Birch (Cheshunt) is big on festival vibes and fun, it’s full of cool and creatively crafted bedrooms, feasts, flavours, workouts, workshops, working spaces and good times.
What do you think makes a stay at Birch Cheshunt unique?
Rather than stripping things out and starting again, Birch works with what they have, give new life to the old, and add colour to unused spaces. No wasting materials which can be reused, repurposed, or upcycled. Birch works with makers not mass-manufacturers. This helps them understand where materials have come from and support makers of all shapes and sizes. Makers who are typically shut out from the hospitality industry and who end up becoming trusted friends.
They’ve planted a Herb Garden, sown their own vegetables and fruit, and started a growing programme to nourish their soil. Seasonal menus (e.g. game, venison, duck, pumpkin, and brassica vegetables for winter). Not only does working with the seasons reduce thier carbon footprint, it makes your food more nutritious and tasty. Win-win.Where possible, produce and products are sourced from local, responsible, and trusted makers and growers.
Birch adds value to the land and, in turn, enjoys the benefits of it in a circular way. Any waste created is returned to the land as compost to add further nutrition and continue the cycle.
Tell us more about the rooms and facilities at Birch Cheshunt?
The bedrooms are set up to remove the pressures of daily life. A place where you can really switch off. From work, expectation, and information overload. No noisy TVs or boring desks. Just warm, well-crafted, and carefully considered rooms. Plenty of rooms await. Some small and cosy. Others large and light – ideal for a family takeover or a friend’s sleepover. Whatever room you go for, you’ll get big beds and Simba mattresses. Like most spaces you stay at, Birch has beds. That’s about where the similarities end. While you’re with them you’ll get complete access to the Screening Room, Co-working space, Wellness Space (and all the classes taking place there), and Lido.
Can you suggest any activities or things to do while staying in the Cheshunt area?
Lido - tucked away in Birch's secret walled garden, practice your cannonballs, swim some lengths, or soak up the sun at 25-metre Lido. To keep you going there are poolside snacks from the Links Cafe, and a bar. Please note: Kids are welcome all day Sunday to Wednesday and until 3pm Thursday, Friday and Saturday. No dogs allowed at any time.
You can also recharge with a massage or treatment. Life pressures, digital overload, and environmental pollution. These therapies are made to synchronise your body and brain.
Pause, think, create, celebrate, or savour at Birch with their regular events, workshops, masterclasses, and beyond.
Where can guests enjoy food and drink?
The Zebra Riding Club - expect a showcase of culinary techniques and a selection of seasonal falavours.
Valeries is the all-day dining restaurant in the middle of the Mansion House. Head there for grilled goodies and sweet treats. Meat and fish are cooked on the grill. Pastas and salads are packed with flavour and fizz.
There are three bars at Birch. Expect classic cocktails, wines on tap (literally), and refreshments from nearby producers.
The Bakery produces fresh bread and pastries for the whole site. Regular baking classes take place here, and you can eat the Bakery’s best bits for breakfast in Valeries or at the Links café.
The Links café offers speciality coffee and tea, sandwiches, salads and pastries till midday. You can also buy Birch-made produce, lunch time options from midday till 4pm and during the summer months a picnic bag of goodies all day.
