New Boutique Country Hotel In The Cotswolds: Wild Thyme & Honey

Following an extensive renovation of a historic property, a new boutique country hotel and pub has opened in the scenic Cotswolds, not far from historic Cirencester and just over an hour by train from London (nearest train station is Kemble). Surrounded by stunning countryside, Wild Thyme & Honey and The Crown pub and dining room have been transformed from a 16th-century inn into a charming boutique hotel and restaurant. While being run as an independent boutique hotel, Wild Thyme and Honey is owned by Red Lion Holdings a newly formed pub investment group, led by entrepreneurs Jason Myers and David Ramsey. The duo also own and manage award-winning boutique inns, The Cricketeers on the Green and The Kings Arms, Egham.

The hotel setting is on the banks of a peaceful brook in the classic Cotswolds village, Ampney Crucis. Wild Thyme & Honey has 24 charming bedrooms and suites designed in a calming palette of soft greys and rich creams. Exposed golden Cotswolds stone, timber cladding and lovely views provide a charming rustic feel. There’s a nice walk past the church, right on the doorstep while the pretty villages of Bibury, Burford and Tetbury are all within easy reach.

The suites have freestanding baths in the bedrooms and views over the bubbling brook. The top suite, No. 3 London Road, has its own living room, private deck with sauna and hot tub. All rooms have the English brand, Bramley bath products, king size beds, Nespresso machines and a welcome decanter of sloe gin. Dog-friendly rooms are also available.

The public areas include a spacious lounge with comfy sofas and chairs and a rustic internal courtyard, which has cosy tables and chairs covered with sheepskin rugs and a fireplace as its centre-piece.

Eat & Drink

The Crown pub in the hotel has already become a destination restaurant, serving superb modern British seasonal, farm-to-table menus inspired by the Cotswolds surroundings. The focus is on top quality meats, fish and vegetables, sourced as locally as possible. The menu includes hearty dishes such as Old Gloucester Tomahawks and sharing ribeyes on a Robata Grill, as well as classics like prawn cocktail with shaved fennel and pickled apple and crème brulée. Other popular mains include twelve-hour braised pork belly, cote-de-bœuf, and garam masala marinated lamb. Starters include smoked ham hock and cheddar croquettes, grilled flatbreads with salt baked beetroot and goats cheese and crispy duck and watermelon salad.

Dining options are plentiful, including private rooms upstairs, The Hide and The Eaves or alfresco, beside the babbling brook in three clear perspex hives.

To Do nearby

In the heart of the Cotswolds, country walks and visits to classic villages are a must when staying at Wild Thyme & Honey. Also, highly recommended is Cirencester, a fascinating town with Roman remains, including an amphitheatre and original Roman walls near the Abbey of St Mary. Cirencester Park, covering a sprawling 3,000 acres close to the town centre of Cirencester, is a lovely place to wander and picnic. There are markets, including an Antiques and Collectibles Market several days a week and lots of independent boutiques, cafes and pubs.

Double rooms at Wild Thyme & Honey are available from £150 per night.