Sheffield Copthorne Hotel is part of the same site as the Sheffield United football ground so its easy to get to, park at - and you might see the odd footballer hanging about too. Our visit to the hotel was lovely from start to finish â we were particularly impressed with the food.
Staff showed us to a table where we were able to watch Jessica Ennis kick off her gold medal-winning Olympics performance - an unexpected thrill, which nods to the relaxed vibes youâll find throughout the Copthorne.
Our selections from the AA-Rosette-winning menu were excellent too. My pork belly starter and lamb rump main were both well-executed, particularly the lamb rump - pink and delicious. My friend Laura said her stand-out dish was the salmon roulade starter but her rump steak main course was crowd pleaser too, with a perfectly piquant bernaise sauce accompaniment.
We shared a cheese board for afters (brie, blue and mature cheddar contributed to a solid, regional plate). It worked with the Chilean Merlot we chose. Sleepy from so much chin wagging, the comfy twin beds in our room were put to great use.
Next morning was a bright and breezy affair with a buffet breakfast and even a quick go in the Fitness Suite before we headed over a day at Spa 1877.
Itâs the oldest Victorian Turkish Baths in the country, named after the date of the building construction in 1877, when it was known as Glossop Road Baths. Not surprising we found experienced, assured service, exquisite setting, making for an understated but memorable spa experience
The main spa area is the Turkish bath space and it really is special to experience modern treatments and technology in such a beautiful and historic environment. It is the result of a painstaking restoration project and is now all original tiled walls, warm stone benches and mosaic floors. Itâs a splendid setting for relaxation - more character than others I have tried.
Around the central Hammam area are a variety of spa experience rooms, all of which were excellent and of better quality than most spas Iâve visited including aroma steam room, ice room, cold plunge, sauna etc.
Relaxation
The warm stone benches were a real plus for me - gorgeous to lie out on in between experiences and great for the lower back. A 1877 scrub is a key part of the spa experience - mine left me feeling a new woman with soft, supple skin to show for it.
This is done in a little room within the main spa, which was a really nice, unique addition to the experience. Upstairs thereâs suites of treatment rooms. Both myself and my buddy opted for Swedish back, neck and shoulder massages - and both were excellent. I just wished Iâd gone for full body as it was over too quickly.
The relaxation room is another plus point with complimentary hot and cold drinks, relaxing music, comfy chairs, friendly staff, and plenty of magazines. Nice touches in the changing areas such as free Elemis shampoo, conditioner and showergel were also noted by us both. In short, we left feeling utterly relaxed, and completely pampered. Sheffield... We will be back.
Copthorne Hotel Sheffield, Bramall Lane, S2 4SU. Tel: 01142 525480. 1877 Spa, 67 Victoria Street, S3 7QD. Tel: 0114 221 1877..