by Sometimes the only way to really unwind is to get away from London for a few relaxing days in the countryside. And instead of spending hours getting there, why not take a break at Coworth Park, a divine foodie haven just 40 minutes from London.
The only hotel in the UK with polo fields (you might spot a few polo-loving royals in the summer – it was a favorite of Harry and Meghan before they moved to the States), its signature Woven by Adam Smith restaurant also has a Michelin Star and Alone the drive on the M4 is well worth it.
The hotel is unique in that it’s idyllic for families, but also perfectly suited to adults looking for a quiet retreat, probably because the property is so sprawling.
Coworth Village would be a better way to describe the layout and ambiance, as the property consists of 35 quaint cottages, barns and outbuildings, all clustered around the stately main building. The activities are endless – from disc golf to tennis and croquet to cycling around the estate – but it’s also a great place to just take in the gorgeous views and read the Sunday papers by the fire. My favorite weekend hobby.
Steeped in history, Coworth House was built in 1776 for William Shepheard, a wealthy merchant of East Indian society. In the 18th century royalty such as the Princess and Prince of Wales and Queen Alexandra stayed here when visiting nearby Ascot races. In the 1980s, it was the land pile of Galen Weston, owner of Selfridges and Fortnum & Mason, who built the home’s first polo field. It opened in 2010 as the lavish Dorchester Collection Hotel.
One of the main attractions is the Michelin-starred Woven restaurant, run by chef Adam Smith, who was appointed Executive Chef at Restaurant Coworth Park in 2016, returning from his role as Executive Chef at The Devonshire Arms. Smith previously worked under Executive Chef John Williams at The Ritz, rising from Second Commis to Executive Sous Chef. In 2012 he was recognized by the Observer Food Monthly Young Chef of the Year and won the Roux fellowship, with Michel Roux Senior calling him a “one to watch”.
At Woven, Smith weaves stories from his childhood with fine, locally sourced, sustainable organic products. The restaurant showcases the best of Britain’s produce, from fresh seafood to locally-picked mushrooms, hand-picked herbs and native flowers. Each dish on the seasonally changing menus tells a story, and all of those stories come together to create an exceptional dining experience.
The meal begins with five cleverly created “snacks,” ranging from caviar in pastries, to lollipop chicken skewers in a crispy, deliciously sweet batter, to spring lamb with mint wrapped in cucumber, goat’s cheese with dill, basil, and kohlrabi, and for the brave eaters, eel in cream of basil soup, followed by a palate cleanser of cream of avocado and mint balls. Then, for the piece de la Resistance, the most heavenly breadbasket imaginable, with a pillow-soft Cardoman brioche with estate honey, dreamy cheese croissants, Armenian flatbread with flaxseed and sourdough, all with various interesting creative dips.
Next for me (guests can choose from three to four options for each course), stuffed morels, Cornish turbot with truffles and baby leeks, then a clever selection of cheeses, handpicked from the truly impressive cheese room.
Service is attentive, informative, and discreet — and it’s charming how enthusiastic everyone at the hotel is about the restaurant (be prepared to tell everyone you meet what your favorite dish was!).
Aside from Woven, a main draw is the spa, with a well-equipped gym, heavenly relaxation areas, and a pool that plays underwater music. Treat yourself to a massage with star masseur Shevon. She’ll pummel you with her signature Ishga products until those strains and strains from your life in the city are a distant memory.
The starting price for rooms is £545. Lunch at Woven is £80pp/£65pp with wine pairing, dinner £130pp/£80pp with wine pairing. ascot/coworth-park/”>dorchestercollection.com
