That evening we dined at The Potager, the on-site restaurant, where I had a fillet steak so exquisite it could rival London’s top steak restaurants. You can also dine across the road at the hotel’s sister restaurant, The Village Pub.
The Potager avoids complex flavours and frilly platings, instead, serving gourmet comfort food that is just about as fresh as it gets, half the produce having been grown right in the hotel’s very grounds or sourced from a nearby farm, maybe even next door.
The fillet steak I ordered had been reared in a farm not far from Barnsley. The meat was rich, succulent and fell apart at my fork, the sherry-infused peppercorn sauce a mere distraction (as delicious as it was). Sides included fluffy, roughed-up chips and battered onion rings, without a smidgen of oil. My partner chose the Venison Haunch, complimented by a haggis croquette. It too was faultless, offering rich, meaty flavours.
The Potager has all the attentiveness of a Michelin-starred restaurant minus the faff. In the midst of enjoying a cocktail at the bar we were late for our table.
This was no problem for the restaurant, our waiter simply took our order from us at the bar and gave us a gentle nudge to come through once he spotted our empty glasses.
With a natural white and green colour scheme and cleverly placed mirrors, The Potager feels relaxed and elegant. In the summer the French doors are opened for you to dine with a view of the landscaped gardens. Heavenly.
The spa at Barnsley House is tucked away at the bottom of the garden. It’s petite and has everything you need for an afternoon of undisturbed ‘you’ time.
You’ll feel close to nature with Cotswolds stone, fresh bouquets and garden herbs all incorporated into the spa.
Unwind in the Herbivarium, with a sauna and steam room filled with aromatic herbs. Or sit back in the heated outdoor hydrotherapy pool, breathe in the fresh air and enjoy countryside views for as far as you can see.
Therapists are quietly on hand when you need them, subtly keeping the spa in check without any fuss.
I booked in for the Superfood Pro-Radiance treatment, a detoxifying facial that left my skin glowing for days afterwards. The whole experience was lovely and personalised. My therapist explained the treatment before we got started and tailored it to my skin. She even took my music request.
As well as some of the UK’s best country walks, there is lots to keep you entertained at Barnsley House.
Staff will happily arrange tennis matches at the nearby courts, complimentary movie screenings in their private cinema, clay pigeon shooting, hot air balloon rides – even a sitter for your dog.
With all the intricacies of a boutique hotel and the grandeur of a country estate, Barnsley House one staycation worth splashing out on.
Barnsley House – How and Where?
Barnsley House is located at Barnsley, Cirencester GL7 5EE. Bedrooms start at £209 based on two people sharing and that includes breakfast, use of the spa, service and VAT.
For bookings or to find out more, call 01285 740000, email [email protected] or visit www.barnsleyhouse.com.
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