Kicking off 2017 with an escape to The Kings Head - Cirencester
It was our only New Years resolution. Make more time just for each other.
I wont pretend I didn’t feel pains of guilt kissing Ollie goodbye and knowing I wouldn’t be the one putting him to bed last Saturday night, particularly after a rather hectic week at work. But the moment we pulled off in the car, I had butterflies. 24 hours just the two of us. Our plans were…explore….nap….dinner…sleep….lie in…breakfast and spa day. Pretty perfect!
I’ve spoken about it lots before, but I really do feel like it’s one of the most important things in a relationship, just a little time as a couple, being the people you were before life got so hectic. Of course all we did was talk about the boys, standard, but still, there’s nothing better for recindling the romance than some time to ourselves. Recharging the batteries.
I found the Kings Head Hotel through Massey Travel (a communications agency for a collection of beautiful hotels all over the world). It’s in beautiful ancient Cirencester, a Cotswolds town that’s easily commutable from most places, and less than an hour from us in Herefordshire.
We love a hotel with personality, heritage and of course a touch of luxury, and the Kings Head didn’t disappoint. We left feeling deeply relaxed, refreshed, in love and giddy with the excitement of seeing our littlest.
So here’s the lowdown on The Hotel in Cirencester if you’re out to be inspired….
Not your usual Cotswold hotel, The Kings Head is situated in the heart of historic Cirencester town. From the outside a lovely, traditional and rather modest hotel. BUT, the moment you walk through the door, you know you’ve found something special. The hotel merges 11historic buildings so it’s much much larger than you imagine from the outside. Over 500 years old, it’s riddled with history and has been really sympathetically restored to not only protect, but to showcase it’s rich history. It was a typical dark and rainy January weekend, but Cirencester still managed to look ever so pretty.
On arrival we were greeted by the comforting crackle of a huge open fire and a charming lady at reception. She checked us in promptly and explained all we needed to know about our stay.
We stayed in room 222, which was really beautiful, large and spacious with a private roof terrace. As I said, the weather wasn’t in our favour, but I imagine on a sunny day the terrace would make the loveliest place to relax.
Not long after we arrived at our room, there was a knock on the door. Our “Gin Tray”, with all that we needed to create to G&T’s on ice as well as some tasty bar snacks. Of course Colin had both drinks (the perfect of a pregnant date huh!) but I made up for it in the snacks.
For the purpose of this post we were offered a tour of the hotel which was so incredibly interesting. All the rooms we saw were beautiful, I honestly don’t think you can go wrong. But my favourite room, which we will definatly book when we stay again, was the Feature Room.
The double height ceilings, exposed beams lined with skylights and a gorgeous open plan bathroom, it was stunning!!
The hotel would actually make a really gorgeous wedding venue. We toured the vaulted cellar that can be hired out for private dining, and the stunning event spaces like the huge traditional ‘Assembly Room’. The Kings Head is a ‘swirly-red-carpet-free-zone’ (anyone who’s planned a wedding in the U.K. will know what I mean). Instead the walls are painted a classic shade of Farrow and Ball and the accessories are timeless and elegant. It’s a dream.
The general manager in this wee video on their website HERE explains it all far better than me…
So after our tour, we took a rainy stroll around the shops. Picked up some Christmas decorations and a cashmere throw, then headed for some lunch. There’s a cute pub just a few doors down from The Kings Head called The Bear Inn. It was pretty simple but litterally COVERED in fairy lights. Perfectly cosy on a dark January day.
After lunch we enjoyed a decadent 2 hour party nap. Anyone who doesn’t have kids is probably reading this wondering why on earth I’m including in the post….all those with kids will be thinking “OH YEAH!!!”. The bed was incredibly comfy and HUGE. We really need to invest in a king size!
Waking up refreshed and all set for a slightly later dinner at the lovely hotel restaurant, I enjoyed a big soak in the tub, complete with all the lotions and potions. It always feels so good to take your time getting ready doesn’t it? At 32 weeks, I’m feeling pretty enormous and not particularly glamourous right now, so I was delighted to find an evening dress I loved.
The hotel bar and restaurant are open to the public as well as the hotel guests so it was really buzzy and loud. The tables are lit with candles and delicious smells wafted from the open kitchen.
I treated myself to one glass of Red Wine with my fillet steak, but Colin assured me that all of his drinks were delicious and perfectly recommended by the waiter (who was completely adorable and I should’ve written his name down to say thank you).
The food is pretty fancy, but still very generous and hearty. There’s definately something for everyone on the menu so fussy eaters don’t be scared. I had trout to start followed by steak and the most delicious chocolate orange cheesecake that I’ve been craving ever since. Colin had partridge, pork for main and treacle sponge for pudding…all scrumptious!!
The next morning, after the most wonderful evening and an uninterrupted sleep, we woke up without an alarm… not even the cute little kind singing Peppa Pig at 6.30am. We filled our bellies with a delicious breakfast. Fresh fruit and Eggs Benedict for me, lots of espresso, salmon and eggs for him. Then it was Spa Time!! 🙂
The hotel spa is in the basement of the hotel so has the gorgeous exposed stone archways. There’s no pool, but the facilities are gorgeous… hot tub, sauna, steam room and lots of treatment rooms. I was treated to ‘The Indulgent Top to Toe’ treatment from the ‘Mum to Be’ menu. 80 minutes of pampering relaxation, including a facial, head massage and full body massage. My therapist had the softest voice and after 80 mins I honestly felt like I was floating. Bliss!!
By lunch time, we were completely relaxed and both feeling so pampered. In less than an hour, we were back with our boy, who’d had the best time with his grandparents and was, of course, a total dreamboat.
A big thank you to the Kings Head and Massey Travel for spoiling us rotten. We’re definatly coming back!!
