The GOURMET BOLTHOLES worth booking
Escape for an idyllic gourmet break in the walkers’ LAKE DISTRICT paradise of the with the fells as a backdrop or, if you’re in London, make a short SURREY hop to for a relaxing overnight stay
THE KING S ARMS
The university town of Egham may not immediately spring to mind when you think of a weekend away, but the birthplace of the Magna Carta is perhaps the ideal quick break from the city you need, especially if you book into one of the six bedrooms of The Kings Arms. Just 30km west of London, an escape to this Surrey gastropub with rooms brings you to the doorstep of Frogmore House, a couple of racecourses, gardens, Virginia Water and plentiful options for walks in the country. Or, should you have kids in tow and have a willingness to queue, there’s also Legoland and Thorpe Park.
However you fill your days, or even if you’re just doing an overnighter, the food is going to make the short hop from the capital worthwhile. There’s a good wine list, some tasty cocktail options and then you’re on to a mix of classic and modern starters using a medley of quality local produce, such as Laverstoke Park mozzarella with smoked beetroot, beetroot crisps, pomegranate molasses and toasted buckwheat, followed by short-rib burgers, escalope of Banham chicken, roast haunches of venison, Hampshire pork belly, homemade pies (overnight-cooked beef shin) or wood-fired pizzas. Then, when you head upstairs for the night, you’ll be greeted with well-kitted out rooms, individually designed with plenty of homely touches from deep copper baths to deepbuttoned leather banquettes.
The easy, comfortable break we’ve been waiting for.
Doubles from £89. 01483 921486, thekingsarmsegham.co.uk
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