OUT OF TOWN REVIEW: WILD THYME & HONEY IN THE HEART OF THE COTSWOLDS
Disclaimer: We were invited for a press stay in exchange for an honest review.
The Courtyard at Wild Thyme & Honey
This month, I paid a visit to Wild Thyme & Honey, a beautifully converted 16th century country inn in the heart of the Cotswolds. This brand new boutique property opened in December 2021, boasting 24 bedrooms, a charming pub (The Crown at Ampney Brook) and several bright and beautiful event spaces. Dogs and children are very welcome here and there is ample parking, making it an ideal choice for family and friend groups.
We arrive for the usual check-in time, greeted by a friendly receptionist who made rather a big fuss of Pierre, my Jack Russell X Chihuahua (they really love dogs here). I glance around the homely, rustic lounge area surrounding the reception area and feel the urge to slump into a tweed-clad armchair with large glass of Merlot. This place is seriously inviting and I can imagine spending an entire day indoors, should the rain decide to cancel my walking plans.
A wonderful spot where breakfast is served
The interiors are quintessentially Cotswolds - exposed Cotswolds stone, wooden beams, leather Chesterfield sofas with Herringbone throws, tweed cushions and foliage. I’m nestled within the pages of a Town & Country feature and I could not be more happy.
If it weren’t for my baby and dog, i’d be indulging my wine and reading fantasy rightaway, however, duty calls and Hemmingway waits patiently at the bottom of my bag. I am taken to my delightful room, named Brook (I do love a proper room name). From the freestanding bath to the deep armchair by the window overlooking the fields, I am well and truly charmed - this is the Cotswolds i’d hoped for. Homely and rustic with a touch of industrial chic, each impeccably clean room offers a haven of relaxation.
One of many beautiful rooms at Wild Thyme & Honey
A pantry filled with essentials is conveniently positioned right by our room - here I find a dog bed for Pierre and a kettle for that much needed cup of tea at the end of a long car trip. Whilst sipping an Earl Grey, I am deciding whether or not the weather will threaten to flood my Barbour ankle boots - thankfully, Hunter Wellies are available at reception.
I waste no time and take a trip to nearby Cirencester, often referred to as the Capital of the Cotswolds; followed by an afternoon of village hopping. I gasp with glee at the honey-coloured architecture in Bourton-on-the-Water as I chase the gently flowing River Windrush. Pierre and I dart into Stow Country Clothing for his new Barbour harness and then, in true Mayfair form, I enjoy a Gentleman Barista’s speciality blend at Otis and Belle in Stow-on-the-Wold. I spare a thought for all my friends who are trapped in the office on this gloriously sunny day as I sink my teeth into an enormous, freshly baked almond croissant.
Who doesn’t love a freestanding bath near a TV so you can watch Countryfile with a glass of wine?!
I narrowly avoid purchasing an art print I have seen twice now (it’s a sign, but i’m playing hard to get) and dinner calls. We jump in the car and head to The Crown At Ampney Brook, and once again, we are greeted with a genuine smile. The Crown at Ampney have successfully taken a selection of much-loved classic British dishes and added a delightful, unexpected twist. I can’t wait.
We are taken to a comfortable, low-lit booth on the first floor and first up is Freshly baked ancient grain sourdough with whipped smoked butter & Cornish sea salt.
The Crown at Ampney Brook
To start, I order Laverstoke Park buffalo mozzarella, heritage tomatoes, toasted seeds & Bloody Mary dressing, which tastes like a British summer garden party on a plate. Also to start: Cornish Crab cake, Wye Valley asparagus, lobster and champagne sauce, caviar crème fraiche, perfectly paired with a glass of Taittinger.
For the main, i’m tempted by another summer dish - Pea & asparagus risotto, served with chargrilled courgette, shaved Sussex Charmer and fresh mint. If I could regularly have this delivered to my house, I would. James, obsessed with chicken, opts for the Chicken Milanese, coated in crunchy parmesan breadcrumbs, served with fresh egg linguini and angry tomato & ‘nduja sauce. This is the ultimate countryside comfort food, a welcomed change from the usual ‘pub grub’ you find at side-of-the-road pubs.
NB: It is worth noting that there is something on the ‘Robata Grill & Grosvenor Signature Burgers’ to suit vegans, pescatarians and meat eaters.
Scandinavian-looking courtyard outside The Crown at Ampney - perfect for a sunny lunch with friends
A dessert a day keeps the misery at bay, so I order the Rhubarb and raspberry Eton mess, complete with crunchy pink peppercorn meringue shards, raspberry sorbet and baby basil - sweet, tangy and indulgent. I will be back for the Signature sticky toffee pudding.
After a Bramley bath and a peaceful night’s sleep, we wake up to another fine day in the Cotswolds and it’s time for breakfast. The menu begins with a John Gunther quote, “All happiness depends on a leisurely breakfast”, and we can’t agree more.
I order Avocado on toast with marinated heirloom tomatoes, chilli flakes and pea shoots. James orders Eggs Royale with John Ross smoked salmon, poached St. Ewe’s free range eggs, Champagne hollandaise and a toasted English muffin. Both dishes are artfully arranged and sufficiently filling. I am silently jealous of James’ bacon-like salmon. We’re ready to seize the Cotswolds.
The verdict: When you’re not busy exploring embracing nature with family and friends, a home-from-home is much needed in the Cotswolds - somewhere to hang up your Barbour, unwind, read, eat, drink and reflect. Wild Thyme & Honey offers all this and more - we will be back again soon!
A green space behind the property
