Is The Bath Priory The Prettiest Hotel In The South West?

Some hotels take time to win you over; others captivate you the instant you arrive. Bath Priory belongs firmly in the latter camp. Approached via a leafy residential lane just minutes from the centre of the historic spa town, this honey-coloured Georgian residence makes an immediate impression with its tall sash windows and handsome, ivy-clad facade.

The hotel takes its name from the land’s original owner, the priory of Bath Abbey. Built as a private residence in the late Regency era – just two years before Queen Victoria’s accession – it became a small hotel in 1969. It was later acquired by the Brownsword family, who now run it as part of their collection of luxury boutique hotels, and has been extended with a series of adjoining buildings. But this sprawling residence retains its intimacy; there are just 33 rooms, a small lobby and two lounges with squishy sofas and armchairs, oil paintings, antiques and log fireplaces.

While the interiors are undeniably charming, Bath Priory’s most persuasive feature is actually hidden from view. Pass through the house and step onto the broad terrace, and the setting opens out onto unexpectedly expansive grounds. Four acres of mature, award-winning gardens – lovingly tended by Chelsea Flower Show Silver Medal winner Jane Moore – feature an ancient Cedar of Lebanon, Mulberries, Coast Redwoods and Chinese Pink Birch, as well as a host of beautiful flowers, forming a peaceful haven within the city.

The gardens also underpin the hotel’s recent success. Little more than a year ago, Bath Priory was awarded one Michelin Key, a mark of exceptional stays that, in this case, recognised the hotel’s in-house restaurant’s locally focused approach. Much of what appears on the menu at the Restaurant (which has been curated by head chef Jauca Catalin) is shaped by the kitchen garden, which grows everything from sweet French peas to Bright Lights chard and Cavolo Nero kale. 

And what a setting to enjoy it all in: the formal, white-tablecloth restaurant overlooks the gardens, and in the summer months the French doors are flung open, allowing guests to dine with the heady scent of herbs, views across the lawns and the sound of birdsong.

And while the formal restaurant is rightly celebrated, Bath Priory also understands the appeal of something more relaxed. The Pantry & Terrace offers a more informal alternative, ideal for lighter meals, leisurely lunches or a glass of wine in the sunshine. Overlooking the gardens, it has a laid-back feel that contrasts with the white-tablecloth experience indoors, yet still champions the same high-quality, locally led ingredients.

Back in the main restaurant, dinner began with an Orkney scallop, accompanied by confit tomato, soy and truffle vinaigrette, which was every bit as delicious as it sounds. The Wiltshire loin of lamb followed, with aubergine, kohlrabi, wild garlic and tapenade jus, before Valrhona Gianduja dark hazelnut chocolate with butterscotch and passion fruit for dessert.

Full and ready for sleep, we retreated to the Royal Suite. The rooms here range from traditional to recently refurbished contemporary spaces, and this suite – the most palatial of the options – felt more like an apartment, with two bedrooms (the second featuring a freestanding bathtub), bathroom and a separate living room with lofty corniced ceilings, original fireplace and antique furniture. Like the restaurant, it has the most beautiful views over the gardens, too, and an expansive wraparound terrace, meaning we could sip our morning coffee while enjoying the scenery.

The gardens are also where you’ll find The Garden Spa, and in something of a coup for Bath Priory, this is the only L’Occitane spa in the UK. Boasting a sauna, aroma steam room and indoor pool (as well as a heated outdoor pool, open from April to October, just beyond the hotel’s croquet lawn), there is also an extensive treatment list offering a selection of massages, facial and body treatments.

I opted for a Reset Face and Eyes Facial. My therapist, Emma, used the anti-aging ‘Immortelle’ range of products, including the Divine Cream, Precious Face Mask and Overnight Reset Eye Serum, and I emerged an hour later as if from a deep sleep, my face glowing.

In fact, our entire stay here left us that way. We checked out feeling relaxed, revived, and more than a little reluctant to leave.

C&TH KEY NOTES

–Don’t miss: The beautifully manicured rear gardens.

–Room to request: The Royal Suite – one of six palatial suites in the adjoining Linden building – with original period features.

–Best bit of the room: The wraparound terrace with views over the grounds.

–Must-do: Pay a visit to the L’Occitane spa.

–When to go: While this is a great place to stay all year round, spring and summer is when the gardens are at their best and the outdoor swimming pool is open for a dip.

THE LAST WORD

Bath Priory is a refined city hideaway with the feel of a country house estate. Come for the food and spa, stay for the gardens – they’re the true star of the show.

BOOK NOW

Double rooms at The Bath Priory start from £250 per night, including breakfast and access to the Garden Spa. thebathpriory.co.uk