Nestled amongst the Yorkshire and Humberside countryside against the backdrop of an impressive championship golf course, Forest Pine has long been a popular retreat for locals. Throw in a stylish restaurant and bar, pool and spa, and you’ve got a destination well worth visiting from afar.
Located just an hour away from Leeds, we checked in on a late Sunday afternoon for some much needed chill time. Surrounded by 190 acres of lush woodland, there’s a sense of serenity and calmness from the minute you arrive.
And, whilst they could have done with one more receptionist to deal with the queue at check-in, the team member present was so lovely, all was quickly forgiven. Next stop, the spa, which was a little busier than we had anticipated, but worth a visit all the same.
Boasting an 18-metre pool, steam room, sauna and whirlpool, it makes for an excellent post-workout (a well-equipped gym is located directly above the spa) hangout spot, although they could have done with a few more sunbeds.
With time to kill before dinner, we headed to our room to enjoy a glass of wine and a movie. As the hotel is popular for both spa and golf trips, many of the rooms contain two large double beds, which was much appreciated.
There was also a large wall-mounted TV, Nespresso coffee machine, iron, hairdryer and bathrobes. The bathroom had clearly been given a recent glow-up and was sleek, modern and luxurious, complete with premium products. Nice.
Moving our 8pm booking at The Grill Restaurant to 7pm was no problem, and so we enjoyed an ice cold pint of Asahi in the adjoining sports bar before heading in to our table. The restaurant itself was buzzing with atmosphere, and it wasn’t long before we were enjoying our starters.
We shared the deliciously plump scallops and the moreish crispy fried salt and pepper squid, which came with a punchy chili and coriander mayonnaise. Both were excellent.
Onto the mains, where we both decided last minute to skip the tempting Sri Lankan chicken curry in favour of some heartier options. The 28-day aged fillet steak arrived with thick cut chips and red wine jus, and was supremely tender.
The pork belly made for another exceptional choice and melted like butter. The accompanying mash was delicious too. Both dishes were well paired with the recommended bottle of the medium-bodied Rioja, which had notes of toasted oak and red berries.
After a restful night’s sleep, it was time to head back to the spa for our Elemis treatments. We opted for the express facial and the shoulder, neck and scalp massage from the mini treatments menu.
The treatment was blissful, with Charlotte taking care to ensure the entire 60 minutes was tailored to my needs. Elemis are in my opinion the best when it comes to skincare and the products always make you feel and smell incredible.
The facial left my skin looking considerably fresher (which is always welcome when you’re pushing the mid-40s) and the mini massage almost sent me to sleep. We spent a few minutes relaxing post-treatment before heading back to the restaurant for a late breakfast.
As someone who skips breakfast most days, the wine I’d had the night before had me craving carbs and the self-service options did not let me down. The poached eggs were perfect, the bacon meaty (don’t get me started on streaky bacon) and plentiful and the croissants fresh and crisp. Definitely worth getting up for.
Final verdict
Forest Pine is an attractive all-in-one destination for anyone looking to unwind or catch up with mates for a weekend of golf. The staff across the hotel couldn’t be any friendlier, the food was great and the treatments well worth shelling out for. The pool and spa area could do with a bit of a touch-up, but this is still a great all-rounder that’s very reasonably priced. Well worth seeking out.
Forest Pine Hotel, Spa & Golf Resort, Ermine Street, Broughton, DN20 0AQ
Reviewed by Fletch.