The Sheene Mill is a Grade II Listed 16th Century Mill House on the river Mel in the village of Melbourne, on the Cambridgeshire, Hertfordshire and Essex borders, near Royston.

It is operated as a fine-dining restaurant with rooms – see food review in last issue – as well as an attractive option for non-residential conferences for up to 100 and, due to the quiet waterside setting in attractive grounds, for weddings, parties and other social events. The main restaurant and banqueting area is divisible and can seat up to 120 covers, or 100 theatre-style to allow dining space. There is also a conservatory area for 50 with a bar and small separate lounge, overlooking the river and grounds, which feature a striking white waterside pavilion for bridal photographs.

Currently there are nine individual boutique bedrooms, most refurbished in the last two years and comprising seven doubles, a double-bedded bridal suite and a single, with four having baths with shower over and five having shower only. The double with bath that we stayed in had a comfortable bed and especially good in-bed lighting for reading. Currently there are plans to extend the Mill and add six more bedrooms to total fifteen.

Tel. 01763 261 393 Web: thesheenemill.com