Image: Dex Jones

Review:  Dex Jones

The Eastbury Hotel is located in the historic Abbey town of Sherborne, Dorset, with all 22 individuality styled bedrooms boasting quality furnishings and fabrics with no expense spared by the relatively new owners Mr & Mrs De Savary. This former gentleman’s townhouse is a classic example of the architecture and opulence of the Georgian era, built in the 18th century it is characterised by its’ symmetry and proportion. The hotel has been awarded gold accolades, both for the hotel and restaurant in the Taste of the West Awards 2019.

 

Upon arrival at the hotel, we were greeted in the lobby by the very polite receptionist and our check-in was seamless. We were shown to our room named Yew Tree, which is an annexe at the rear of the hotel across the courtyard from the bar, restaurant and garden area.

Image: Dex Jones

We were told the Yew Tree room was the owners’ favourite and we could clearly see why with the grand four-poster bed dressed in crisp, white Egyptian cotton bedding, and traditional drapes.

“The four-poster bed in today’s terms conjures sumptuous luxury, but the drapes served a very different purpose in the past, keeping cold draughts out and providing privacy, as in many occasions the servants would bed down in the same room as the master of the house.”

The French double doors opened out into a small private walled patio area with garden furniture and a central water feature.

The two AA Rosette restaurant, Seasons, spans out over two levels; the lower level is the conservatory area bathed in ambient lighting from Fishermen Pendant wall lights creating an intimate dining experience. Executive Chef Matthew Street and his team have won multiple awards and are well known for using locally sourced ingredients, so with this in mind, we knew we were in for a culinary treat.  Following the signature amuse bouche and a cocktail in the bar we sat for dinner. To start I chose the leek and potato soup with freshly baked bread, followed by fresh fishcakes from the specials menu. My wife picked the Devon crab with cucumber, green apple, wasabi and dill oil to start, and for main had venison loin with salt-baked swede mash, spiced red cabbage, sage and almond pesto with a juniper jus. All the dishes were outstanding.

Following an extremely quiet and comfortable night’s sleep, breakfast included an array of cereals, pastries and fresh fruit along with a cooked menu of either full English, a vegetarian option, eggs and fresh kippers;  all presented in the same meticulous way as last night’s dinner at Seasons. Tea or coffee, fresh juices or water all available at the table. After a walk around the garden, we checked out and thanked everyone for a memorable stay.

 

The Eastbury Hotel is part of the de Savary international collection of unique and special inns and hotels.

The Eastbury Hotel – rooms from £195 B&B www.theeastburyhotel.co.uk 01935 813131 relax@theeastburyhotel.co.uk

 

Nearby Places to Visit: Sherborne Abbey

Sherborne Abbey is an impressive structure said to be the most beautiful of England’s parish churches, famously built by Sir Walter Raleigh in 1594, prior to his imprisonment in the Tower of London. so well worth a visit along with the old castle ruins dating back to the 12thcentury its’ beautiful grounds lovely for a picnic and walk.