Burleigh Court is a boutique hideaway hotel with a 2 AA Rosette restaurant in The Cotswolds. The picturesque setting overlooks the ‘Golden Valley’ near Stroud from the front entrance and terrace at the hotel. The building’s regal stature and breathtaking views instantly make you feel like you’ve stepped onto a film set for a Pride & Prejudice remake. However, Mr Darcey did not appear on horseback for us this time…

Stepping into the entrance hall you’re greeted by a friendly face at the unassuming front desk, to the left you have a cosy bar area complete with all the drinks and spirits one could wish for, and past the front desk, you have the drawing room where you can relax, read a paper or enjoy a drink from the bar before your dinner reservation. The interiors have been sympathetically renovated and refreshed to enhance the glorious Georgian period that they came from originally. The Georgian period was my favourite for architecture so I was delighted to step into Burleigh Court and find high ceilings, intricate cornice detailing and the panelled drawing room.

Although we arrived on a Tuesday and expected it to be quiet, we did wonder if there was anyone but us at the hotel to begin with. We kicked off our stay with a stroll around the garden and a chilled glass of rose in the drawing room, where from around 5.30 pm locals started to trickle in and be seated before being shown their menus and then taken to their tables.

The restaurant had traditional floor-to-ceiling wood panelling and walls were adorned with antique hunting and horse paintings befitting of the area and setting. The dinner service was conducted by a young waitress and waiter who were both seemingly no older than 18 years old but to their credit, they managed the restaurant smoothly and without even the slightest look of panic between them.

Unfortunately for a self-confessed foodie, I actually happen to be coeliac, so visiting restaurants can often be dull and uninspiring. On this occasion, the hotel staff and waiter/s had perfectly memorised what I could and couldn’t have from the menu, and on appearance, they were able to make nearly any dish gluten-free which was a relief for me after a long day travelling.

To start, my guest indulged in a warm home-baked bread roll before we tried the pig cheek starter, I had the blue cheese mouse with apple and celeriac paired with crunchy toasted walnuts. To follow, I had the chicken ballotine with creamy mash, gravy, and carrots. This dish was like a hug on a plate! So warming, tasty and homely. My guest indulged in the beef loin and jus which was also cooked to perfection. We opted for a bottle of Provence rose to share with our meal but the wine list was extensive and had something for everyone, at every budget.

To finish we shared a cornflake pannacotta and a cheese plate accompanied by gluten-free biscuits! What a nice touch.

Back to our room for a relatively early night, we hopped into the sumptuous king-size four-poster bed and popped on the tv. The interiors in the bedroom again had been renovated recently but you still felt like you were staying in a traditional period property. The bed was extremely comfortable, a total must. The room had all the amenities you could wish for, but if you’re looking for views do make sure that you request a room overlooking the front of the property.

Breakfast at Burleigh Court Hotel was definitely not one to miss. Our charming waitress came quickly to take hot drinks orders from the table. We then helped ourselves to a modest but tasty and perfectly adequate continental breakfast of fruits, yoghurts, cereals and pastries. Opting for a cooked option to, we both had scrambled eggs, avocado and toast. It’s maybe a bit fussy but I honestly think that breakfast is fundamental in a hotel and I was delighted with the quality of my breakfast both in taste, quantity and for how quickly and freshly it had obviously been prepared.

If you’re planning an upcoming stay, I hear that they are planning to increase their focus on using produce from the kitchen garden within the menu and are looking at introducing a ‘Learn to Kitchen Garden’ course with their Kitchen Gardener and Foraging Expert Emanuelle, who currently grows herbs, salads, and vegetables in the Burleigh grounds which are provided to the restaurant to be incorporated into a range of dishes and cocktails.

It’s obvious that Burleigh Court is a family-run and owned establishment where care and thought are put into the fundamental basics like the service and the food quality which are arguably the most important things. It’s by no means a luxury getaway; the bathrooms need a bit of attention, and I would have loved to have seen some more British wines on the menu but as a reasonably-priced Cotswold location for either dinner or a stay, you would not be disappointed by booking here. My top tips for your stay are to book a room overlooking the view of the valley and to book a table by the window in the restaurant, where you’ll be treated to exceptional views!

Burleigh Court is a boutique hideaway hotel with a 2 AA Rosette restaurant in The Cotswolds. Room only stays are priced from £139 per night. Dinner, bed and breakfast packages are available too. To book a stay at Burleigh Court, please call 01453 883 804 or visit www.burleighcourtcotswolds.co.uk.