Love Travelling Blog

Location:

The Fish Hotel is nestled on a hillside within the 500 acre private Farncombe estate in Worcestershire and comprises a collection of luxurious country house styled rooms, cosy hideaway huts and treehouses.

Arrival and Check-in:

The Fish Hotel is located near Broadway in The Cotswolds and was easy to reach by car as we exited the M5 at Junction 6 before taking the A44 towards Evesham/Broadway. After bypassing Evesham we continued up Fish Hill which led us to the Farncombe Estate entrance from where there is clear signage to the hotel’s lodge.

There was ample parking in front of The Lodge and within a few minutes we had unloaded the car and were entering the hotel lobby. Rather than a reception desk, check-in at The Fish is far less formal as this takes place on one of the sofas in the cosy lounge. We were attended to by Karen who welcomed us with a warm smile.

Formalities took hardly any time at all and soon we were being shown to our hideaway hut which was to be our cosy retreat for the weekend. We were offered assistance with our luggage but as we had travelled lightly we were able to manage the bags ourselves.

Our Hideaway Hut:

It was just a short walk through the woods to our weekend retreat and it was love at first sight when we caught our first glimpse of Snout, our double sized shepherds hut. It was our first time staying in a shepherds hut and this was to be the best of both worlds with the sense of seclusion coupled with the hotel’s dining facilities.

On unlocking the door, the hideaway hut was even more beautiful than I had imagined. Lamps had already been turned on offering us a welcoming glow and the digital radio was playing softly making us instantly feel at home.

The lounge was very cosy with a corner sofa, wood burning stove, Nespresso coffee maker, kettle and hospitality tray with a selection of teas, coffee, Borders biscuits, popcorn and packets of nuts. Beneath this was a complimentary mini-bar containing cocktails, beer, lager, soft drinks and fresh milk for our hot drinks.

On lifting the lid of the footstool we found board games including Scrabble and Monopoly and on the wall, a smart television. Near the door was a compact yet beautifully formed shower room containing wonderfully thick towels and fragrant Temple Spa toiletries.

Next to the bathroom was a large cupboard with plenty of hanging space. The cupboard also contained a rucksack and woollen blanket that could be borrowed for countryside walks and picnics, alongside a hairdryer and clothes steamer.

A door led into the bedroom which was absolutely delightful with its king size bed dressed in luxurious, crisp bed linen. What was even more wonderful though, was that when we turned off the lights and settled down to sleep we could view the surrounding treetops and a star studded sky from the ingenious roof window.

I’m a big fan of roll top baths and the one positioned at the foot of the bed was so dreamy that I couldn’t resist several relaxing soaks during our stay. With luxuriously thick bathrobes and fragrant toiletries, I was in seventh heaven.

From the bedroom, a door opened out onto a secluded patio which was furnished with a double swing chair, fire pit, hot tub and wood store. It was just a pity that the wintery wet weather wasn’t conducive to lingering outdoors for long but I’m certain it would be a peaceful haven during the warmer months.

Dining:

A highlight of our stay was enjoying the dining experience in Hook, the Fish Hotel’s seafood inspired restaurant. The restaurant blends a sophisticated and informal style with its banquette seating, cosy corners and lots of cushions. The restaurant is overseen by culinary director Martin Burge and although its emphasis is on seafood, there is much on the menu to delight meat eaters as well.

Servers wear nautical striped jumpers setting the scene for a gastronomic treat to follow. On browsing the menu I opted for the twice baked cheese soufflé starter which was perfect comfort food for a winter evening. The soufflé was light and fluffy and up with the best I’d tasted before. Across the table, my husband kept with the fish theme, opting for a starter of smoked salmon with sourdough.

Moving on to mains, I selected the pan seared Ray wing accompanied with crispy noodles. The flesh was moist and tender, forming long, sweet, delicate strips that easily pulled away from the bones. Meanwhile, my husband opted for the fish of the day which was cod served in a slightly spicy sauce which he informed me tasted very fresh and tasteful.

Breakfast at Hook the following morning was just as enjoyable. For a change of scene we opted for a table close to the open fire where we indulged in fresh fruit, yoghurt and pastries before moving on to a full cooked breakfast and smashed avocados on sourdough which were expertly prepared and served to the table.

We lingered over second cups of coffee whilst taking a read of the newspapers on our iPads, glancing outdoors at the continuous rain before planning our departure.

The Facilities:

Alongside hideaway huts, there are a variety of other room options at The Fish Hotel. From treehouses, to hilly huts to stylish hotel rooms, The Fish has something to cater for all tastes.

The bar lounge is a welcoming spot adjacent to the restaurant boasting an attractive outdoor terrace for sunny days. For a slightly less formal dining experience or a change of scene, meals are also served there.

At the other side of the entrance lobby there’s a very comfortable lounge with deep padded sofas, glossy magazines and board games. This was my husband’s favourite place when not in our cosy hideaway hut.

As The Fish is located in the heart of the Worcestershire countryside, walking (weather permitting) is a treat. The Boot Room comes equipped with wellies galore, walking maps and lockers for leaving your own shoes, and with backpacks in each of the rooms, there’s no excuse for some fresh air and exercise to work off the generous portions served in Hook.

Out and About:

I loved how easy it was to step straight into the countryside from the hotel, with woodland walks right on the doorstep. Exploring Cotswold villages including nearby Broadway was equally enjoyable, offering a gentle contrast to the peacefulness of the hotel itself.

Overall:

Our stay in a Hideaway Hut at The Fish Hotel on the Farncombe estate was very special. Between the beautiful setting, the cosiness of our hut and the delicious meals at Hook, it was definitely a weekend to remember for all the right reasons.

Details: The Fish Hotel, Farncombe, Broadway, Worcestershire WR12 7LH

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We were guests of The Fish Hotel and as always, all views and opinions are entirely my own.