The Lygon Arms (Broadway) Reviewed

The Lygon Arms is a stunning 16^th Century establishment in the heart of the Cotswolds, Broadway to be precise, that offers 5-star dining, accommodation and an overwhelming level of charm. A recent readdressing of the hotel’s style and décor has also worked to enhance the rich history of the building and its already superb reputation. We were very excited to see what this idyllic location could live up to our expectations.

The new décor delivers bundles of class and elegance, thanks to dark woods, exposed original stone work, rich leathers and a timeless antique furniture dotted throughout.

The Lygon Arms has historical roots that date it back to the 1300’s, when it was actually under another name. In fact, you can even stay in a the “Oliver Cromwell suite”, where the iconic military and political leader stayed the night before the Battles of Worcester in 1651. However, the updates throughout the hotel have tastefully modernised where appropriate and yet captured elements of the eclectic history too. Charming, highly memorable and a cut above the other hotels in Broadway.

Whether you find yourself nestling in a cosy area of the hotel bar or if you indulge in the grandeur of the Great Hall (now the The Lygon Bar and Grill), each space has a magical feel. Plus, a brand new addition to the hotel, at its rear you will find a homely courtyard. This new space provides a sun trap away from the Broadway street and another area to explore.

Exciting new Courtyard Suites

A walk outside to the newly designed courtyard, you will find a series of beautiful and new Courtyard Suites. Luckily for us, one of these resplendent suites was ours for the evening. Encapsulating all of the charm of country life superbly, these spacious and luxurious suites come with king sized beds, a sofa bed, a Nespresso, antique furniture and a private garden. For us, the style was absolutely wonderful and our Cotswolds experience was elevated by our very own slice of rural inspired space. But that’s not all, the suite was also fully air condition (very useful for the imminent Summer season) and the large bathroom offered a large walk in shower, “his and hers” sinks and the all-important bath tub. The space is so well designed that it works for couples, small families or even larger families (thanks to interconnecting doors)

In addition to the Courtyard Suites, you can also reside in the main hotel building, where you will find a more traditional style – one that ties more neatly to the buildings heritage, rather than the country style.

Dining and drinking

Dinner was another superbly executed affair and another element to what was fast becoming a faultless stay.

Firstly, the Lygon Bar & Grill has one of the most superb spaces we have been able to enjoy in the Cotswolds. A vaulted Grand Hall provides the stage for local food and drink to be celebrated. We began the meal in the bar, where we enjoyed a local Cotswolds Distillery Dry Gin and tonic, which was superb. My partner also raved about the non-alcoholic mojito.

Service at the Lygon Arms is a refreshing blend of casual and competence. Staff are adorned in blue shirts, jeans and boots, giving a more relaxed feel. We love this. Yet, staff were attentive, friendly and informative. This great combination gave our visit the platform for a truly successful meal.

The food is designed to reflect and celebrate local, high-quality produce from artisan suppliers and local farmers. A great example of local produce deployed well was the 10oz Waghorne’s (a local Cotswold supplier) 30 day dry aged Ribeye steak. Succulent, rich and full of flavour, this steak was superb. We also tremendously enjoyed the (less local) Atlantic grilled octopus, with fennel and radish salad. Cooked to perfection, this was one of the best pieces of octopus we have tasted for some time.

We should also say that the Lygon Arms have their very own wine bar, with what we saw to be a slightly more Italian menu. With a vast range of wines to choose from, you can enjoy glasses of 125ml, 175ml, 500ml and bottles. Although we only enjoyed a small glimpse, the ambiance was relaxed and sophisticated.

Relaxing, refreshing and pampering

Aside, from the fabulous food, elegant décor and super service, there is also a fully loaded spa at The Lygon Arms. The Lygon Arms Spa provides tranquillity and rejuvenation for hotel guests and visitors. Should you desire a eucalyptus scented steam room, a sauna, fully equipped gym, swimming pools or a range of treatments, they are all on offer here. Pampering yourself with a glass of Champagne and a massage has never been so relaxing.

Why not have a dip in the pool too? The 13 metre pool has a retractable roof for those balmy Summer nights.

To finish our stay, treatments at the Lygon Arms Spa were kindly provide by the hotel and they, once again, hit the spot. Myself and my partner enjoyed a personalised couples massage, where each of our individual requirements were attended too. Calm and relaxing, we left The Lygon Arms with a a sense of complete serenity.