Hampton Manor to appear on ‘The Great Hotel Escape’

Filmed over the last 12 months, the 20-part documentary series follows Steph and Dom Parker (Gogglebox) as they meet families who are planning to open, or who are already running, their own historic hotels in some of Britain’s most beautiful locations.

Each episode goes behind the scenes to meet the couples and families who have risked everything to turn their dream of running a hotel into a reality. This includes James and Fjona Hill who own and run Hampton Manor after purchasing it 9 years ago with James’s parents. James grew up in the hospitality industry with his parents Jan and Derrick Hill; “My life in hospitality started around a very long table in a pub near Worcester. When Mum and Dad first bought The Pear Tree Inn we used to gather after every Sunday service with our staff for a big roast dinner together. It was usually followed by a game of rounders or cricket. Everyone joined in”.

Hampton Manor has continued to evolve with additions to the business, covered in the forthcoming television show.

Peel’s Restaurant won a Michelin-star, Michelin’s Welcome and Service Award, and Four AA-Rosettes within the space of two weeks in 2016. Peel’s is home to simple British dishes cooked using seasonal ingredients and modern cooking techniques under Head Chef Rob Palmer.

By the end of 2017 all the bedrooms had been refurbished and all the public spaces completely redesigned. Hampton Manor's Arts and Crafts muse is William Morris and this is felt across the Manor. By late 2018, Manor Cottage was unveiled in the grounds at Hampton Manor.

Across the series, we’ll see a whole host of stunning, interesting and quirky buildings as Steph and Dom lend a hand to help; from knocking down castle walls, digging up manor gardens, helping launch the hotels and even corralling noisy peacocks, they’ve really got stuck in.

Steph and Dom are excited about the show, saying: “We’ve had tremendous fun filming the series and have met some exceptionally brave souls over the past 12 months. Hopefully we’ve done our bit to help some of these new hoteliers along the way!”

Michelle Heeley, Senior Executive Producer at Freeform Productions, said: “We are thrilled to be making this series for C4. The hoteliers we are meeting are awe inspiring – they are determined to make their dream of running a hotel work. And Steph and Dom are the perfect hosts – of course they are great company but they also have masses of experience from running their own hotel.”

David Sayer, Head of Daytime, Channel 4, says “This series explores the realities of running a hotel in some of the most beautiful locations in the UK. We’re thrilled to be working with Steph and Dom on the series and excited to be following them in their journey across the countryside.”

Hampton-in-Arden is a picturesque and charming village situated on high ground at an historical junction of routes to Solihull, Coventry and Kenilworth. Hampton-in-Arden served by direct trains from London and Birmingham, retains much of its original character.

In the early 19th century the village was sold to Isaac William Lillingston who later sold the Manor of Hampton to Sir Robert Peel (former Prime Minister and founder of the modern police force). On Sir Robert's death in 1850, the manor was inherited by his son, Frederick, who did much to 'modernise' Hampton, demolishing many half-timbered and thatched cottages. He employed the architect W E Nesfield to build new dwellings, shops and lodges.

Sir Frederick Peel was responsible for the building of Hampton Manor in 1855. Husband and wife team James and Fjona Hill have transformed this historic building since 2010. Hampton Manor was a house made for convening the leaders in industry and government.

Today, three generations of the Hill family are shaping the estate's future. Many of the team have been here from the start. James and Fjona are involved in every aspect of the business.

For those dining at Hampton Manor, they start the evening by joining a Drinks Tasting at The Maker’s Table. Here guests pull up a stool at The Maker’s Table for gin, sparkling wine and whisky tastings. All wines on the Peel’s wine list give a true sense of place, letting the land and fruit speak for themselves. Most are made by small independent winemakers who know that healthy grapes make delicious wine.
There are 45 acres of gardens to explore too with a dedicated field guide. This guide also provides walking routes further afield and highlights a network of footpaths around the village including access to the historic Packhorse Bridge.

The Great Hotel Escape (20x60’) was commissioned by Channel 4 Head of Daytime, David Sayer. It is a Freeform Production and is being Executive Produced by Michelle Heeley.