The Rectory Hotel: A Cotswolds Retreat with a Culinary Highlight
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HOTELS: A Homey Cotswolds Hotel with a New Restaurant Worth the Trip Alone
With a buzzed-about new chef taking the helm at The Rectory, Alice Reynolds checks in to give the menu a try. Tuesday 03 March 2026 16:04 GMT.
The Rectory Hotel sits in the quaint Cotswolds village of Crudwell, offering a boutique stay that is effortlessly cool and features an exceptional restaurant.
Location and Surroundings
Originally built as the residence for the rector of All Saints’ Church in Crudwell and his 14 children, this Grade II listed house became a hotel in 2017. The Rectory is nestled in the peaceful village of Crudwell in the south of the Cotswolds in Wiltshire. The nearest station is Kemble, which is seven minutes from the hotel by taxi and a 70-minute train journey from London Paddington.
Crudwell boasts winding country lanes, honey-hued houses, the pretty church, the Potting Shed Pub (owned by The Rectory), and the separate family-run pub and hotel, Pettifers. The market town of Cirencester is a 20-minute drive away, offering independent shops and restaurants woven into its cobbled streets, the largest parish church in England, Church of St. John the Baptist, to marvel at, and numerous markets including the historic Charters Market on Mondays and Fridays.
Other notable attractions include Malmesbury Abbey, less than 10 minutes away, and Westonbirt National Arboretum, a 15-minute drive.
The Vibe and Atmosphere
The hotel exudes grand Regency-era style with sweeping corridors, lofty ceilings, and buckets of character. The drawing room is an effortlessly cool place to hang out, featuring plush velvet furnishings, teal walls with striking abstract art, and soft background music from artists like Fred Again.
Friendly, attentive staff light the fire as you settle into the drawing room, enhancing the cozy ambiance. The spacious dining room flows into a light-filled restaurant extension that is exquisitely decorated yet feels laid-back. There is no sense of being rushed away from your table after meals, with families playing board games and couples chatting long after service has ended.
The moody hotel bar, tucked away behind the restaurant, sets an elegant tone for the evening. Outside, the hotel's pretty grounds feature a pond framed by meticulously clipped topiary, which is the focal point in winter, while a heated swimming pool takes centre stage between May and October.
Service and Amenities
Friendly, attentive staff offer seamless and thoughtful service, such as lighting the fire upon arrival. The bartender is knowledgeable and deft at making any cocktail, with a menu focusing on classic recipes while allowing room for exploration—guests can try their first Pisco Sour, for instance.
A sweeping staircase with twisted balusters and a polished mahogany handrail leads to 15 bedrooms in the main house. Rooms come in four sizes from "large" to the "little one," each with boutique charm featuring pastel textiles, antique furniture, and patterned wallpaper. Classic FM drifting from a Roberts radio sets a soothing tone upon entry.
The bathrooms are a space to linger in, with Victorian roll-top baths, retro basins, flower-shaped glass lights, and full-sized Bramley products.
Food and Drink Experience
The hotel's new head chef is Damian Clisby, who previously headed up London restaurant Petersham Nurseries. He has crafted an exquisite menu that pays homage to local suppliers and produce, offering full-bodied flavours and hearty portions. Dishes include a mean beef Sunday roast with generous slices of meat, carrots cooked in beef fat, and a show-stopping Yorkshire pudding, as well as a vegetarian option of spiced chickpeas, pumpkin, and apricot bastilla with labneh.
Breakfast is an elevated affair with sourdough toast, honey glazed ham, pastries, and Bloody Mary's laid out buffet-style, plus an enticing a la carte menu with dishes like Turkish eggs and eggs Benedict. There is also a cooked breakfast with veggie or meat options.
For stays longer than one night, consider dining at The Potting Shed, which offers a classic menu of pub fare brimming with local produce, such as wild mushroom mac and cheese and a twice-baked Double Gloucester souffle.
Facilities and Policies
The Rectory is designed to make guests feel at home with a drawing room, dining room, and bar available at leisure. Between May and October, the heated pool is open to all guests. A thoughtful welcome pack highlights local attractions and lovely walks starting from the front door.
Accessibility: There is no lift or adapted rooms at the hotel.
Pet Policy: Guests are permitted to bring dogs for £30 a night in designated rooms. Furry friends are welcome in communal areas, the reception lounge, drawing room, and bar, as well as on a lead by the pool. Dog treats and beds can be provided.
Check-in/Check-out: Check-in is from 3pm, check-out is at 11am.
Family-Friendly: Rooms are best suited to couples and friends, while the comfortable cottage is ideal for families with older children, featuring three bedrooms, a living room with a fireplace, and a kitchen.
At a Glance
- Best thing: The hotel's restaurant is worth the trip alone.
- Perfect for: Celebrations such as anniversaries, birthdays, or weddings.
- Not right for: Families with young children due to lack of facilities.
- Instagram from: The gardens with a view of the church over the hedgerow.
Book now at Crudwell, Wiltshire SN16 9EP, phone +44 (0) 1666 577194, website therectoryhotel.com.
