Gourmet getaways

A great location and stylish hotel are deciding factors when planning a staycation, but top priority is always whether there’s somewhere great to eat close by. Luckily, you don’t have to travel far at these South West gourmet getaways

Lympstone Manor, Devon

A night at Michael Caines’ glamorous country house hotel should be on every gourmet’s bucket list.

The Michelin-starred chef has created a foodie haven on the banks of the Exe Estuary, where guests can dine on the finest Devon produce, explore the world-class wine list and wander around an11-acre vineyard.

Since Michael first revealed his grand project in 2017, Lympstone Manor has continued to evolve: the latest addition to the Trencherman’s member hotel is a clutch of five luxury shepherds huts on the edge of the woodland. They offer a unique getaway experience which, despite the elegant simplicity, still provides access to the fabulous restaurant.  

Read our review of Lympstone Manor here.

The Ollerod, Dorset

Those with an appreciation of beautiful interiors will be as delighted as their foodie counterparts by an overnight escape at this Beaminster bolthole. Chris Staines and Silvana Bandini took over the 14^th century rural restaurant with rooms in 2018, quickly putting their own stamp on it via a revamp of the nine bespoke bedrooms, snug bar and smart dining room.

Trencherman’s-rated chef Chris heads up the kitchen, masterminding dazzlingly intricate dishes which blend local ingredients with Asian flavours. In spring and summer, guest should factor in a glass of English fizz on the terrace before exploring Chris’ latest culinary creations in the airy conservatory dining space.

Read our review of The Ollerod here.

Boringdon Hall, Devon

Leafy location, top-notch chef, sumptuous suites and an exceptional spa: Boringdon Hall ticks all the boxes for a luxurious gourmet getaway. 

Though it may be one of the South West’s oldest buildings (Boringdon was mentioned in the Domesday Book) head chef Scott Paton takes a 21^st century approach to his unique four-course menus at restaurant Àclèaf. Locally sourced, seasonal ingredients take centre stage in enigmatic dishes such as crab, curry, mayo, and duck egg, hazelnut, pear, which are enjoyed to a fittingly dramatic backdrop of the ancient manor’s Great Hall. 

Calcot & Spa, Cotswolds

Cotswolds heritage and contemporary design collide at this rustic-chic destination. Calcot & Spa first opened as a luxury hotel in 1984, however, the history of the stunning building goes back to the 14^th century when the tithe barn was built as an annex to Kingswood Abbey.

Today it’s a thoroughly modern hotel and spa, with all the luxe amenities you could wish for on an indulgent weekend away. With a relaxed but smart restaurant, alfresco terrace and its own country pub, there’s really no reason to stray far from the heated indoor pool.

St Enodoc Hotel, Cornwall

Rooms at this privately owned boutique hotel on the north Cornwall coast have been booking up fast since its new head chef was crowned best in the South West in the prestigious Trencherman’s Guide Awards.

Guy Owen wowed diners at The Idle Rocks in St Mawes before he made the move to St Enodoc to establish new restaurant Karrek. His pared-back style, which zeros in on seasonality and flavour, surprises and delights guests via intricate tasting menus. For more informal eats, The St Enodoc Brasserie specialises in local fish and seafood.

Want more staycation inspiration? Dive in to our 5 of the best hidden gem hotels collection.

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