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HABTOOR NEWS  

 

   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.

 

 

 

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