Best of British Boutique Hotels
The beach just a hop and a skip from Westcroft Guesthouse, Kingsand, Cornwall
Westcroft Guesthouse is one of my favourite places to stay in the UK and is in fact my #happyplace. Owners Sarah and Dylan have created the perfect hideaway in Kingsand a forgotten corner of southern Cornwall; the attention to detail, and love put into the running of this gem is a rarity and far better than many boutique hotels. Six plump pillows, freshly brewed coffee outside your room (with warmed cups) at a pre-determined time, the latest glossy magazines, fresh flowers and pre-stamped envelopes and writing paper are just a few of the treats in store. You’re just a hop and a skip away from the beach and the sea air will ensure you sleep like a baby whichever room you choose. A stone’s throw away is a welcoming pet-friendly pub, the Devonport Arms offering a simple delicious food and a warm welcome and close enough to stagger back to Westcroft Guesthouse. For a real treat head to The Canteen at Maker Heights where ex-River Cottage chef Nick’s new laid-back restaurant is serving up a treat off-the-beaten-track on the Rame Peninsula. Delicious, rustic, great value menu.
Rates at Westcroft Guesthouse from £130 per night. Book here.
11 Cadogan Gardens
Who doesn’t love a night or two in London? For me, it’s all about the service and location in the capital and nothing beats 11 Cadogan Gardens in the heart of Chelsea just a short walk from the Kings Road and the shopping heaven that is Pavilion Road and Sloane Street. What’s not to love? The rooms are elegant, and perfectly formed, the en-suite marble bathrooms small but beautiful and the service exceptional. Not forgetting they serve the best scrambled egg I have ever had in any hotel anywhere! Hans’ Bar and Grill is the place to see and be seen when it comes to brunch. Cosmopolitan all day dining is what this classic neighbourhood hangout is all about. It’s easy to miss (though essential not to) as it’s hidden amongst the artisanal shops and food suppliers of Pavilion Road. Superfood salads, all-day breakfast or pre-dinner cocktails it’s a relaxed oasis for discerning foodies!
Rates at 11 Cadogan Arms from £290 per night. Book here.
Brimstone
If you’ve never been to the Lake District it’s time to go, once you can. There’s been a flurry of hotel openings and renovations in the past few years but still the best breakfast to be had is at Brimstone in the Langdale Valley. This contemporary beauty, built of local slate, is hidden away in a forested estate. Behind the modern glass balconies are lavish and luxurious suites with massive beds, roll-top baths and real fires. Be pampered in the spa or head to Lake Windermere. If Brimstone is fully-booked then look next door to sister hotel Langdale Hotel, a luxury hotel which offers a choice of luxury self-catering as well as hotel accommodation with access to the resident-only spa.
Rates at Brimstone from £350 per night. Book here.
Fife Arms
Further north in the Cairngorms National Park, Scotland, you’ll find the extraordinary Fife Arms (below). Having undergone a magnificent makeover by the Swiss co-presidents of Hauser & Wirth this Victorian coaching inn ticks all of the boxes when it comes to luxury, food, style, location and service. Come here to celebrate in comfort and style to relax, walk, stalk or fish. It’s not surprising it was voted Hotel of the Year by The Sunday Times.
Rates at Fife Arms from £160 per night. Book here.
The Kingham Plough in the pretty Cotswold village of Kingham, in the Evenlode Valley, has just six charming, recently refurbished rooms. The big draw here is the food. Under the direction of New Head Chef Jonny Pons, The Kingham Plough champions local artisan products and has a menu of modern British dishes using only the freshest seasonal ingredients.
Rates at The Kingham Plough from £110 per night. Book here.