THE HOTEL REVIEW: NO.15 Great Pulteney, Bath, UK
Review: Chloe English
Situated on the wonderfully grand Great Pulteney Street, a mere 5 minute walk from Bath city centre, No. 15 Great Pulteney showcases it’s fabulous Georgian Grade 1 listed charm, from its immaculate façade, to the immediately captivating interior.
We were welcomed on arrival and left our bags with the helpful receptionist as our room was not quite ready. We were offered a drink but decided to explore the town whilst the sun still showed promise. Before heading out we had a little look around the bar, lounge and bathrooms, every corner unearthing new curiosities and enchanting artwork. From the floor to ceiling chandelier in the bathroom, the modern canvases in the bar, to the kaleidoscope collection in the hallway- every inch of the hotel uncovers new surprises, whilst maintaining such a welcoming sense of calm. They have managed to create a gallery of curios that is not only luxurious but also so very homely, and exhibits the owner’s collections of antiques as well as locally commissioned pieces.
Bath is well known as an affluent spa city, with so much history and charm. There is no shortage of places to visit in this world heritage city, stepping over the Great Pulteney Bridge to the Roman Baths, The Abbey or the Royal Crescent; or even just taking in the city views with every building glowing in its golden coloured Bath-stone. It is difficult to believe that you are only a mere 90minutes from the bustling centre of London!
On returning to the hotel we were taken up to our room, the Henrietta Junior Suite, where our bags were waiting for us, and shown on route to ‘the larder’- a complimentary room filled with snacks and drinks. The room itself was perfect, with views from the great sash windows over Great Pulteney Street and beyond. The spectacular chandelier drew on the room’s vast ceiling and Georgian charm, with touches such as a dolls-house to house the tea and coffee facilities igniting the room with the intrigue held in the rest of the hotel. The beds were beyond comfortable, but my first port of call was the free standing bath, where the Bamford body products, ambient lighting, and super soft robes guaranteed the ‘spa feel’. A cup of No.15s own blended tea from a bone china cup and saucer, a blow dried hair-do courtesy of the Dyson hairdryer and I was ready to return downstairs for dinner and drinks.
The cocktail menu was an exciting take on ‘playing cards’, so we sifted through the pack and decided on two unusual takes on the classic G+T, which were served in gorgeous goblet wine glasses. Every table was a glass topped showcase of antique jewellery and accessories, and every wall covered with artwork both contemporary and antique. After cocktails we were taken downstairs to the restaurant where the waitress took over our care and ensured I enjoyed a very specific diet of ‘vegan and onion free’ a mix which is not usually handled with such courtesy and understanding! I was given plenty of choice and the food was delicious, especially when accompanied by such delightful wine and ambience. My guest enjoyed the cod brandade fritters with tomato and cumin vinaigrette to start, while I opted for the fresh tomato and basil soup and olive sourdough bread, perfectly complemented with crisp and fresh Fleur de Pays. For main course we both had the spinach pici pasta and roasted vegetables. The vibrant green pici pasta was too tempting for my meat eating friend to pass up on, despite the array of dishes on offer, however hers was all the more decadent with lashings of freshly shaved pecorino cheese. The exciting décor continued in the light and airy dining area, with an antique chemist’s shop unit lining the walls covered in apothecary bottles, very ‘Alice in Wonderland’.
After a long day of being pampered, the night’s sleep continued such a trend, and we awoke well rested. After a waterfall shower we were ready for breakfast back in the restaurant where I opted for some fresh fruits and muesli from the continental breakfast bar, and was topped up with fresh orange juice and earl grey tea. We were offered hot breakfast of choice from the menu, and again my veganism was well received and I enjoyed avocados on sourdough with mushrooms and spinach. My friend had an English breakfast and was in awe of the taste of the locally sourced ingredients.
Checking out was easy, they were yet again so warm and every bit the perfect hosts. If ever in Bath again I cannot imagine a more perfect place to indulge the senses, and with news of upcoming spa facilities this year it will be every bit worth the trip.
No.15 Great Pulteney
13-15 Great Pulteney St | Bath | BA2 4BS
Superior King Henrietta View – £149
Stays at No.15 Great Pulteney, Bath start from £110 per room per night based on two sharing on a B&B basis. To book http://no15greatpulteney.co.uk