It’s the part of England where Kate Moss decided to get married, Jeremy Clarkson rests between racing super cars and David Cameron can probably be found shuffling around his 25k writing shed. But don’t let any of that put you off.
The Cotswolds has, over the past couple of decades, become perhaps the most well publicised spot for a rural escape in England. With its rolling hills, plush meadows and easy access to the capital, there’s little wonder. In less than a couple of hours you can go from the squalor of London to stone-built villages, stately home and proper local pubs. So forget the celebrities - we want a piece of the action too.
Thyme is a bed and breakfast hotel in Southrop, a village of less than 300 people that encapsulates the genteel, somnolent charm of the Cotswolds perfectly. Build around a grand, pebbled courtyard with its own organic garden out the back, the hotel is split across two sites – a restored farmhouse dripping with period features and a beautifully renovated medieval barn. Both feature characterful and well-apportioned rooms that retain their sense of history perfectly.
It’s in the latter that guests congregate beneath a glorious high ceiling to enjoy breakfast: one of the signature delights of a visit here. Expect refined twists on classic British fare, such as a fry up with hens’ eggs fried with sage or a hot smoked salmon omelette finished with sour cream and chilli jam – both produced using ingredients from the farm outside, both absolutely divine.
The real foodie attraction, though, may well be the Swan, Thyme’s partner pub thirty seconds down the road. A renovated 17th century coaching inn, it’s the kind of ‘real’ village pub you sense fading from the fabric of Britain, which is all the more reason to cherish a visit.
Which isn’t to say it is in anyway stuck in the past - on the contrary, smart modern décor, a fine cast of craft ales and even a sselection of naturally fermented wines place it firmly in the present – it’s more the fact it’s so obviously a hub for the local community that will please jaded Londoners.
Stay for dinner, and you’ll see more of the passion and finesse on display in the hotel around the corner. The summer vegetable risotto with ricotta and agretti is a delight. while the grilled sea bream with fennel and lemon salad is a lesson in simplicity. For a snack, don't miss the scotch eggs, either.
Following an extensive restoration, Thyme launched as a complete ‘English Countryside Destination’ in November 2018 with new restaurant the Ox Barn as well as additional bedrooms in The Lodge. March will see the opening of their Meadow Spa and their Garden Rooms, too.
All-in-all, it’s hard to imagine a better way to find out what all the fuss is about than here, where the pastoral charm the Costswold is famous for meets food and accommodation of the highest standard. Just watch out for the paparazzi, won’t you.
