Petwood Hotel, Woodhall Spa

Massive hotel in 30 acres of grounds, it was built in 1905 in mock Tudor style and has an impressive Jacobean entrance added in c1910. It became a hotel in 1933 and during the Second World War it was requisitioned by the Royal Air Force and in 1943 it became the Officers Mess for 617 Squadron – the famous ‘Dambusters’. The small Squadron Bar situated in the front left of the building is dedicated to them with lots of photos and memorabilia on the walls. It is completely wood panelled with decorative strapwork depicting grapes at the top of the panels, around the sides of doors, and over the Tudor arch shaped stone fireplace. The servery is situated under a Tudor arch shaped inglenook with carved heads at each end of the arch and retains the original counter but the bar back is modern. Just outside the bar is a large lobby with more oak panelled walls with decorative strapwork and a baby grand piano which it played on Sat night, Sun lunch and at busy lunchtimes. More oak panelling in the restaurant and the beautifully carved main staircase. Numerous other rooms but apart from some fireplaces they contain no old fittings.