The coming together of two iconic British brands is a masterclass in synergy.
The allure of Surrey’s rolling hills hits its peak during the summertime. Longer stretches of daylight and deliciously fresh air make a solid case for a weekend, or even midweek getaway. For Beaverbrook, the historical Surrey estate spanning 470 acres, this time of year is arguably its most beautiful.
As one of the UK’s most treasured boutique hotels, guests are accustomed to world-class service within its storied walls. This can include anything from the estate’s iconic hot air balloon dining to an invigorating treatment at the Coach House Spa. For many, a visit to Beaverbrook is about having access to amenities they wouldn’t otherwise experience outside its illustrious gates. Chief among them - the chance to get behind the wheel of a MOKE.
With roots dating back to the late 1950s, MOKE was originally conceptualised as a British army car. For certain design reasons this dream didn’t really take off, but the car would later be reborn as a lifestyle vehicle in 1964. Embodying the glamorous essence of a coastal lifestyle, MOKE was widely endorsed by Hollywood heavyweights including Brigitte Bardot and The Beach Boys. Its laidback ideology and nostalgic charm was seen as a counterculture to the fast-paced celebrity lifestyle of the time.
By 2018, MOKE underwent another redesign, courtesy of British designer Michael Young. It is now designed and manufactured exclusively in the UK, becoming the first automotive brand from the 1960’s to go 100% electric.
The Partnership
In the summer of 2022, Beaverbrook Estate and MOKE International partnered for the first time. Committed to forging strong relationships with leading hotels, MOKE thoughtfully selects one from each of its global markets for an exclusive partnership. When it came to selection for the UK, Beaverbrook was a match made in heaven.
“We’ve always believed that the best way to build our brand is to partner with our favourite hotels and resorts, especially when launching the Electric MOKE in new markets,” Robin Kennedy, Chief Commercial Officer of MOKE International, told The Sybarite.
“For the UK, Beaverbrook was the obvious choice, and we’ve particularly enjoyed collaborating with them on the Balloon Dining experience, as well as the Chelsea Flower Show at the Townhouse.”
As two heritage British brands, there is no better way to experience the English countryside than the fully immersive MOKE. Its roofless and doorless characteristics make it the go-to car for that windswept, sunshine-drenched driving experience during summer.
Under the partnership, Beaverbrook guests have the opportunity to drive a bespoke MOKE around the estate grounds or through greater Surrey.
“The Sunset Orange Electric MOKE are available for daily hire or as a complimentary addition with select stays,” Kennedy said. We love that Beaverbrook and our other hotel partners can showcase their personality through their MOKEs, offering custom colourways, bespoke detailing, and creating unforgettable memories.”
Potential offsite itineraries include a picnic at Newlands Corner, with a delicious food prepared by the Beaverbrook team. The picturesque village of Shere is less than a 30-minute drive away and the perfect place to spend a wholesome afternoon (film enthusiasts might recognise parts of it from Bridget Jones, The Edge of Reason and The Holiday). Attractions such as Polesden Lacey, Silent Pool Distillery and Bocketts Farm Park are located near the estate as well.
The Verdict
I had the privilege of sitting in the passenger seat while my partner drove us through Surrey in a Beaverbrook MOKE. The car itself exudes joy with its eye-catching orange hue, and it was fun watching people excitedly wave to us from passing cars. In classic UK fashion we did experience a bit of rain, but I was surprised at how little water came into the car given that it’s doorless. The car is obviously made for warm weather climates, but it’s good to know it can hold its own when the weather doesn’t cooperate.
The inside is deceptively spacious, which is great if you’re carrying four passengers. If you’re only utilising the front seats, the backseat space leaves plenty of room for bags and any other necessities, and there is also a boot if needed. The car handled Surrey’s winding roads with ease and felt very zippy to manoeuvre.
As we returned to the hotel grounds, I realised I’d been too busy soaking up the atmosphere and forgotten to take a video. A friendly Beaverbrook attendant, donning his cricket jumper and flat cap, opened the boom barrier to let us through. We made a sharp right and exited before coming back around, this time filming the entry. As we approached the barrier for the second time, the attendant laughed and asked if we were planning to do loops of the estate all day.
“I won’t tell anyone,” he said with a wink and a laugh, before adding that the MOKEs are so fun to drive, it doesn’t really matter where you’re going. He couldn’t have been more right. No matter the location or destination, MOKE is one of those cars you just can’t help but smile about.
The Electric MOKE Factbox
Price: £35,995 on the road
Powertrain: Rear wheel direct-drive (LHD + RHD)
Motor Type: Three-phase AC Synchronous
Range: 45-80 miles
Charge Time: 4 hours (80% in 2 hours)**
Top Speed: 50 mph
Acceleration: (0-30 mph): 4.5 seconds
Max Power: 33 kW
Max Torque: 130 Nm
Battery Type: Lithium-ion
Battery Voltage: 84V DC nominal
Battery Capacity: 10.8 kWh
Dimensions (LxWxH):3325 x 1660 x 1546mm
Vehicle Weight (kerb weight): 741 kg
Warranty: 2 years (parts and service); 3 years (electric battery)
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