Vegetarian friendly hotels
Rothay Manor
Ambleside
Jamie and Jenna Shail continue to make improvements to their 19th-century manor house.
Hambleton Hall - Autumn & Winter Breaks in Rutland
Oakham
‘Perfection to the very last detail,’ writes a reader this year, of Tim and Stefa Hart’s hotel with landscaped gardens stretching down to Rutland Water.
Chewton Glen - 4 Nights for the Price of 3 Special Offer
New Milton
After more than 50 years, this country house hotel and spa on the edge of the New Forest still sets the standard for luxury.
Jeake’s House - Midweek Winter Breaks
Rye
‘It’s a lovely place to stay, with great character and charm.’ Readers visiting Jenny Hadfield’s 17th-century B&B ‘as a little treat’ to celebrate an occasion in 2018 ‘were made to feel special and right at home’.
Soar Mill Cove Hotel - Summer Family Staycation Saver Special Offer
Salcombe
‘We couldn’t have enjoyed it more or been more welcome,’ write trusted Guide correspondents this year, after dropping by at Keith Makepeace’s long-established, family-run hotel with views across National Trust coastline to the open sea.
Gliffaes - Up to 30% Discount Spring Special Offer
Crickhowell
‘Wonderfully located’ above the River Usk, this Victorian former vicar’s house has a ‘timeless quality’.
Argyll Hotel - Early Autumn Special Offer
Iona
Iona Sound, frescoed with gently bobbing boats, provides a tranquil outlook for the row of crofters’ cottages that form this ‘amazing little hotel’.
Bedruthan Hotel and Spa - Complimentary Spa Garden Special Offer
Mawgan Porth
In a hillside location with ‘stunning sea views’, this supremely family-friendly hotel has something for everyone – indeed, everything for everyone.
Cliveden House - Three for Two Short Break
Taplow
Having hosted everyone from Chaplin to Churchill, this ‘superbly refurbished’ Italianate mansion seduces visitors with the prospect of ‘luxurious country house living’.
Pen-y-Dyffryn - Up to 15% Discount & Complimentary Afternoon Tea Special Offer
Oswestry
‘We always look forward to staying.’ Miles and Audrey Hunter’s ‘tranquil’ small hotel on the Welsh border received a flurry of praise from new and regular visitors this year.
The Manor Town House
Fishguard
The Pembrokeshire Coastal Path runs through the valley below the rear garden terrace of Helen and Chris Sheldon’s Georgian town house in this market town between the Preseli hills and the cliffs of Strumble Head.
Widbrook Grange - £199 per room Sunday Special Offer
Bradford-on-Avon
Set in 11 acres of Wiltshire countryside near Bradford-on-Avon, this 18th century Georgian farmhouse is ‘genuinely rustic in decor’, say inspectors, earning it a full Guide entry this year.
Glenfinnan House Hotel - Three nights for Two Special Offer
Fort William
Built for a veteran of Culloden and remodelled in Victorian times, Jane MacFarlane’s stone mansion stands in a breathtaking situation on the shores of Loch Shiel, with views of Ben Nevis and the Glenfinnan Monument.
Drakes - 'Romantic Stay and Dine Getaway in Brighton' Special Offer
Brighton
‘Exquisite’ was the verdict of a regular reader on a belated return visit to this ultra-chic hotel on the resort’s Regency seafront.
Seaham Hall - 'Dine and Dream' Special Offer
Seaham
Steeped in history, this ‘wonderfully civilised’ coastal Georgian mansion combines ‘style, luxury and high standards’.
Beech House & Olive Branch - Midweek Break Special Offer
Clipsham
‘We collected the room key from a young lady dressed in the uniform of checked shirt and jeans. Everyone was so cheerful, I assumed something humorous had taken place.’
Bank House - £99 per rooms D,B&B Sunday Stopover Special Offer
King's Lynn
Jeannette and Anthony Goodrich’s investment has reaped a rich return, converting a former bank – albeit one in a Georgian Grade II* listed town house admired by Sir Nikolaus Pevsner – into a ‘very attractive’ boutique hotel.
St Brides Spa Hotel - Sunday Sea View Special Offer
Saundersfoot
‘The physical ambience and sea coast views are wonderful,’ write trusted readers, of this spa hotel overlooking bay and village on the Pembrokeshire coast.
Trigony House Hotel - Three Nights for Two Special Offer
Thornhill
In springtime, the drive up to Jan and Adam Moore’s 18th-century former sporting lodge is ‘lined with young trees in blossom, bulbs everywhere’.
Cedar Manor - Midweek Break Special Offer
Windermere
‘We arrived hungry and tired, and came away feeling relaxed, recharged and utterly spoiled.’ Visitors celebrating a special occasion in 2018 at Caroline and Jonathan Kaye’s ‘impressive’ small hotel ‘felt welcome from the moment we walked in’.
The Scarlet - 15% off Spa Treatments Special Offer
Mawgan Porth
While families whoop it up at sister hotel Bedruthan (previous entry), grown-ups enjoy the serenity at this adults-only hotel and spa.
Cary Arms & Spa - Half term holidays – Dog STAY and EAT FREE Special Offer
Babbacombe
At the end of a ‘precipitous, twisty descent’, ‘courageous’ visitors are rewarded with ‘unrestricted views and a genuine, good-humoured welcome’ at Lana de Savary’s ‘fabulously secluded’ cliff-face hotel.
Forss House - Free Bottle of Wine Special Offer
Thurso
Near the mainland’s northern tip, Ian and Sabine Richards’s Georgian mansion is surrounded by woodland and waterfall on the Forss river, a fishing hotspot.
The Crown
Stoke by Nayland
In the Stour valley, close to the Essex border, Richard Sunderland’s pub-with-rooms stands in the ‘village centre, surrounded by landscaped gardens, with views over lovely countryside’.
From £145 per night
Brownber Hall - 10% Discount Midweek Special Offer
Kirkby Stephen
Drawn by the possibilities for walking, climbing and cycling, ‘enthusiastic, hard-working’ Amanda Walker and Peter Jaques invite visitors to share in Dales living at their lovingly restored Victorian house.
Hotels not in the Guide that you may want to consider
Vegetarian friendly hotels
The Kensington
London
‘Conveniently located’ for museum-hoppers and shop-till-you-droppers, Victorian grandeur and traditional service are perfectly entwined at this elegant town house hotel in South Kensington (Doyle Collection).
Norton House Hotel
Swansea
The Walnut Tree Inn
Northampton
Convenient for Silverstone, the hotel once served as a stopover for Victorian railway travellers; high speed trains still run along its front. The restaurant is popular for rib eye steaks and seasonal menus. Bedrooms are straightforward; breakfasts are tasty. Music and comedy events are regularly held. On the outskirts of Blisworth, 6 miles from Northampton,
Grendon
Buxton
Wonderful views, luxury extras and home-baked treats – on a quiet road within walking distance of the town centre, this B&B in an Edwardian property has an immaculate modern interior and welcoming hosts.
Buckingham’s Hotel
Chesterfield
In the city known for its crooked spire, Nick and Tina Buckingham have created an unusual hotel/restaurant. It is managed by their daughters, Vicci and Emma; son Will is co-chef
From £70 per night
The White Star Tavern
Southampton
More than a century old, this former seafarers’ hotel is in a quaint street in the city’s historic maritime district. It takes its name from the famous shipping line. A Fuller’s pub, the bar stocks draught ales and a large selection of gins and wines. In the panelled dining room, menus of classic fare are served for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Cosy, contemporary bedrooms are located on ‘decks’. Upper Deck rooms are the most spacious; bathrooms have a roll-top bath.
White Lodge B&B
Lewes
In secluded gardens and woodland, a low-built contemporary house with sun terraces and spacious accommodation overlooking acres of greenery. There’s an open plan lounge for relaxing, and Aga-cooked breakfasts served in the communal breakfast room. Five miles N of Lewes.
The Old Monmouth
Lyme Regis
Close to the sea front, a 16th-century house with a rich past, and a French-inspired light, airy interior. During summer months the whole house can be rented for up to 12 people.
Westwood Guest House
Lyme Regis
Worth the climb. This contemporary guest house is at the top of a hill with glorious views over Lyme Bay. Breakfast is taken in the light, airy conservatory or on a sunny terrace; bedrooms include a fridge with fresh milk and a laptop safe.
Charades Guest House
Hereford
There’s nothing pretend about the welcome at this Victorian villa. In a quiet conservation area, with a lovely park close by, it lies a short walk from the centre. Bedrooms mix period features and modern comforts; some have views over the city to the cathedral.
Somerville House
Hereford
A late-Victorian villa with a cosy guest lounge, bedrooms with contemporary features and a lovely terrace overlooking the enclosed garden. 20-minutes by foot to the centre.
Ullswater House
Pooley Bridge
In the village centre, with easy access to the lake and fells, David and Angela Beattie’s modern B&B is a great spot for walkers and cyclists – packed breakfasts and lunches can be provided, and secure storage is available.
The Admiral of the Humber
Hull
Handy for the train station, a modern Wethersppon pub with 22 large, comfortable rooms and an inviting rooftop terrace for sunny days. Food and drink can be ordered via the Wetherspoon app.
Seasons Guest House
Weymouth
On the seafront, several bedrooms at this small Georgian-fronted B&B give wonderful views over Weymouth bay. Takeaway fish and chips may be eaten in the dining room; days out can be planned in the welcoming lounge.
The Hatch Inn
Taunton
Elmdon Lodge
Birmingham
Woughton House – M Gallery
Milton Keynes
The Broadmead Boutique
Tenby
Chelsea House
Falmouth
Brook Farm B&B
Taunton
The New Inn
Reading
The Sally
Carlisle
Fern Lee Guest House
Carlisle
Close to the Hadrian’s Wall Path, this B&B in a Victorian house is a useful stopover for weary walkers. Comfortable bedrooms are equipped with tea- and coffee-making facilities and a cooling fan for warm weather. Guests start the day with a fine breakfast; the welcoming hosts suggest where to eat in the evening. Near a busy road, rooms at the back are quieter. The city centre, train and bus stations are a 10-minute walk away.
Treetops B&B
Fort William
Built in the style of an alpine chalet, the spacious bedrooms in this modern building have glorious views of Ben Nevis. B&B guests start the day with a noteworthy Scottish breakfast. A great base for discovering the area, by foot, kayak or bicycle, the knowledgeable hosts are on hand with helpful tips on places to visit and where to eat nearby. There are excellent transport links to Fort William, 3 miles away.
Glentower Lower Observatory
Fort William
From the summit of Ben Nevis, gale warnings for ship owners and skippers were once transmitted to this distinctive Victorian building. Today, it is a serene B&B, with spacious bedrooms, many with stunning views of Loch Linnhe and the Ardgour Hills. Scottish breakfasts (porridge with a dash of whisky or lashings of cream; scrambled eggs with local smoked salmon) are served in a light-filled room overlooking tranquil gardens and the loch. A packed lunch may be pre-ordered; for early risers, a packed breakfast. The town is a short walk away.
Hotels in glencoe
Hotels in Port appin
Hotels in Scottish Highlands
Hotels in ObanWorld class sommeliers and Michelin star vegetarian restaurants
Gastronomy is such an important part of the hotel experience, a joyful part of travel that has so many facets and possibilities for execution that it almost falls into the category of entertainment. It is an opportunity for socialising and cementing the experience of that hotel from the service to the presentation and ultimately the quality of the food. It is a sensory experience that informs your whole appreciation of the place, and frequently the part around which your day is built.
Where once vegetarian options were relegated to a corner of the menu, they are fast becoming some of the most popular dishes available. They are proving a new area of opportunity for hotels and chefs to prove their creativity and culinary expertise, particularly as the quality of ingredients and their local and organic credentials become ever important in an over processed world.
Thankfully there is a wide range of hotels that shine in this area, giving us the best of the best when distilling them down to a collection. Hambleton Hall is known for its sense of luxury across all areas of hospitality. Set in beautiful grounds, its Michelin starred chef rises to all culinary challenges and is highly praised for his modern dishes.
Hotel TerraVina is another culinary joy, although perhaps that should not come as a surprise under the golden ownership of a world-class sommelier and a former hotel inspector. The Whitebrook has a reputation that precedes it of course, the unassuming Monmouthshire restaurant with rooms with another Michelin star chef that uses bounty from the Wye valley including foraged pennywort, hedge bedstraw and nasturtium tubers, all of which make for an exciting menu for any guest.