12 Jul 2017
Tags: New Hotel, The Cotswolds, boutique hotels
The Rectory Hotel in the quintessential Cotswold village of Crudwell reopened on July 5, following a stunning refurbishment throughout.
The hotel and The Potting Shed Pub, found just a stone's throw across the road and a long-established favourite amongst the Cotswold discerning foodies, are now under the same ownership having recently been acquired by Roman Road Properties. Both sites have been refurbished to offer unpretentious country hospitality and fun at a decent price. Charlie Luxton (previously with Soho House) and Dan Brod, the dynamic duo behind The Beckford Arms and the Talbot Inn, have worked closely with co-owner Alex Payne to bring this project to life.
In between Malmesbury and Cirencester, the village of Crudwell dates back to the Domesday Book and provides the perfect setting for the pub and hotel, both sitting at the heart of the village. The hotel has undergone a sensitive and thoughtful refurbishment restoring an abundance of original features including beautiful flagstone flooring, dark oak panelling and rustic beams. Most-welcoming of all is the complete reimagining of the hospitality offering, harking back to an era of country house parties with a homely, intimate ambience where jackets and ties are most definitely not required. No corner of this handsome 18th century property has been left untouched – look hard enough and you'll even stumble into a cosy poker den hidden amongst shelves of classic Penguin books.
Alex Payne, co-owner, said: “We really wanted to create something very genuine, everything we would like in a country house hotel but just couldn't find. We want to offer every single one of our guests great hospitality and great value and we are all really looking forward to doing just that”.
Downstairs at The Rectory, a sitting room with a log fire, bundles of newspapers and glossy magazines to peruse, welcomes guests. The Drawing Room with more comfy armchairs, sofas and a larger roaring log fire is another room for guests and locals to meet over after dinner drinks, or sometimes watch a free projected film. The elegant, wood-panelled restaurant facing onto the stunning, landscaped gardens and pool leads through to a bar serving up well-chosen cocktails, schooners of beer on draft, an approachable wine list and all-day canapés. Indulgent but healthy breakfasts are served up in The Glasshouse.
The dining rooms are always open to non-residents and the menus evoke a country house hotel of old reinvigorated with an understated, unpretentious presentation. Sample dishes include venison wellington, local crayfish, smoked eel, Dorset crab thermidor, Wiltshire hogget, and rhubarb soufflé. There are also refreshing, seasonal salads with locally sourced or home grown ingredients, and comforting classics such as fish pie, roast chicken and wild-boar steaks. A cheese trolley offers a theatrical finish to your meal.
The hotel has 18 individually designed bedrooms - 15 in the main house and 3 in a separate cottage, all with goose down bedding, superfast WiFi and, for those rainy afternoons, a library of favourite films. All the bedrooms have been thoughtfully designed featuring free standing baths, exposed original beams and quirky design features including eclectic Jamb lighting. The bathrooms have locally made Bramley products, rainfall showers or claw-foot bath tubs and colourful Bert & May tiles. On the landings guests can creep down the corridor and help themselves to honesty bar treats.
Outside, an ancient Baptism Pool fronts the lovely gardens and a 13th Century Dovecote is nestled behind hedges opposite the hotel's entrance. There is also an open-air swimming pool where guests can cool off, help themselves to a well-stocked fridge and enjoy the beautiful surrounding countryside. If “help-yourself” isn't your style, you can call the house phone for poolside drinks.
ENDS
For more information, please contact:
Jessy Harrison
T: 07739172726
Notes to Editor:
Prices range from £150 to £250 per night bed and breakfast, depending on room size.
Lunch and supper every day, all day brunch on Saturday and Sunday roasts.
General Manager: Neil Fincham-Dukes
Kemble Station is 5 minutes away with trains to London from 1 hour 15 minutes.
Address: Crudwell, Malmesbury, Wiltshire SN16 9EP Telephone: 01666 577194
This is the first hotel project for Roman Road, and they have been closely advised by Bramley Bars, Charlie Luxton and Dan Brod, the team behind The Beckford Arms and the Talbot Inn. Also advising is interior designer Natasha Hidvegi, this is her first hotel project.
