Michael Edwards visits voco hotel, a property that’s had a classy makeover
In a parallel universe, Winchester, not London, could have been England’s capital. Initially, when the Roman legions landed and marched, Winchester was their most significant city. King Alfred’s imperious statue, in the centre of Winchester, reminds us that the 9th century town, was first his capital of Wessex, and then of his newly emerging country of England. Winchester witnessed the birth of a nation.
After an eight month and £2m refurbishment in 2023, with IHG transitioning the former Holiday Inn to the new high-end voco, the 131-room hotel is making the most of its prime location. Merely minutes from historic Winchester, sat in the western fringes of the South Downs National Park, within easy driving distance of the New Forest and Hampshire coast. If only Alfred had been within two miles of the M3 for rapid policing of his embryonic kingdom …
Then again, if King Alfred had been a guest at voco, where the rooms have a “come on in” vibe and where a message on a vast television screen would have simultaneously welcomed him and invited him to relax, his political aspirations may not have been so grandiose. Perhaps relaxing with a wine or lager from a mini-bar that is refreshed daily. Crashing out on a vast double bed and cooled by air-con whilst he thought through the challenges of kingship.
Having learnt Latin, once he became King, Alfred might have recognised the origins of the voco name, deriving from “to invite” and to “come together”. Though as a great lamenter on declining educational standards, the learned King may have disapproved of the trendy use of a lower case “v”.
Kitchen 21, voco’s restaurant, is named after their legendary 21 inch pizzas, large enough for a baronial feast in Alfred’s day. For today’s diners, beyond the regular menu of steaks, fish, burgers and salads, the kitchen rings the changes with a seasonal menu:
think sea bass, vegan Thai curry, garlic and lemon pork chop.
All served in a light and spacious area of wood textured walls and flourishing foliage in terracotta planters.
No surprise, that there’s a strong watercress presence on the menu, beginning with watercress soup and continuing to garnishes on the salmon. Alresford, Watercress capital of the UK, is a 10 minutes drive. It also has a station on the scenic Watercress line, hosting nostalgic steam train journeys now that the line has re-opened. Alresford, the quintessential English country town, with its hanging baskets, bay windows, independent shops and cafe tables overflowing on to pavements, also has an ambience of yesteryear.
A visit to Winchester’s predominantly Norman Romano cathedral is a reminder, that after his 1066 victory, William the Conqueror also eyed up Winchester as his capital, ordering the construction of the Cathedral. Five centuries later of naves, transepts, flying buttresses and vaulted ceilings, as architectural fashions changed, the cathedral was complete. Meanwhile, London had taken on the capital’s role.
With Jane Austen buried in the cathedral, on the 250th anniversary of her birth, the Cathedral has been busier than ever lately, with visitors also calling at the Jane Austen Museum House in Chawston as part of their literary pilgrimage.
Delving deeper into Winchester’s literary heritage, visitors follow poet John Keats’ footsteps on his leisurely pensive walk past Cathedral, Winchester College and the River Itchen. A stroll that is said to have inspired his ode “To Autumn.” Today, it’s hard to believe that the peaceful Itchen once hosted 22 mills in and around Winchester.
On the fringes of the South Downs National Park there are plenty more opportunities for head-clearing walks. Though for relaxing me-time there is also voco’s ANA Spa with Himalayan salt sauna, sensory shower, crystal steam room and a foot spa; adjoining is a well-equipped gym.
As Winchester has adapted with changing times, so IHG’s hotel has evolved too. Taking a thoughtful personality makeover to meet the needs of the contemporary traveller.
Perhaps that dropped capital letter is making a design statement on behalf of voco’s new character; relaxed rather than stuffy, comfortable but still classy. A sanctuary that blends contemporary with cosy.
Tell me more about voco hotel and spa Winchester
vovo Hotel, Telegraph Way, Morn Hill, Winchester SO21 1 HZ
T 01962 670700 E info@winchester.vocohotels.com
From £250.00 per Premium room including breakfast for two people sharing the room.
