A COUNTRYSIDE COOKERY SCHOOL TURNED CHIC COTSWOLDS RETREAT
Posted by Beau Ueland at
Thyme started out as a cottage offering cookery classes but now better resembles a small village. Over a number of years, the site has slowly reworked derelict historic buildings and discreetly added new ones all under the watchful eye of Caryn Hibbert, Thyme’s founder and creative director. Today the estate contains everything from a luxurious hotel and rustic spa, to a working farm, country pub and the cookery school, which is popular as ever. ESCAPE IT ALL Most of the bedrooms can be found in The Lodge, a handsome building and quintessential example of Cotswolds
The Ox Barn restaurant
uses produce grown on the farm stone architecture. There are three charmingly named room categories — Cosy, Elegant, and Divine all of which are individually designed and have a vintage—glamourvibe. A scattered collection of outbuildings
are available for larger bookings, the most expansive being The Tallet, a four bedroom, open—plan living space with its own private courtyard. Wherever you end up, you can expect treats such as roll top baths, True Grace toiletries, fluffy towels
and homemade biscuits.
COUNTRY GASTRONOMY
The newest addition to Thyme is Ox Barn, a casual, contemporary dining room with low hanging beams and emerald hued seating by Ochre. Head chef Charlie Hibbert’s seasonal menu includes braised beef with pickled walnuts, wintertomatoes
with ricotta, and a delectable vegetarian dish of pavéd potatoes with cime di rapa and wild garlic.
Elsewhere, the celebrated cookery school attracts both hotel guests and day visitors, offering accessible classes that focus on seasonal British produce most of which comes from the kitchen gardens and farm. This July, courses include breadmaking, simple suppers, a south east Asian masterclass, and Andalusian cooking with tapas maestro José Pizarro.
OUT AND ABOUT When you’re not scoffing in Ox Barn or lounging in your suite, there’s plenty to explore. The sage green Meadow Spa boasts an outdoor pool with natural spring water and treatments by Aurelia Probiotic Skincare. Thirsts will be
quenched atThe Baa or local pub The Swan. And, of course, the Cotswolds are right on your doorstep. HOW MUCH? Double rooms start from around £275 night.
Say no to disposable cutlery by bringing your own. Cookut's Bam Bam set (£24, Forma House) comes in an organic cotton bag and contains a knife, fork, spoon, chopsticks and even a toothbrush and toothpaste pot - all crafted from lon9-lastin9, antibacterial and odour-resistant bamboo. Perfect to take travelling, to the office, or just to keep in your handbag ready for a spontaneous picnic.