive and try to spot the queen
Understand the roles of workers, drones, and the queen within the colony
Discover how bees forage and produce honey
This mindful, nature-led activity is both inspiring and educational, leaving you with a newfound appreciation for these powerful pollinators.
To ensure your safety and comfort:
Wear long sleeves and long trousers
Tie back long hair
Wear socks and wellies
Avoid perfume on the day, as scents may attract bees
Duration: 90 minutes
Start Times & Availability:
Available to book until 30th September 2025
Booking: Minimum 48 hours’ notice required. Please call the hotel to book; our team will coordinate with Lottie the beekeeper.
Group size: 1–6 participants
| Guests | Price |
|---|---|
| 1 Person | £75 |
| 2 People | £150 |
| 3 People | £195 |
| 4 People | £260 |
| 5 People | £300 |
| 6 People | £360 |
Book in advance ahead of your stay. Please call the hotel to book; our team will coordinate with Lottie the beekeeper.
Call 01926 330214
Bold British flavours, seasonal ingredients and the return of a familiar face.
Read more about our news:
We are thrilled to share some exciting news from Mallory Court Country House Hotel & Spa. A brand-new restaurant is arriving this summer and it’s very close to our hearts. On Wednesday 18 June 2025, we will be opening the doors to The Warwick, our latest culinary experience, led by a familiar face from our past.
This launch is more than just a new chapter for Mallory Court; it’s a homecoming. We’re delighted to welcome back the incredibly talented Stu Deeley, part of our team once again as Executive Head Chef. You might recognise Stu from MasterChef: The Professionals, where he wowed the nation and took the title back in 2019. But before his time in the spotlight, Stu’s journey began right here within the kitchens of Mallory Court.
At The Warwick, we’re embracing everything we love about refined British dining, but with a fresh, modern energy. The restaurant is inspired by Warwick’s rich history and heritage (think elegance, character, and a true sense of place) all brought to life through seasonal menus crafted with care.
Stu is passionate about honest, ingredient-led food. That means working closely with our wonderful gardeners to make the most of our Kitchen Garden’s year-round produce and letting seasonal flavours take centre stage. Whether it’s Isle of Wight tomatoes with Cornish crab, Poussin with Asian spices and a Spanish-inspired Jamón sauce, or a pea and mint gazpacho with burrata, every dish tells a story.
We’re offering two delicious menu options: a five-course Taste of the Season at £105 or a three-course à la carte for £90. Each plate reflects a love of cooking that’s rooted in tradition, personal memories and a desire to serve food that’s as memorable as it is delicious. You’ll even find nods to childhood favourites, like Stu’s nostalgic baked Alaska - re-imagined for today.
The Warwick is a place for all kinds of moments: special occasions, long-overdue catch-ups, or a relaxed dinner. Expect bold British flavours, impeccable attention to detail and a dining experience that feels both welcoming and quietly sophisticated.
As Stu puts it, “I’m not trying to reinvent the wheel, I just want to make it turn really, really well.” We couldn’t agree more.
We can’t wait to welcome you to The Warwick this summer and to share with you a menu full of heart, history and a true sense of home.
To find out more or make a reservation click here.
Experience bold flavours and modern British dining with our five-course Taste of the Season Menu, crafted by Stu Deeley, followed by a luxurious overnight stay at Mallory Court.
From £470.00 per room, per night.
(Based on two people sharing a Double Classic Room).
Indulge in the Ultimate Tasting Package at Mallory Court Hotel & Spa, a luxurious culinary escape in the heart of Warwickshire. This thoughtfully curated experience includes a five-course Tasting Menu at The Warwick, our intimate fine dining restaurant led by Stu Deeley. Enjoy bold, seasonal flavours and beautifully crafted modern British cuisine using the finest locally sourced ingredients.
Upon arrival, you'll be welcomed with a complimentary box of chocolates in your room, the perfect start to your indulgent stay. After an unforgettable evening of dining, retreat to one of our elegant bedrooms and awaken to a full English breakfast.
Guests can also unwind with access to our award-winning Elan Spa facilities and optionally explore our serene Mindfulness Walk, a self-guided wellness journey through the estate's tranquil grounds.
Perfect for romantic getaways, gourmet breaks, and luxury escapes near Leamington Spa and Stratford-upon-Avon.
Our package includes:
From £470.00 per room, per night.
(Based on two people sharing a Double Classic Room).
Available Wednesday - Sunday.
Or call us on 01926 330 214.
This offer is available Wednesday to Sunday and is subject to availability. The price is based on two guests sharing a Classic Room. The package includes one hour of spa facility use during your stay. Dinner reservations for the Tasting Menu must be made in advance. This package cannot be combined with any other offers or promotions.
Mallory Court Hotel and Spa,
Harbury Lane,
Leamington Spa,
Warwickshire
CV33 9QB
