|
The
name Monkey Island derives from the
earlier title of Monks Eyot indicating
that Monks were using the island,
probably in association with their
fisheries The monks in question resided
on a moated site near Bray Lock on the
Buckinghamshire bank of the river from
1197 until the dissolution.
In 1723 Charles Spencer, the 3 rd Duke
of Marlborough
purchased the island. The Duke
erected two buildings on the island
described as a fishing lodge and fishing
temple. The Lodge (now the Pavilion) was
built of wood blocks cut to look like
stone and still remains today in its
original state. It also includes the
Monkey Room, which was once used as a
banqueting room. The Monkey paintings on
the ceiling were the work of French
artist Andie de Clermont and were
painted before 1738. The Temple was
originally opened on the round
floor like a market stall and the
attractive room, above has a fine
ceiling with Neptune, shells and
mermaids in high relief plasterwork of
Wedgwood style.
At the turn of the 19th century, the
Island became particularly fashionable
when Edward 7th and Queen Alexandra
often had afternoon tea on the lawns
with their children.
The island is situated on 4
1/2 acres of beautifully landscaped
gardens with quintessential English
style. The newly planted lavender beds
create fragrant pathway through to the
main building. Our trees have been
garlanded with ropes of light, creating
a magical ambience and dramatic
backdrop. The lighting around the
riverbanks illuminates the whole island,
highlighting our very individual
landmark a welcome sight for navigators
on the river Thames. The current owner
Mr Khalaf AI Habtoor has been steadily
improving and updating the facilities on
the Island.
The recent changes have made a very
dramatic visual effect to the appearance
of the Hotel, not to be outshone by the
outside improvements we have also
created many new and exciting foods and
drink promotions catering for the taste
of all of our guests.
- Our
bar has had a change of concept and
has been renamed Candles Lounge.
- The Pavilion Restaurant will
be hosting different types of
musical artistes and we have created
various theme menus such as Gourmet
Dinner, Game festival and Arabian
Nights, to name a few. Furthermore,
lucky diners in the Pavilion
Restaurant and the Candles Lounge
now have the opportunity to
participate in a daily draw.
We consider that phase one of our
refurbishment is well and truly on the
way to being completed, the bedrooms are
being upgraded and we have lots of ideas
for our phase two which will open up the
other end of our island. For those
athletes amongst us you will be pleased
to hear that we plan to install two
tennis courts and a volleyball court
with changing rooms, along with a
service area to cater for your food and
beverage requirements. For those with
children to amuse we will be
commissioning a varied play area to
entertain the youngsters.
We would like to re‑emphasise
our commitment and promises to deliver a
beautiful environment for people from
far and wide, and to being a good and
helpful neighbour within the local
community. As you can see our vision for
the future is slowly taking place, we
have more ideas planned but for this
evening we hope you will relax and enjoy
our hospitality.
|
