The newly named Fairmont Cheshire, The Mere, has opened its doors after a £90 million transformation, becoming part of the luxury Fairmont group alongside The Savoy in London. The iconic country estate hotel near Knutsford has almost doubled in size with a new extension and a Club Lounge offering panoramic views over the lake.
New Dining and Terrace Spaces
A standout feature is the new Club Lounge Terrace, providing an outdoor space for dining and events. The Gordon Ramsay restaurant, named Gordon Ramsay at The Mere, occupies the ground floor with a Josper Grill and a menu including Gordon's Signature Beef Wellington (£60) and half grilled lobster (£48). The Orangery bar area has been completely redesigned as a light-filled atrium for afternoon tea, priced from £75.
Bedrooms and Suites
The hotel now offers 116 bedrooms, including 23 suites named after Cheshire villages such as Prestbury and Wilmslow. The Presidential Suite starts at £3,900 per night in August, while standard rooms begin at £300. All rates include two hours of spa access.
Spa and Golf Course
The Fairmont Spa has undergone a complete refurbishment, featuring a 20-metre pool, hydropool, saunas, hammam, steam room, and salt room. Outdoor facilities include a hot tub and Finnish barrel sauna. Spa days with treatment and afternoon tea start from £240 per person. The 18-hole golf course, first opened in 1934, remains open with new state-of-the-art facilities.
Ballroom and Events
The grand ballroom has been refreshed and can accommodate up to 1,000 guests, with sound-proofed sections and a new landscaped terrace. The main entrance now leads to a grand lobby with a relocated bar area.
Management Comments
Gary Johnson, General Manager, said: "Fairmont Cheshire The Mere is a place defined by its setting - the lake, the fairways and the sense of space that surrounds it." Israr Liaqat, Group CEO of Select Group, added: "Our ambition was to create something that would set a new standard for luxury hospitality in the North West."
Location and Booking
The hotel is located on Chester Road, Mere, near Knutsford (WA16 6LJ), a 20-minute drive from Manchester. Bookings are open via the Fairmont website or by calling 01565 830155.
