The Royal Crescent Hotel in Bath is nothing short of legendary, located in two of the grandest terraced houses in the world and one of the most important architectural sites in England. The Crescent was designed and built by John Wood the Younger between 1767 and 1774 for nobility in search of a residence whilst taking the restorative spa waters (the perils of gout) and enjoying the city’s fashionable ‘season’.
Located at the centre of the Crescent, the hotel was once the private residence of the famous literary hostess, early feminist and social reformer, Elizabeth Montagu. She established the notable Blue Stocking movement and once said, “I never invite idiots to my house”, counting Dr. Johnson among her friends, who nicknamed her ‘Queen of the Blues’. She described the property’s aspect enthusiastically, “the beautiful situation of the Crescent cannot be understood by any comparison with anything in any town whatsoever.”
Today, many of the hotel’s guest rooms are named after historical figures and despite coming under new management several times, each owner has taken a particular pride in the property’s fascinating past. Having first become a guest house in 1950, number 15 and number 16 were later combined to become a fully fledged luxury hotel in 1971. Most recently, in 2012 the Topland Group purchased the hotel and carried out an extensive yet sympathetic refurbishment programme.
A Grade I listed building, the glorious honey-coloured Georgian stone façade you first see looks much the same as it would have originally, save for elusive-looking shrubbery covering the entrance which helps to dissuades tourists from wanting to have a look around and take ‘selfies’. As a result, The Royal Crescent Hotel remains an exclusive treasure reserved for patrons and guests and stepping inside is a thrill you’ll never forget.
For luxury accommodation that still feels like home (albeit a very grand one), The Royal Crescent Hotel is unmatched – there is even a resident black cat. From real fires to four poster beds you could do with steps to climb into, it will be hard to tear yourself away to see the sights, but it’s worth taking the short walk to the award-winning No.1 Royal Crescent museum owned by the Bath Preservation Trust which offers a fascinating glimpse of how one of the Crescent residences would have functioned in the Georgian era. From upstairs to downstairs, it makes you see the hotel in a different light.
By early evening my chap couldn’t resist enjoying a fine glass of Pinot Noir and a Cuban cigar in the hotel’s rather magical secret garden, with pathways leading off to the Bath House Spa and the 3 AA Dower House restaurant where we were due to dine. Whether you’re looking for full-on pampering or simple relaxation, the Royal Crescent is all about good old-fashioned indulgence and it’s easy to forget you’re in the heart of a city.
The restaurant, located in a separate building at the bottom of the garden, is justifiably regarded as one of Bath’s best dining experiences, with Head Chef David Campbell providing the culinary match for this romantic setting. Book an early table with your loved one and savour every moment. All too often I find myself in an acclaimed restaurant with a menu that doesn’t particularly excite me – dishes designed to show off the skills of the chef rather than tantalise the diner. This was not one of those occasions…
My enticing starter of duck liver and parfait, cured duck, smoked eel, blood orange and gingerbread were unexpected yet brilliant partners in crime and a great introduction to Campbell’s classic yet vibrant style of cuisine. For main I enjoyed a beautifully presented celebration of Loire Valley rabbit accompanied by seasonal Wye Valley asparagus, girolles, crispy Serrano ham and a parsnip and garlic purée and the textures and flavours were a great match for the fruity, full-bodied South of France Vin Pay doc Cabernet Sauvignon as selected by Sommelier Jean Marc Leitao. A pre-dessert shot glass contained melt-in-the-mouth almond pannacotta, topped with a delightfully chewy Bakewell biscotti, toasted and caramelised almonds, and a palate enlivening cherry granita – a delectable prelude to the main dessert of apple tarte tatin, featuring perfectly darkened caramel, a fragrant rosemary ice cream and walnut nougatine.
Mornings in the city are, perhaps unlike any other metropolis in the world, blissfully tranquil and guests of the hotel are wise to cherish every last moment in this enchanting environment. I always amaze myself how I can still be ready and waiting for room service to bring breakfast the next morning, but such a glamorous suite calls for unapologetic gluttony. From divinely flaky croissants, prepared by the pastry team who had so impressed the night before, to an English Breakfast with tremendous locally sourced ingredients, all I needed now was a long walk – a very long walk.
For further information and to book a stay, visit the website.
