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Broadway: Russells Restaurant with Rooms

20 High Street, The Green, Phone: 01386853555
www.russellsofbroadway.co.uk

Reviewed by: Wendy Ashworth from UK, review #1452

When: May 2006

A gem in an enviable location,continuing the tradition of quality, service and style on the former site of esteemed furniture maker Sir Gordon Russell.

You can tell from Russell's address that it is in the heart of this picture book village.

We were made to feel most welcome upon arrival and shown up to our room, No 1 at the top of the stairs. It was lovely, light and airy with a big comfortable bed, a window seat to gaze out at the pretty street from. There was a comfy armchair, a desk/dressing table and good storage complete with a large wardrobe with sensible free range hangers.

The lighting and décor of the room were excellent, a soothing palette of whites and creams with burgundy touches to add warmth. This was all complimented with well chosen modern art and the textures from the all natural fibres chosen for the soft furnishings, carpet and stunning fabrics.

Self controlled air conditioning is standard in each of the four rooms, as is the flat screen television, sound system, DVD player, coffee machine and safe.

Some of the arts and crafts style furniture to be found in the rooms had been made by former craftsmen and women from the building’s factory and showroom days, adding much to the atmosphere and style of the room.

The bathroom was beautiful, all clean lines in cream stone with a good deep tub and excellent over bath shower. The heated floor added to the comfort and once again the lighting was excellent. Bathrobes and abundant fluffy towels were provided along with good quality shampoo and soaps and an amenity kit.

Rooms are serviced once a day as befits a restaurant with rooms.

Although there was a little noise from people using the stairs, we slept well and we were not disturbed between 11:30 pm and 8 a. m.

Breakfast was first class in every way except for the coffee which did not meet our standard or that of the restaurant. We feel this can be easily put right with a little training on the espresso machine!

We enjoyed simply the best muesli we have ever tried, followed by probably the best ever bacon we've eaten, along with all, or as few of the trimmings as you like. Kippers or smoked salmon with scrambled eggs were the other choices. Toast made from home made bread and croissants were then served along with home made jam and marmalade, scrumptious!

Attention to detail and guest comfort are the features that stand out here, for on the landing was a refrigerator with an honesty bar and fresh milk, so you could make your self a cup of coffee/tea at any time of day or night. We were also impressed to be asked if we needed anything when we arrived and when we reported a problem with our safe. Barry, I think, sent for the repair company and got it fixed within an hour of being notified.

It's no wonder that Russell’s is expanding and adding another four rooms to include another loft room like number 4, which is a huge suite, with a beautiful feature bed and sumptuous bathroom along with a good sized sitting area. They should be ready by early summer. Room number 3 overlooking Russell’s courtyard is a huge double or twin featuring Russell’s trademark style, a blend of the best of the architectural features with today’s comforts.

Staff were polite, helpful and well trained, although we did experience a couple of problems with our bill upon check out. The ambience is relaxed and pleasant.

We dined exceedingly well in the restaurant on both evenings, but more to come on this in a separate review. I am a little reluctant to do this as I have no experience of writing about restaurants, but you can rest assured that the restaurant is as highly recommended by me as is the accommodation.

Broadway is a delightful base for the Cotswolds with easy access to several National Trust sites, including Lawrence Johnston’s Hidcote, sister to La Serre de La Madone in Menton, two of my favourite gardens. Snowshill Manor as well as the privately owned Kiftsgate Court garden, a delight in early May with its carpet of bluebells, are also close by.

There is easy access to Stratford upon Avon and Worcester and many other lovely Cotswold villages including Chipping Campden.

Rooms including breakfast, start at £95 for numbers 1 and 2 midweek rising to £195 for no 4 on Friday and Saturdays, which represents very good value for money. This is a good alternative to a short break in a country cottage, where you have to make your own breakfast! Highly recommended and we look forward to a return visit soon.

This review is the opinion of a Slow Travel member and not of slowtrav.com.

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