When you first drive down to The Fish via the pretty village of Moreton-in-Marsh, it looks as though you have been dropped into some remote Tuscan village. The light was golden; rolling hills and cutesy villages filled the panorama, and there were even cypress trees swaying in the wind. Van Gogh, who? Reality however, sets in the moment you hit check in, and you are swiftly reminded you are indeed on the 500-acre Farncombe Estate in The Cotswolds. “Hello Mr Abrahams,” plus a good firm handshake and a nodding smile best summed up my enthusiastically British country bumpkin greeting from host Kelly.
The Fish, named after the hill it stands on, is an odd one in terms of layout. It’s part manor house over in the converted stables, part MDF Ikea (hello outdoor bar complete with fairy lights), and part luxury hideaway retreat. The latter is, unsurprisingly, its biggest asset, and where we were lodging for the night. Hidden away down a short path away from the rest of the boutique pad, a patchwork of “Hideaway Huts” scatters down the hill towards the forest. Ours for the night was called “Fairy,” which made the Thumbelina vibes even more apt. It’s fun, and dare I say, innovative in parts, especially for wishy washy romantic weekend types.
In the huts, you’ll find all manner of coziness. A snug houses a lounger poppin’ with pillows and opposite the minibar, gloriously stocked with a bottle of Chablis, a wood fire. The bedroom? A glorious little space kitted out with a plush bed (skylight included) and a roll top bath that looks out onto the woodland. Outside, a cutesy swinging loveseat awaits alongside a ready-to-jump-in hot tub for two. It’s sort of Hygge with a smidge of Brittania. The only real downside is privacy. Get dressed in front of the wrong window, and chances are your fellow guests will see you completely starkers. At least they get a free show, I did.
Grub is a smart-casual affair at the restaurant Hook. There’s a real emphasis on classic British fare: steaks, chips, fresh caught fish and old-school desserts like sticky toffee pudding. It’s all on the heavy side and at times lacklustre, but highlights in the form of a Comte cheese soufflé and Cornish mussels drizzled in butter stood out from the rest. As for breakfast, the buffet is minimal. Yoghurt (thick, creamy and I will say delicious) and berries, plus pastries from croissants to pain au chocolat make an appearance, and if you want a calorie overload, the Fish Breakfast, AKA, a full English, hits the spot. Service? Personalised, to the point, and very friendly.
R&R comes in the form of long walks and drives. The most popular is a 30-minute jaunt down to the village of Broadway. Having been to this part of the world a few times, I skipped it but expect fields of gold (rapeseed) and poppies in between all the classic Cotswoldian stone houses. If you can’t be bothered to move, do as I did and drink wine in the hot tub. At 10 am. Why not? There is a “press for booze” intercom button after all.
Less a classic boutique hotel in formula, a lot must be said for The Fish’s ballsy attitude for doing things differently. It’s by no means a perfect hotel, and in parts it’s for sure a little rough in its design, with its sometimes questionable and random tabletop knick-knacks and childish totems. But its affordable, and does not come with the bank account-busting price tags like neighbours’ Soho Farmhouse et al. For that, it’s refreshing.
Top Takeaways
Location: Broadway, Cotswolds, England
Rating: Five-star
The vibe: Romantic weekenders meet a whole lot of kids and friends on holidays.
Food + Drink: Classic British with a bit of French flair here and there. It’s more skewed to fish, but there’s the odd meat and veggie option, too.
Amenities: Bar, restaurant, afternoon tea, gardens, hot tubs
Our Favourite Thing About the Hotel: It’s affordable, and in the Cotswolds, that is indeed, rare.
What’s Nearby? Lovely jubbly walks, sister hotel Dormy House and the lovely villages of Chipping Norton and Moreton-in-Marsh. Broadway and Bourton-on-the-Water are also worth a walk, too.
Any personal neighbourhood recs? Go on a walk. It’s the most English thing you can do. Plus, there will be millions of posh AF dogs to pet.
Rooms: 66
Pricing: From about 300 USD per night, including breakfast.
Closest Airport: London Heathrow
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