The Miller of Mansfield
Goring on Thames, near Reading
An idyllic village setting, an ivy-covered inn and 12 seriously sexy rooms
This place is pure love-in territory. Think sumptuous beds,
sensuous sheepskin rugs, snuggly towelling robes, soft lighting and
bathtubs for 2. It's no surprise that Red Magazine voted it one of
the sexiest hotels in the UK - or that 2 guests stayed in their
room for 72 hours straight!
An 18th-century inn set in the tiny village of Goring on Thames,
it's a great base for exploring the Thames Valley, then relaxing in
style. Sink into leather armchairs by open fires, drink wine in the
terrace garden or make the most of your boudoir. Each of the 12
rooms is decorated very differently, and in a medley of
colour. Some have vintage 60s floral furnishings, others fuchsia
walls or Cole & Son statement wallpaper. Philippe Starck
perspex chairs and Graham & Green chandeliers blend perfectly
with antique wooden furniture and Persian rugs; the ensuite
bathrooms are full of REN toiletries. Yes, it's expensive for pub
accommodation but it's gloriously tarted up and full of character:
we loved it.
Reviewed by Liz Simpson
Last updated 14 May 2012
Highs
- First-class food - both pub-grub and refined restaurant
- Although this is predominantly a romantic bolthole, you wouldn't feel uncomfortable with a friend or even on your own
- Lots of nooks and crannies to grab a quiet drink with your partner
- Supersized luxury touches: kingsize beds, massive rain showers and the deepest bathtub I've ever seen
- A perfect lazy weekend getaway: romantic meals, Pimms by the water, walks by the Thames and boat rides in the sun
Lows
- There have been some mixed reviews about the service, but on our most recent visit in 2012 we found the staff to be attentive and genuinely friendly
- Only 3 parking spaces, but there's lots of parking in the village itself, and a cheap car park close by
- Rooms can look a little tired - scuffs and scrapes - and some may find the bathrooms a little too beige compared to the colourful bedrooms
- On summer evenings the terrace chatter can travel - although only until 11ish
- The Small Doubles are small, but they are priced accordingly
