Morgan Plus Six and Hampton Manor: Redefining British Elegance and Innovation

Deep in the heart of the Midlands is a place where Victorian heritage meets a kind of casual cool that doesn’t need strict formality to let you know you’re somewhere special. Hampton Manor might have the turrets and gothic windows from a Brontë, but it’s not here to take itself too seriously. This is less period drama and more hip retreat where the vintage globe in the corner is actually for storing the gin rather than a decorative effect.

And in my case, getting there was half the fun - especially when you’re in something like the Morgan Plus Six. It’s a car that is a bit old-school, unapologetically British but with more than enough modern flair to intrigue you.

Long bonnet, short rear and a level of acceleration that suggests it’s got a mischievous streak - this is no ordinary piece of British engineering. But there’s a bittersweet twist to this particular journey, though we’ll save that revelation for later. For now, let’s enjoy the situation we have at the moment. The approach to Hampton Manor feels perfectly crafted. A wrought-iron gate swings open onto a driveway draped with a canopy of ancient trees, their branches creating a natural tunnel that feels designed to heighten anticipation.

And then, just as you appreciate the moment, the Manor appears. Ivy climbs its stone façade like it’s auditioning for a fairy tale, while turreted edges and gothic windows catch the light with just the right amount of drama. It’s an arrival that makes you pause and take it all in.

Step inside, though and things get interesting. The Manor doesn’t just lean on its Victorian roots; it reinvents them. High ceilings and intricate cornicing are juxtaposed with vibrant floral wallpapers and jewel-toned sofas that practically beg you to sink into them. There’s a lot of mid-century lighting thrown into the mix too. The whole event, by which I mean the Manor and the Morgan, feels like a masterclass in making opposites attract - classic and modern in perfect balance.

The guest rooms are individually captivating. The wallpaper, for example, portrays a verdant forest alive with wildlife that was so immersive that I briefly considered reaching for my binoculars. Rich velvet throws and bespoke furnishings give it a warmth that is instantly relaxing. It was the kind of place where you lose track of time and don’t really mind.

Still, it’s impossible to ignore the call of the Morgan Plus Six for long. Handmade in Malvern, it’s a vehicle that takes heritage very, very seriously and rightly so. Its lines are unmistakable. Long, sweeping and effortlessly elegant but it’s what’s underneath that really gets your attention.

The heart of the Plus Six is a BMW-sourced 3.0-litre straight-six turbocharged engine and it’s a beauty. Think of it as a genteel exterior shrink-wrapped around a thoroughly modern powertrain. It’s a combo that works better than it really should.

If you asked me to sum up the Morgan Plus Six in one word, I’d struggle, because that’s not how cars like this work. But if pressed, I would call it, umm… paradoxical - plain and simple.

The reasons are that on the one hand the car is the most impractical car I have ever driven, It’s drafty above 30 mph and let’s not sugarcoat this: it is the most awkward car I’ve ever tried to clamber in and out of (and I’m 6’4”). But all of that is just whimsey, once the roof and the window panels are stowed and the sun is positioned accordingly, the whole experience becomes transformative, mesmeric and blissful.

Driving the narrow country lanes around Hampton Manor feels like they were made for the Plus Six. The lightweight chassis makes every bend a joy, responding to the faintest input as if it’s reading your mind. And then there’s the soundtrack, a tappety thrum when you’re pottering around and a throaty growl when you’re not. It makes sure you know it’s got some bite.

And now for the bittersweet. The Plus Six, for all its charm, as you see it, is at the end of its run because Morgan is gearing up to launch a new flagship model to replace it and while that’s undeniably exciting, it also means saying goodbye to the Plus Six that’s been a part of motoring history.

To mark the occasion, Morgan has commissioned Plus Six ‘Pinnacle,’ a limited run of just 30 cars that showcases everything Morgan does best, which if you need reminding is bespoke artisanry, exquisite detailing and a proper sense of occasion. Naturally, they sold out faster than you can say hand-stitched leather.

What comes next for Morgan? Well, thankfully, the current Plus Four will still be your two-door British icon but the word on the Plus Six replacement is that it will ditch the 1930s shape you see it as today and embrace what Morgan’s design chief calls “the jet age”. I think It’s a bold move that’s bound to ruffle a few traditionalists’ feathers but it also feels like the kind of forward-thinking leap the brand needs.

After a day spent carving up the lanes around the Manor, it’s time to carve up some beef instead. Dinner at Smoke felt like the perfect way to wind down. Tucked away in the old furnace house, it’s a restaurant that takes open-fire cooking to a whole new level. The atmosphere is warm and unpretentious, all flickering flames and the rich aroma of wood smoke.

The food? Bold, earthy and deeply satisfying. Hereford côte de boeuf, served with a béarnaise sauce, four acre salad and boulangère potatoes stole the show - comfort food but with just the right amount of finesse. And the dessert? A raspberry and lemon verbena baked Alaska that was so good it might as well have come with a standing ovation.

Unfortunately, Smoke is set to close in February 2025, as chef Stu Deeley steps away to focus on family. In its place, the Manor will unveil ‘Kynd’, a new restaurant helmed by Michelin-starred chef David Taylor. If Kynd matches the Manor’s ethos, it promises to be nothing short of spectacular. Reflecting on Smoke’s legacy, it remains a must-visit while it’s still open. The rich, fire-infused flavours and rustic setting offer a dining experience that lingers in your memory long after the last bite. It’s a reminder that Hampton Manor is as much about creating culinary memories as it is about showcasing fine design.

By the time the evening rolled around, the Manor had taken on a new character. Candlelight flickered in the conservatory and the gardens outside were bathed in darkness. Sitting there, reflecting on the day, it struck me how much Hampton Manor and the Morgan Plus Six have in common. Both are steeped in history but neither is weighed down by it, both offer experiences that feel handcrafted, personal and deeply rewarding.

The Plus Six might be heading into retirement but it does so at the top of its game. A fitting farewell for a car that’s brought so much joy to so many. Hampton Manor, meanwhile, stands as a reminder that tradition and innovation can coexist beautifully when done right.

Together, they make a compelling argument for slowing down, soaking it all in and appreciating the artistry in the everyday. And really, isn’t that what it’s all about?

https://hamptonmanor.com

https://hamptonmanor.com/smoke/

https://www.instagram.com/hamptonmanor/?hl=en

https://www.instagram.com/smoke_hamptonmanor/?hl=en

https://morgan-motor.com/

Model: Morgan Plus Six

Priced as Specified: £108,693

Powerplant: BMW 3.0-Litre, TwinPower Turbo, Inline six-cylinder

Drivetrain: Rear-Wheel Drive

Transmission: 8-Speed Automatic

Power: 335bhp

Torque: 500Nm

Weight: 1,075kg

0-62 mph:  4.2 Seconds

Top Speed: 166 mph

Combined MPG: 34.0

C02 Emission: 180 g/km