The Credentials
The Eastbury Hotel & Spa is one of those places where you feel instantly at home the moment you walk through the door. Kind and friendly staff greet you at the entrance, and laughter of guests enjoying afternoon tea in the Drawing Room or playing pool in the Games Room fills the corridor – it was originally built as a gentleman’s residence in the 17th century.
The great Georgian Townhouse is set in the historic and quaint town of Sherborne, surrounded by the rolling hills of the Dorset countryside. The service is exceptional, as is the food. And the gardens are glorious, with manicured lawns and beautiful flowers. There is even a spa, nestled at the bottom of the walled garden, which – while small – has everything you need, including an outdoor hot tub adorned in fairy lights.
It’s a tranquil destination quite like no other. A fusion of elegance and comfort, with a hint of West Country charm.
Sleep
There are a variety of rooms and suites at the Eastbury Hotel, as well as five luxury Victorian Potting Sheds. While all the rooms are full of character and home comforts, there’s something very special about staying in a Potting Shed. As I opened the heavy wooden door, a bright, spacious room greeted me, with a large bed, adorned with fluffy white sheets, and hot water bottles. On the side, was a complimentary bottle of red wine, and there was fresh milk and bottled water in the fridge. Each room has its own little garden area, with a small fire pit. Unfortunately, it was rather rainy (and cold) during my stay, so I didn’t get to make use of this area. I did, however, enjoy reading in the big armchairs, in front of the large windows, and listening to the relaxing classical music that plays in the room (you can change the station…). One night really wasn’t enough and I asked for a late checkout, so I could have a slow morning, soaking up every little bit of charm the room had to offer.
Dine
There is one main eatery in the hotel, called Seasons Restaurant. Named after its seasonally changing menu, curated using only the finest and freshest ingredients, by executive chef Matthew Street. There are three menus available in the restaurant: Brasserie, a la carte, and a fine dining menu. I dined from the a la carte. To start, I had Devon crab with cucumber and wasabi, tapioca caviar, kohlrabi, wakame, and a sesame tuile. It was light and fresh, with a lovely crunch from the radish-like kohlrabi, and just enough heat from the fiery wasabi. I have no shame in saying I wiped the plate clean with the warm focaccia that was offered to me. For my main, I chose the charred monkfish with Sobrasada Iberico, baby leeks, romesco, toasted almonds and leak oil. The fish had a lovely smokey flavour and was lovely and flakey. The meaty Sobrasada Iberico was like a thick tomato sauce with soft sausage, delicately spiced – a lovely change to the usual nduja or chorizo you usually see paired with this meaty fish. The flavours layered on top of each other wonderfully, with the leeks cutting through the oily Sobrasada Iberico. To finish, I had the chocolate crémeux, with passion fruit, and a coconut and lime leaf sorbet. I’m not usually a fan of sorbet, but it was a lovely refreshing finish to the meal and balanced out the chocolate mousse-like pudding perfectly. I washed it all down with a large glass of chardonnay, before retiring to my room for the night. It wasn’t long before I fell into a deep slumber.
Breakfast is also served in the Seasons Restaurant. Fresh coffee and tea to start, alongside a fresh juice. And guests can help themselves to fruit, yoghurt, cereals and pastries, while they wait for their hot dish to arrive – should they choose to have one. The classic Full English is on the menu, using only the best quality, local meat. There are also classics like Eggs Benedict, and smoked salmon and scrambled eggs. I had the salmon… but with poached eggs instead. They were perfectly cooked and oozed out onto the buttery toast. A perfect way to start any day.
Out and About
Whether you choose to stay local or head a little further afield, you won’t be short of things to do during your stay at the Eastbury Hotel. You can spend hours wandering the cobbled streets of Sherborne, stopping in the quaint little coffee shops and visiting historic locations like the town’s 1000-year-old honeyed monument. If you’re into golf, there’s a course just two miles away, and Yeovil is a mere five miles away. The iconic Lulworth Cove is about an hour and a half drive away, but if long walks in the rolling hills are what you’re after, you don’t have to go very far.
And of course, if all you want to do is relax, the spa is a wonderful option. It can get quite busy, so make sure you book ahead if you want a treatment, or even if you just want to use the spa area, which boasts a jacuzzi, sauna, jet shower, and outdoor hot tub. Due to Covid-19, only one person (or one couple/family) are allowed at any one time, which is actually rather lovely as you get the whole place to yourself.
The Crowd
The hotel was mostly full of couples, aged around 40 to 65 – I think I was the youngest, at 30 (not that it mattered). Being a weekend, I think everyone was there for the same reason, for a little ‘staycation’, but I imagine that, during the week, it will be a popular spot for those on business too.
The Worst Thing
In the room was one of the best fridges I’d ever seen in a hotel: a Smeg (yes, I’m that person that gets excited about a fridge). It was big, baby blue, and fitted the room’s character perfectly. However, at night it kept making a loud hum. So much that I ended up getting out of bed in the middle of the night and turning it off. But I am a light sleeper…
The Best Thing
It really is hard to pick just one thing. I just felt so relaxed during my whole stay. The staff really went above and beyond to make sure everything was perfect. Having the spa to myself made me feel like I was some sort of celebrity – and I truly am anything but. After a lovely massage, I took my book and climbed into the outside hot tub. The sun was just setting and dusk soon settled in. I laid back, looked up at the sky and the twinkling lights hanging from the trees, and felt truly grateful for being given the opportunity to visit The Eastbury… and I will certainly be back.
The Details
Eastbury Cottages are priced at £625 per night, based on two people sharing, or £4,375 for 7 nights. For 4 people or more it’s £850 per night or £5950 for 7 nights, on a self-catering basis. This also includes a private garden, 6-seater outdoor table, barbecue and a classic garden hot tub (available from the end of September). Minimum 2-night stay. The Eastbury is also dog-friendly, so if you have a furry friend, ask what the best room for you is. I can tell you, it’s worth every penny, and if you keep an eye on the website they do release occasional offers available.
Whether you’re popping in for an afternoon tea or have the pleasure of staying for a few nights, one thing’s for sure: you won’t want to leave…
The Eastbury Hotel, Long Street, Sherborne, Dorset, DT9 3BY
01935 813131
