Whether it’s a Michelin-starred restaurant in Bath or classic comfort food in the Cotswolds, UK hotels are stepping up their gastronomy game. Now hearty hideaways mean stunning rooms with views, as well as sampling local produce and ingredients. Here’s our pick of five of the best, from restaurant with rooms to sprawling country piles, that gourmands will adore…
The Vineyard, Newbury
The family-owned Vineyard is one of those stunning sanctuaries one could easily take up residence. While there is no vineyard on the estate, owner Sir Peter Michael does have a penchant for wine (and a Californian winery) and art. There are 30,000 bottles in the glass-topped neon-lit cellar which illuminates the lobby and over 500 beautiful pieces from his art collection adorn the walls, including the eye-catching Woman with the Cigar in the bar.
Design-wise think clean lines and neutral, earthy palates for the suites which have generously sized living areas, bathrooms with huge marble-effect top baths and power showers.
This Berkshire bolthole is ideal for gourmands as executive chef Tom Scade, who trained at The Ritz, is at the helm of the restaurant and delivers an exceptional tasting menu. Spring menu highlights include the Italian-inspired creamy mozzarella with seasonal broad beans and the John Dory topped with caviar. The chocolate creation (which looks uncannily like a wine cork) filled with apple sauce and pistachio was a fitting finale and utterly divine – as was the wine, which was given an interesting twist with blind tasting.
Order the full English for breakfast as the local organic fare is excellent and swap the morning coffee for the wine-inspired tea.
The Queensberry, Bath
This stunning boutique hotel set elegantly across three townhouses is a hidden gem just a stone’s throw away from the Royal Crescent.
And the real treat? The Queensberry is home to Bath’s only Michelin-starred restaurant, The Olive Tree. The six or nine tasting menus from executive chef and local legend Chris Cleghorn might include Isle of Skye langoustine or ruby beetroot with Kaluga hybrid caviar with wine pairing featuring a mix of local and international grapes. Reminiscent of an exclusive members-only club, it’s cosy and welcoming with the fine dining experience elevated by sous chefs serving their courses and the expert knowledge of restaurant manager Aisling Bury guiding us through the excellent pairings. Finish off the night at the Old Q Bar, a treasure trove for artisan spirits and eclectic cocktails.
The Queensberry’s perfect for disappearing off grid for a romantic weekend as the phone signals aren’t great, but friendly staff are on hand with WiFi access.
Exuding charm and character, this Grade II-listed Georgian property stole the heart of owners Laurence and Helen Beere twenty years ago and it’s not hard to see why. All 29 rooms are uniquely decorated – think bold interiors with Divine Savages Wallpaper. Stunning junior suites boast high ceilings, chandeliers and original fireplaces, swish but comfy, like staying in a posh friend’s guest room, and trust us, you won’t want to leave!
Whatley Manor Hotel and Spa, Cotswolds
As the local cabbie delights us with tales of Prince Harry in the village pub, there’s no mistaking this palatial 18th century country house as an adult escape for those who enjoy the finer things in life.
With only 23 rooms, it’s a lottery snaring a room here but unsurprisingly guests return for the Michelin-starred cuisine, award-winning Gaia spa and dreamy suites with cute mezzanines.
Enormous four-poster beds are a real talking point as are the hotel’s excellent green initiatives, such as Molton Brown products in ceramic jars, which proves five-star luxury can also be sustainable.
The sprawling spa boasts a hydrotherapy pool, thermal suite, salt scrub shower and flotation tank, but the ultimate treat is the blissful private hot tub experience where we enjoyed a chilled glass of Gusbourne in the VIP Suite.
British comfort classics such as roasted Cornish ling, a delicious meaty white fish from the cod family, and produce from the neighbouring farm are what Grey’s Brassiere is best known for and for good reason too.
With 26 gardens to enjoy, it’s a haven where well-behaved four-legged friends are also welcome and the spacious communal areas such as the panelled drawing room with plush velvet armchairs (and delicious cocktails) make every visitor feel of the manor born.
The Pig near Bath, Somerset
There may be a litter of Pigs (food-obsessed country houses) across the UK but this glorious Grade II-listed mansion is a sight to behold. Surrounded by the rolling Mendip Hills, it’s the perfect base for exploring the countryside or hunkering down in the evening in front of the roaring log fire with a glass of Pinot Noir. Mounted fake stag heads, antique gramophone and oil portraits give it a Wuthering Heights feel, with cute little touches like the stack of homemade cakes in the drawing room.
Dubbed “restaurants with rooms”, the 25-mile radius sourced menu is packed with fresh, seasonal produce such as trout and hand-reared chickens. The chargrilled pork loin generously smothered in brandy sauce and venison special of the day didn’t disappoint and neither did the extensive list of British wines.
Sink into one of the stunning four-poster beds in the Big Comfy Luxe rooms, which are exactly that with countryside-inspired interiors and freestanding rolltop baths in the bedrooms.
The bespoke massage in one of the cute potting sheds turned private spas behind the walled garden was the highlight of the stay. As warming ginger oil from organic beauty brand VOYA was generously kneaded into every tired muscle, the rain beating down on the roof provided the perfect atmospheric feel.
The Mandrake, London
With its dimly lit lobby, black floors and bold Salvador Dali prints, The Mandrake is the sort of place Alice in Wonderland may have stumbled across once upon a time.
Tucked away in the heart of the West End, it’s been a celebrity magnet since Lebanese-born owner Rami Fustok opened it six years ago to the refurbishment tune of £45m.
The real soul of this boutique hotel though is its signature restaurant YOPO, a spectacular ode to South American-inspired cuisine. Expect a beautifully designed space with a giant ostrich sculpture by Enrique Gomez de Molina holding court, and exceptional cuisine with the zingy crab brioche topped with caviar and pork belly tacos as standouts.
An eclectic mix of fashionistas and date night couples soak up the lively ambience, with the service striking the right note of friendly and attentive.
And you can roll into bed afterwards if you’re not still partying with the cool crew! The Penthouse is palatial, suites are spacious and rooms are super snug. Our all-white one was a stark contrast to the moody interiors throughout, but the kitsch Marshall Radio and colourful art made the blank canvas pop. While the Jurema terrace-facing rooms are a beautiful escape during the warmer months, you inevitably wave goodbye to an early night. So pack your dancing shoes and prepare for a night of pure indulgence!
