COSY CHIC IN THE COTSWOLDS @ THE RECTORY, CRUDWELL
A leisurely drive through the British countryside is beautiful anytime but add in the colourful autumnal leaves and the stunning winter sun through the winding roads of the Cotswolds and it makes for a breathtaking backdrop. So by the time we arrive at our destination for the night, the sun in the blue sky is just setting behind the almost bare trees and the quiet village of Crudwell is looking very pretty indeed.
Just a 15 minute drive from the historical roman town of Cirencester The Rectory is a stunning recently renovated Georgian period property surrounded by plenty of green and (obviously) sits next to the church.
ROOMS
Our room (number 2) is large with latte-coloured walls and chic soft furnishings in this year’s must-have shade of dusky pink. Beside the super-king-size bed with goose-down bedding and crisp cotton sheets, there’s a roll top bath (with deliciously smelling Bramley branded toiletries) and Classic FM playing on the mint green Roberts Radio.
The two large sash windows let in the late afternoon light casting a reflection on the wall and over on the dressing table lilac ceramic Kilner Jars hold teas and ground coffee for a relaxing afternoon drink. But if you fancy something a bit stronger, just outside the room, there’s an honesty bar with decanters filled with brandy and whisky for a pleasing mid-afternoon tipple.
REST OF THE HOUSE
The elegant sitting rooms are a relaxing haven that encourages you to sit back and enjoy the peacefulness of country life. There’s a strong masculine palette of deep colours that run through the lower floor of the house which is offset by feminine soft hues making for a lovely contrast.
COCKTAILS
We take our tipple in the bar where the barman prepares either from the menu or offers suggestions. While we listened in on two gents sipping from a bottle of champagne, who were offered a myriad of cocktail suggestions and tastings we take the, rather potent but deliciously tasting, Old Fashioned which is prepared beautifully and is a good warming choice given the chill outside. The bar is lounge-like (huge red comfy velvet sofas, and a few tables and chairs), dimly lit and intimate and the table infront of us holds a great selection of coffee table sized books on art and photography.
DINING
We’re booked in for dinner at 7pm and while we’re the first to be seated the restaurant (with seats either in the main dining room or The Glasshouse) is almost full by 7.30pm with a mixed-age crowd sitting down to enjoy the evening.
Dining at The Rectory is relaxed, casual and unstuffy but the food is served up with flair, and there’s plenty of diverse choice with a well-selected small menu. After much deliberation, and a check in with the waiter to see what he thinks of our choice, we order a starter of Octopus, pork belly, romesco sauce and smoked almond (£9) – which is tender and smokey. For the main, we have the Venison with celeriac puree, cavalo nero and cassis onion (£22). It’s melt-in-the-mouth succulent meat and perfectly balanced with the celeriac and cassis.
With just room to fit in something sweet we share the Dark Chocolate Delice, salted caramel and peanut butter ice-cream (£8). It’s like a deconstructed Snickers bar and is a perfect choice to end the meal.
We retire, full and happy, with a glass of red back on the big sofa in the bar to enjoy a browse through the books.
At breakfast, we get to enjoy the view of the beautiful gardens at the back of the house through the windows in The Glasshouse that we missed the night before due to the darkness. If we’d have hit more of the cocktails the previous night then maybe a Bloody Mary (ingredients all there ready to be made) would be a good choice, or if it was the weekend we might go for a Mimosa but it’s a Thursday so we have coffee. A-la-carte Breakfast includes choices like a Full English or Buttermilk Waffles but we go for a solid portion of Avocado and Salmon on Sourdough with poached eggs along with the fine spread of cold cuts, yogurt and fruits.
NEARBY
Just over the road from The Rectory is their sister pub and restaurant The Potting Shed. If you fancy something a bit more casual and a larger choice of beers then it’s a lovely alternative with its cosy low beams and wood burner. Specials include Pheasant vol-au-vent £6, The Potting Shed Fish Stew (£16) and Calves Liver with mash & greens (£17).
For an exploration of the Cotswold towns and villages, The Rectory is perfectly placed. Cirencester is the largest of the Cotswold towns and is about a 15-minute drive. There’s plenty to do to spend a day here including exploring the collection of local Roman finds at the Corinium Museum, checking out the historic Church of St. John the Baptist, or just shopping in the lovely little independent stores.
Low bridges and traditional stone houses of the village of Bourton-on-the-Water make for a lovely stop off to take some pictures and grab a nice ale in one of the pretty pubs.
A little bigger than its neighbour Stow-on-the-Wold is a market town with a few more shops, restaurants and bars on offer. Check out The Old Stocks Inn for a Coffee stop or a bite to eat.
Doubles £120 per night bed and breakfast
The Rectory Hotel
Crudwell
Wiltshire
SN16 9EP
