Russell's of Broadway
Broadway, Cotswolds, UK
A stylish restaurant-with-rooms, set in an utterly charming Cotswold village
Honey-coloured buildings glow in the evening sun; the village green
is immaculately clipped and dogs are basking on its warmth. This is
England at its most glorious, most picturesque - and all we can
think is, why don't we live here? The main street stretches up in
front and within seconds Russell's appears on the left-hand side.
Outside, cushioned garden benches sit under vast white umbrellas
and and the flagged patio leads straight into the attractive
restaurant.
The former showroom of Sir Gordon Russell's furniture, the ground
floor is roomy, light and filled with dining tables. Crisp white
linens and a well-stocked wine wall set the tone; it's elegant but
laid-back and the staff are warm and chatty. Out the back is an
alfresco eating area, upstairs are the 7 rooms. These,
owner Andrew explains, are not the main focus, but they're gorgeous
nonetheless. Oak four-poster beds, exposed stone walls, chenille
sofas and silk cushions. But don't get too comfy:
dinner
awaits downstairs and it's even better...
Reviewed by Liz Simpson
Last updated 13 January 2012
Highs
- First-class food: local produce cooked to melt-in-the-mouth perfection
- Owners Barry and Andrew have over 50 years of experience in the hotel industry between them
- The attention to detail: clothes hangers are padded, drawers are lined with lavender paper and there's a box of pashminas in a range of colours should you get chilly of an evening
- The historical building: Sir Gordon Russell's furniture was the inspiration for Sir Terence Conran and 2 of Russell's pieces are still displayed here
- There's a really nice blend of guests, from locals to honeymooners, minor celebs to hikers
- Romantics will love Room 7, with its sumptuous bed and jacuzzi bath for 2
Lows
- Some ground-floor rooms are a bit dark
- The alfresco dining area is slightly overshadowed by the Budgens supermarket behind it. However, this does provide free parking!
- It's certainly not cheap - but it's well worth a special occasion splurge
- Broadway and the surrounding villages are a real tourist trap
