The entirety of England might currently be in lockdown, but that doesn’t mean that I can’t live vicariously through my camera roll. Last January, my boyfriend took me to the village of Broadway in the Cotswolds for a weekend getaway, and I still can’t stop thinking about it. The Cotswolds is a magical place to visit because of its rolling hills and picture-perfect villages. Every honey-colored building is picturesque. And while each town of the Cotswolds has its own flavor, they all share a similar aesthetic. I could walk around these quaint villages all day. If you are planning to visit for the weekend, here were some of my favorite spots.
The Broadway Hotel
Located in the heart of Broadway, The Broadway Hotel is ideally situated for exploring the Cotswolds. The hotel has nineteen individually styled bedrooms that exude traditional English charm. Our room was memorable to me because the headboard featured an ornate equestrian fabric with matching pillows. The staff was accommodating, the room was immaculate, and I slept like a baby in our exceptionally comfortable bed. I would highly recommend staying at The Broadway Hotel if you visit the Cotswolds. Oh, and if you’re planning to bring a furry friend with you, The Broadway Hotel is pet-friendly too!
Tattersalls Brasserie
The Tattersalls Brasserie is an award-winning restaurant at The Broadway Hotel which offers remarkable dishes that showcase local ingredients. Upon walking into the restaurant, I immediately felt relaxed. Every chair had a decorative, plush pillow and oversized planters with beautiful greenery lined the center of the room. The quality of the food was exceptional, the staff was helpful, and the food presentation was beautiful. I ordered the Herefordshire Beef. The smoked potato mash and bordelaise sauce added a rich flavor to the slow-cooked beef that melted in my mouth. For dessert, we split the Sticky Toffee Pudding, which is one of my favorite English treats. Wine lovers can enjoy The Tattersalls’ extensive wine collection as well.
The Crown and Trumpet
The Crown and Trumpet is a cozy pub located just around the corner from The Broadway Hotel. The dining area is small but full of character with traditional décor, ornate rugs and an open fire. The menu features your standard pub fare and great beers on tap. The Crown and Trumpet owner is very welcoming, and it is evident that he is proud of this establishment. This is a great place to grab a pint or a meat pie after an afternoon exploring the village.
The Lygon Arms
While the Lygon Arms may be primarily known as a four-star hotel, we visited the establishment to escape the cold and enjoy some cocktails. The lounge at The Lygon Arms is warm and inviting. The space features a variety of ornate fireplaces and large leather couches covered in stylish pillows. Come here to enjoy an afternoon tea, a glass of Veuve, or one of the many delicious cocktails on their bar menu. Looking back, I wish we had booked an afternoon tea here. I couldn’t help but ogle the fluffy scones and sweet cakes delivered to the table next to us. If you are craving some laidback luxury, The Lygon Arms is the place to be.
Tisanes Tearooms
Since I consider myself a tea connoisseur, I made a point to pop into Tisanes right before we left the village of Broadway. Tisanes is an adorable little tearoom that features a superb variety of leaf teas and freshly ground coffees, as well as an extensive range of preserves, marmalades, chutneys, and jellies. I bought myself a variety pack of English teas, but patrons can also enjoy a sit-down breakfast or lunch (gluten-free options are available). I loved the old-world charm of Tisanes. After visiting, I learned that the Tisanes Tea Rooms occupy a 17th century stone building. In the summer, guests can enjoy a bite to eat outside in their garden.