When it comes to fun, quirky and affordable days out on your doorstep, there can be few more suitable spots in which to entertain the entire family than Hatton Country World in Warwickshire. Set across a 100-acres of beautiful countryside, the impressive complex already boasts a mega petting zoo (complete with guinea pig village!), a four-acre laser combat field, a year-round fun fair, an extensive indoor play area and – since 2019 – it’s very own Escape Room complex. 

As one of three Escape Room adventures on offer, Nottah Temple is the latest addition to Hatton Country World’s thriving portfolio and, whilst I wouldn’t describe myself as either a professional puzzler or a hardcore quizzer, I was nevertheless intrigued to see what ancient mysteries this interactive jungle expedition might uncover… 

Poised somewhere between the Crystal Maze, a live action Indiana Jones (minus the pit of snakes) and an episode of the 1% Club, this fantastically entertaining, interactive gaming experience is available for between 2 to 8 people with prices starting at £25 per person during weekdays and £28 per person during weekends. And, like all good adventure epics, begins – you guessed it – with an ancient curse! 

Guiding you through the twists and turns of your jungle environment by video message is Lord Archington Harrow, an eccentric 18th century explorer who, along with his wife, discovers an ancient tomb full of gold and precious jewels, which the intrepid duo quickly loot (you think they’d learn from the movies that this type of thing never ends well!) Little does Lord Archington know that the gold is cursed by the tombs’ owner, Queen Conteptua and it is up to you and I – the gameplayers – to retrieve every last piece of stolen treasure, break the ancient curse and save the day! 

A simple enough premise…but would the combined mental and problem-solving powers of my partner and I be enough to conquer this ancient evil and restore harmony to the jungle…only time would tell… 

60 minutes of time to be exact! After a short health and safety briefing (and an introduction to lock-breaking techniques) from our Experience Guide, it was time to start the clock! 

For saying that this Escape Room is recommended for adults and teenagers, the difficulty level for most tasks was spot on – if anything, it was a little bit too challenging for my novice problem-solving brain! There was plenty of variety too to keep the cogs whirring…from mechanical puzzles which tested your physical manipulation and dexterity to old-school riddles carved into the ancient temple walls, jigsaw puzzles made of broken artefacts and cryptograms written into the dusty correspondence of Lord Archington on one of his many expeditions. 

Of course, all of that problem-solving builds up an appetite, which is why I couldn’t wait to try out Hatton World’s brand new, American-style diner Bell’s for a much-needed spot of brunch. 

Serving up a hearty all-American style menu of Pancakes, Waffles, Burgers, Sundaes & Shakes, this perfectly-pitched addition to Hatton’s hospitality offer takes its name from Hatton Farm’s resident milking cow Bluebell, a staple of the property for over 30 years. 

Set to an all-swingin’ soundtrack of country, soul and good old-fashioned rock ‘n’ roll, the café-style set-up evokes the golden age of the 1950s American diner; from its vintage red and white chequered tablecloths and shake-stand through to its eye-catching red, white and green menus. With its easy-going vibe, attractive outdoor eating area and ample takeaway service, It’s the perfect pit stop for busy families, day-visitors and shoppers seeking a much-needed snack or two. 

With Bluebell the cow well out of earshot, I got stuck into my brunch of choice; an American classic, the double-cheese burger served on a brioche bun with fresh lettuce & tomato (£12.50) with a side of house fries and coleslaw. The beef patties were beautifully fresh and perfectly prepared, whilst the melted cheese accompaniment oozed from the bun, just as it should. The brioche bun too, added a welcome note of sweetness and – like any good diner – there was tomato sauce, mustard and mayonnaise ready and waiting for dipping.  

And what American-style dining experience would be complete without a stack of buttermilk pancakes, served - in this case - with a delicious combination of banana, maple syrup and, yes you heard right, streaky bacon, which worked an absolute treat! Also available in a choice of Strawberries and Chocolate, Lemon and Sugar, Berries and my personal favourite, Bacon, sausage and fried egg, these king-size stacks pack a real flavour punch and are great value for money at just £9.00.  

Whilst we didn’t have a chance to sample signature waffles or an ice cream sundae this time around, I will definitely be making a return visit for a Bell’s Special Vanilla and Strawberry ice cream sundae; finished with fresh berries, meringue, oreos, marshmallow and maltesers and - for the little ones - there’s also a well-stocked ice-cream fridge for those hot summer afternoons when only a cone will do! 

With our stomachs full and our grey matter tested to its limits, it was time to go home; confident in the knowledge that we would be back to take on another Escape Room sooner rather than later… armed, this time around, with our best problem-solving pals. And whilst I may have some way to go before I can take on Lara Croft, I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend the experience to others, whether you’re looking for a fun alternative to your average stag/hen do, a team-building day with a difference or celebrating a special milestone with family and friends. 

Cracking good fun! 

4 Stars

Katherine Ewing