The Rectory Hotel

I loved this place.

The hotel itself is elegant and restful with squishy jewel toned velvet sofas, big windows, interesting art and open wood fires in many rooms.

The dining room was twinkly with candlelight and surprisingly busy for a Tuesday night during school term time.

The chairs are comfy. It always surprises me how few people get the seating right but The Rectory has done so, so you can settle in for the evening in comfort. It’s surprising what a difference that makes!!!

And now to the food... warm, freshly baked bread (yes, actually freshly baked rather than just heated up) which was homemade on the premises, was a very promising start. It was DELICIOUS in that way that slightly makes you regret a big order because it was actually so good, I could have happily tucked into a basket full of it with a good bottle of red and come away happy.

My starter was a trout tartar. Heaven. Every mouthful was a sensation and I could (and will) go back and it eat again - and again. For me this was followed by a very good steak cooked by someone who actually understands the concept of ‘rare’ (which in itself is increasingly rare!) and served with good fries and bone marrow. It was delicious and I ate it all up with relish. The maple syrup cheesecake came next - this was a recommendation that I wouldn’t have chosen for myself, but I will in future. It was delicious, unbelievably light and the perfect finish to a big meal. We then had cheese. No idea how I fitted it in, but the selection was good and it came with amazing things to eat it with - I don’t know what they were (wafer cum biscuit cum flatbread sort of things) but they were scrummy and not too heavy. Somehow all the cheese got eaten too.

The wine was fabulous and decanted into an antique ships decanter. Very stylish. The choice of wine was varied with decent choices to suit different tastes, wallets and occasions.

Other things to note include the homemade shortbread in the room and the homemade custard creams that accompanied my morning coffee. Both were nothing short of a sensation. I loved the fact that my morning orange juice was served in a heavy cut crystal glass - it felt very opulent. The bar was also lovely, busy and vibey and the barman was not only very nice but very knowledgable with just the right touch of showman to make it fun.

I heartily recommend this place. I shall go again. Soon.

This is an outstanding restaurant. It is so good that I do not wish to end with a negative note. I shall therefore address my quibble at once. The Rectory was closed for refurbishment and the result is generally a happy one: there is more space and light. The paint colours are restful but with flair and a welcome touch of the unexpected. In short, it has been restored in a manner that is sensitive to its Georgian origins: the 18th Century was not coy about colour and was strong on space and light. There is perhaps too much of the "chic boutique" trappings that have been inflicted on so many previously charming country hotels. However, none of it jars and is generally in good taste. It has served, however, to make the restaurant, rather utilitarian and uninviting and this is something that a modern look certainly does not need to be. Worse, though, is the detriment to ambiance that comes from the choice of background music. Music with staccato beats and often screechy voices may have its place but is not conducive to a relaxed dinner with friends nor, probably, to good digestion. I strongly recommend either blissful silence so that one can chat with fellow guests or perhaps some well chosen classical music. Please. Quibble over, it is now time for well deserved praise. The food is imaginative and every dish is well conceived. As starters, the octopus carpaccio is both fresh and delicious, no mean feat when the Cotswolds is not known for its resident octopuses. The duck rillettes with plum and sourdough are an inspired combination. Similarly the hearty ham hock with an egg and grilled runner beans. The mains fulfill the enticing preview with so many excellent choices that I cannot pinpoint any in particular, including a chateaubriand for two and a lot of grilled wonders. Our family has but sampled their extensive list despite having made several visits. Desserts are delicious, although I confess to an addiction to the chocolate marquise and the Florentine doughnuts in creme Chantilly. My wife swears by their apple and maple syrup cheesecake and justifiably so. I stole a big spoonful of it. A good wine list has been chosen well and has something for everyone. The food is complemented by attentive and friendly service by local young people who know precisely what they are doing and do it with great confidence. Outstanding, and they add enormously to the experience. The Rectory Restaurant contradicts the axiom that hotels, let alone country hotels, do not have particularly good restaurants. This is a restaurant to visit again and again for a delicious, extensive, and imaginative menu. The Cotswolds is a beautiful part of England, and one repeatedly to enjoy. So, fittingly, is The Rectory Restaurant. Congratulations to all concerned.