Where to drink
White Horse Tea Greean
If you’re stuck near luton Airport and are getting thirsty, but rather not pay the exorbitant rates of the airport bars, why not try the White Horse. A relatively traditional pub, it has been jazzed up a bit to feel more welcoming. We like it because it’s family friendly without losing its feel as a proper pub. Also it’s close enough to the airport to be convenient, while being far enough away that you don’t feel like you’re on an industrial estate.
The Bright Star
Solid boozers don’t some much more solid than the Bright Star. Part of the McMullen Chain, it suits their down to earth and friendly vibe. This pub is popular with both plane spotters and local drinkers. Fancy it ain’t but it’s a equally well suited to the summer (for its garden) or the winter (for its log fire). A very British establishment if we do say so ourselves. Plus it’s very close to Luton airport.
Est Bar
We’d be remiss not to include one of Luton airport’s actual bars so we’ve thrown in Est Ba. Luton isn’t a massive airport by any stretch of the imagination so bars are fairly thin on the ground. So it’s no surprise there’s limited seating & it’s usually crowded. Yes, it’s far too expensive but the choice of drinks is decent and no-one will look twice if you decide to knock back a glass of prosecco before midday. What more can you really ask for?
Where to eat
Auberge Du Lac
Keeping the decadence going is another restaurant located on the grounds of a stately home. Tucked away in the former hunting lodge of Brocket Park, the Auberge is a one time Michelin Star holder (tough crowd to please) that serves up a 5 star French dining experience. It’ll take you about 20mins to get here in a minicab from Luton airport but my word, is it worth it. If the weather’s nice we recommend you try and get a table by the river. Al fresco never tasted so good.
Brocket Hall, Welwyn AL8 7XG
www.aubergedulac.co.uk
The Wernher
You can’t mention the Luton Hoo without tipping your hat to its almost indescribably opulent restaurant. Named after a man who made his fortune in diamonds, The Wernher looks like something out of a glitzy French period piece. Glittering chandeliers and flowing curtains really help the room sparkle, while the food is nothing short of exquisite. Described as British cuisine sourced exclusively from local farms, it has two AA Rosettes.
The Mansion House, Luton Hoo Estate, LU1 3TQ
www.lutonhoo.co.uk/luton-restaurants
Brasserie Azure
Dialling it down a touch (but not too much) is the Brasserie Azure. Also set in one of our recommended hotels (The Leaside). Casual Mediterranean dining that is designed to please all with its more laidback approach to food. You can opt to eat your meal à la tapas or mezze route. Or if you prefer to keep things more traditional, you can just two-course it like a true Englishman. Not too far from the airport – you’ll need to get a minicab though.
72 New Bedford Rd, LU3 1BT
brasserieazure.co.uk
Where to stay
Icon Hotel
Everything about the Icon screams airport hotel. And while that may sound a bit depressing to some people, to others it’s a kitsch dream. And yet, while their design efforts may be a little misguided, you can really tell they’ve tried. The Icon is clean, comfortable and ultimately amenable. Ensuite bathrooms, wifi & flatscreen TVs all come as standard. And the bar & restaurant serve great Italian food. Rooms start at £70 p/n.
The Leaside
Venture a short three mile minicab ride away from Luton Airport and you’ll find this rather lovely boutique hotel set in a stunning old Victorian villa. With 22 individually crafted bedrooms, the Leaside don’t do ‘standard’ and yet they’re pretty reasonably priced all the same. Their bar and restaurant both spill out onto the welcoming terrace and gardens so if it’s sunny, you can relax in style. Rooms start at a not terrible £81 for the night.
Luton Hoo & Golf Spa
We’ve had the bargain hotel, we’ve also seen the boutique. What about the luxury? The absurdly named Luton Hoo may sounds like a posh nickname but like all things decadent, this place doesn’t concern itself with your opinion. 5 Star from the bottom to the top, the hotel is set in a Grade II listed mansion.The grounds have a spa, golf course, shooting range and an excellent restaurant (see below) and bar. Rooms begin at £201 p/n.
