The Painswick

Cotswolds

We recently had the absolute pleasure of escaping to The Painswick for a charming countryside retreat. With just 17 rooms, this boutique hotel is part of the Calcot Manor Collection and a proud member of the Pride of Britain group.

We checked in and were shown to our room, Lodgemore - and for anyone who thinks a room is just somewhere to sleep, clearly hasn’t stayed in a place like this. The room was so spacious, the bed was super comfortable with lots of amenities and the bathroom… well, let’s just say it was pure luxury.

Shortly after checking in, we took a stroll around the hotel grounds to explore. The Painswick has two inviting lounge rooms, complete with real fires perfect for cosy vibes, and a games room featuring a pool table and a TV showing Sky Sports which was the perfect entertainment.

It’s the little touches around the hotel that really made our stay so memorable. From a paw-cleaning station for four-legged guests to spare wellies and coats available to borrow, the team really think of everything to make your visit effortless and enjoyable.

We headed back to our room to get ready for dinner, but it wasn’t long before we discovered the bar, which boasts an incredible selection of cocktails. We settled into a cosy spot by the fire and sipped on two Cotswolds Pornstar Martinis, enjoying a game of Scrabble before our evening meal.

We were treated to a wonderful meal at the hotel’s restaurant, Sauce, and honestly, it was one of the best meals we’ve had in a long time. We started with breads and cheddar croquettes, followed by king prawn raviolo and mushrooms on toast. As a delightful surprise, the chef sent over two beetroot tarts for us to try before our mains and they were every bit as delicious as everything else.

Then came the main event: Beef Wellington with broccoli and rich gravy. Honestly, this was one of the best meals I’ve ever had, the beef was cooked to absolute perfection, and every bite was pure bliss.

We somehow managed to save room for dessert, because, let’s be honest, it would have been rude not to! We enjoyed a chocolate and cherry choux bun alongside a classic apple tarte Tatin, the perfect sweet ending to an absolutely incredible meal.

After our indulgent meal, we headed back to our room in a blissful food coma, ready for a much-needed night’s sleep in the most luxurious, comfortable bed.

The following morning, we enjoyed a lazy start with coffee in bed and a fresh croissant before heading down for breakfast. The hotel offers a range of continental options, from pastries and homemade crumpets to cereal and yogurt, as well as cooked dishes from the menu. We opted for the full English and avocado on toast with poached eggs, which was the perfect start to our day.

Back in the room, we enjoyed a relaxing soak in the bath before having to, sadly, check out. These few days were honestly some of the most relaxing we’ve had, and I cannot recommend The Painswick, its wonderful staff, and incredible food enough if you’re looking for a getaway in the Cotswolds.

A huge thank you to everyone for making our stay so special, and we hope to see you again soon!