Homewood

A ‘playful, quirky hotel’, in a traditional honey-stone building, Homewood is ‘full of eclectic eccentricity’. The beautiful grounds house animal hedge sculpture, reception has a plethora of clocks, and a seating area rows of copper kettles, while the dining room has a wall adorned with antique plates, another with dried flowers. ‘Sometimes it works, others it doesn’t,’ says a Guide insider. Part of Ian and Christa Taylor’s Kaleidoscope Collection (see Shortlist, The Bird, Bath), ‘it is, above all, fun’. Bedrooms are all different but even the cheapest ones have mood lighting, an espresso machine and luxury toiletries, while some suites have their own hot tubs. In Olio restaurant and on the terrace, ‘rather odd menus’ offer ‘pub classics such as excellent fish and chips alongside Mediterranean-influenced dishes, including grilled halloumi with lime and pomegranate’. Vegetable Wellington disappointed, but ‘the 
glass dining pods looked fun’. ‘The spa is a highlight’, with its outdoor heated pool and hot 
tub. ‘The complimentary pantry with jars of sweets, soft drinks and fresh milk was a nice touch.’ (CJ, JK, and others)