Weekend bolthole
Slow down, de-stress and be cosseted at this character-packed hotel in the Dorset market town
Slow down, de-stress, and be cosseted at this character-packed hotel in Sherborne, Dorset
What makes it unique? A very laid-back, homely atmosphere with accommodation in the main Georgian townhouse, Potting Shed rooms in the walled garden or in Eastbury Cottage.
On the menu Chef Matthew Street values seasonality and quality, working with local suppliers and some further afield to ensure his menus offer the best ingredients. “Asparagus has just popped its head up – it’s so fantastic, we get ours from Red Barn farm shop in Hinton, Somerset,” he says. “At this time of year we try using it wherever possible, it’s great with wild garlic butter. My personal favourite is shellfish, crab especially at this time of year. In a chunky sandwich at the coast or a delicate starter. We use white and brown crab meat for our crab starter on the menu, served with a chilled cucumber and wasabi soup – we get our Devon crab from Paignton.” There’s a seven-course tasting menu and a more relaxed brasserie menu of classics in the dining room – or book the intimate garden pod for two.
Highlights The new Eastbury Cottage is adjacent to the hotel. It has three delightfully cosy bedrooms, one with a free-standing bath as well as a separate modern shower room. You’ll love its inglenook fireplace, low beams, a very well-equipped kitchen, and sunny private garden with hot tub and dining area.
What you’ll want to recreate at home Interiors designer Kathleen Fraser balances muted tones of pale blue and green with colourful prints and interesting textures. Botanical prints, horse brasses and a dresser filled with vintage teacups suit the low beams and exposed brickwork. The chequered kitchen floor echoes the hotel’s chess theme (there are boards dotted around the place if you fancy a game). You’ll also be inspired to make your own sloe gin after sampling the complimentary decanter.
Fun fact The hotel’s vintage 1964 Beardmore taxi can be booked to collect guests for the short drive from the train station.
Doubles with b&b from £206 per night; Eastbury Cottage from £625 per night based on two people