The weekend escape every working gentleman deserves
Few things ease the mind or restore the soul like escaping London after a long week of work...
Few things ease the mind or restore the soul like escaping London after a long week of work and this mini-break could not have come at a better time. We’ve been driving the down M4 for about an hour and a half and the overcast London that we left behind us is a distant memory as we speed into one of those quintessentially British autumnal mornings. You know, one of those ones where the mercury is near zero, but the sun is beating out of a brilliant blue cloudless ski down onto rolling hills and trees look almost afire in a haze of red and orange leaves on the turn.
We many have been driving for nearly 2 hours, although it feels like no at time at all, yet at the same time a world away from the Ford store at Edgeware Road where, 2 hours previously, myself and my travel companion were sipping on freshly brewed coffees and devouring croissants as we were handed the keys to our ride for the weekend. At first glance, it may seem a tad on the “soccer mom” side of the automobile world, but after closer inspection and a quick talk through the mod-cons (think air-conditioned seats with inbuilt massagers and touchscreen infotainment system – including DAB radio and satellite navigation), it becomes apparent that this is Ford at it’s most luxurious. The cabin has been crafted with a focus on quality and premium materials, from the hand-stitching to the butter soft leather and the exclusively designed grille, every element has been designed with the comfort and style in mind. Despite being considerably wider than the car I’m used to driving, I get into the swing of it within moments – as easy to drive on the motorways as it is on the winding country roads we’re now negotiating on the final leg of our journey towards Bath.
Aside from a school trip to the Roman baths near on 2 decades ago, (of which I have little to no memory), Bath is a new destination for both myself and my companion, but as we pull into the UNESCO World Heritage City of Bath town we’re instantly taken by it’s stunning architecture and laid-back vibe. The sun is bouncing off the iconic yellow stone of the buildings giving it an almost golden glow and the winding streets are awash with tourists, residents and students alike meandering the pretty pavements in and out of boutiques and quaint cafes and restaurants.
After negotiating the narrow one way system into the centre of town, we pull up alongside the landmark Georgian building that is our home for the next 24 hours, The Gaisborough Bath Spa Hotel. This elegant spa hotel was recently voted one of Conde Nast Travellers Best New Hotels in the World and once we hand our keys over to the Valet and are warmly welcomed by the door men, it’s pretty easy to see why. Originally built in the 1800s, The Gainsborough Bath Spa occupies two Grade II Listed buildings with beautiful Georgian and Victorian façades in the heart of the city. Created by award-winning Champalimaud Design, the rooms and suites at The Gainsborough Bath Spa are custom furnished, subtly referencing period details combined with contemporary elements while including all the functionality that modern travellers have come to expect. So named after the artist, Sir Thomas Gainsborough, the hotel is centred around Spa Village Bath and, uniquely in the UK, has the exclusive privilege of having access to the natural thermal, mineral-rich waters. We’re led up a winding staircase to our Suite, the Bath Spa Suite, one of only a few suites of the 99 rooms to have in-room access to healing thermal waters. A subtly decorated room leads into a large marble bathroom complete with Roll-top bath tub, spacious and beautifully decorated, the Bath Spa Suite includes unlimited spa access as well as a large lounge area perfect for sitting back with a glass of champagne. All of the rooms offer free Wi-Fi and complimentary minibars as well as flat-screen TVs with cable channels, plus Nespresso machines and 24-hour room service.
Fast forward 2 hours post check in and we’re taking full advantage of the hotel’s main draw – the Spa. With three Romanesque thermal pools, thermal pods, saunas, a steam room, an ice alcove and relaxation rooms, we could easily have spent all afternoon unwinding and indulging and it’s easy to see why guests come just for this, but it was time to explore the other delights of the hotel and Bath itself. After reluctantly leaving our herbal teas on the viewing terrace above the pool and making good use of our bathroom facilities, we head down to the bar for some artisan cocktails curated especially for our long lists of likes and dislikes before we head out into the town to see what goes on in Bath after dark.
First stop on our evening schedule was Confessional, a new and rather well hidden speakeasy style cocktail bar (we walked up and down the street twice before giving up and asking a bouncer at another bar where to go) below The Octagon, Milsom Place. It’s everything you would want and more from a pre dinner bar experience; low slung leather sofas and armchairs, dark lighting and some of the best espresso martinis either of us have had, all served by quirky dressed waiters complete with moustaches and round-framed glasses. It’s the kind of bar that wouldn’t be out of place in some of London and New York’s trendiest neighbourhoods. Having perked up somewhat since reclining in fluffy white dressing gowns in our spacious living area just a few hours previously at the hotel, we hit the streets again and end up at our dinner reservation. Circus Restaurant is the cool new go-to for fine food in Bath, with a bright, modern colour palate, off-set with modern art adorning the walls it’s a laid back atmosphere serving traditional food that is anything but dull. The menus here change each month to maintain their philosophy of only using seasonal offerings and what is at its best and in season as well as sourcing as locally as possible, from free-range Creedy Carver ducks from Crediton to game from local shoots to fruit and vegetables from Bromham growers. At the recommendation of the manager of our hotel we made one last midnight pit-stop at The Dark Horse, another basement cocktail bar with a lively atmosphere and enticing cocktails in a dark and seductive interior for “just one more drink” before walking back to the hotel and falling into our king sized bed – complete with lavender scented eye masks – for some much needed sleep.
Come morning our heads are a little worse for wear – to say the very least – but the smell of freshly baked pastries and coffee is enough to entice us from the comfort of our suite and down to the main restaurant for sustenance. The true cure, however, comes in the form of a 90 minute Ginger Renewal massage at the hotels stunning Hotel Spa, which is set beneath a glass atrium within the hotel. Having been lucky enough to enjoy many massages in my time, I can safely say this was up there with one of the best I have ever received. My guest agreed. Minerals are combined with ginger (widely known for it’s healing properties) in an invigorating full body exfoliation, followed by a luxurious back, neck and shoulder massage with organic ginger oil and warm healing stones before we are wrapped in a warm ‘cocoon’ while enjoying an incredible foot and pressure point scalp massage. Never has a hangover been so swiftly cured.
If the massage wasn’t enough and with just enough time before hitting the road again back to London we are treated to lunch at The Gainsborough Restaurant, which is currently partnering with world-renowned chef, Johann Lafer (one of Germany’s most celebrated Michelin starred chefs and TV personalities). After devouring melt-in-the-mouth miniature bread rolls straight from the oven and sampling some of the wines from the impressive wine wall, we are swiftly made utterly speechless (something of a rarity between myself and said guest) over the mushroom risotto – an exceptional blend of fresh wild mushrooms atop a portion of perfectly cooked risotto rice with it’s own secret blend of dried mushrooms and a mouthwatering Jerusalem artichoke veloute. Must be tasted to be believed.
Headaches gone, muscles relaxed, minds re-set and appetites well and truly satisfied it’s time to hit the road again. Reflecting back on our stay in Bath as we bid farewell to the rolling country hills around the city we both agree to make this the first of many a stay in the city (not to mention the Gainsborough Hotel – and not just because of the mushroom risotto or Ginger Renewal treatments). We may have come for the Hotel and Spa experience, but we would return for the City itself – it’s a vibrant place steeped in history with an up-and-coming drinking and dining scene to give many of the cities outside London a serious run for their money whilst still holding onto the charm that runs through its yellow stone walls.
The perfect weekend getaway for friends or romantics alike.
For more information on The Gainsborough Bath Spa visit: thegainsboroughbathspa.co.uk
For more information on Ford Ford S-MAX Vignale visit: vignale.ford.co.uk
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