10 of the Best Hotels for Foodies in the UK
“Good food is the foundation of genuine happiness.”
Absolute Escapes has been organising award-winning self-drive holidays in the UK since 2004. As self-confessed foodies with excellent knowledge of spectacular hotels, we have put together a list of some of the most unique foodie hotel escapes in the UK.
Food is such a rich part of the travel experience and these are some foodie experiences you won’t want to miss.
Scotland
The Three Chimneys and the House-Over-By, Isle of Skye
Stories on our plates
The Three Chimneys restaurant is located on the banks of Loch Dunvegan, with the Duirinish peninsula of the Isle of Skye providing a striking background. Guests are welcome for lunch, dinner, or an overnight stay at the House-Over-By, which is 5-star accommodation situated right next door to this world-renowned Scottish restaurant.
They provide mouth-watering flavours from both the land and the sea, allowing some of the freshest and most exquisite ingredients to take centre stage while still expertly assembling them using the best methods of traditional Nordic and high-end Scottish cuisine.
You can choose from a three-course à la carte menu, or go all out with the legendary ‘Skye Showcase Menu’. For the latter, you have the option of sitting at the ‘Kitchen Table’ which is right at the heart of the action.
View this post on Instagram
The Torridon, 1887 Restaurant, Wester Ross
Keep it simple
It is well worth the drive to the beautiful Scottish highlands to stay at The Torridon Hotel, located on the shores of Loch Torridon and situated on the North Coast 500 route.
The 1887 Restaurant serves hearty meals, fine cuisine, and the warmest hospitality from Scotland. They believe that less is more, and the flavour and provenance of the food should speak for itself. The restaurant’s name, 1887, comes from the year the hotel was founded when it served as the Earl of Lovelace’s shooting lodge. Following a refurbishment in February 2020, 1887 radiates modern elegance. The Scots pine-panelled dining room and conservatory are the perfect places to enjoy delectable food in a welcoming environment.
View this post on Instagram
The Pierhouse Hotel and Restaurant, Argyll
Love for food
One of the many joys of following the Scottish Seafood Trail is staying at the Pierhouse Hotel, which is tucked away in the tranquil community of Port Appin in the Argyll region of Scotland, on the beaches of Loch Linnhe. The area is surrounded by the breathtaking natural beauty of Scotland’s gorgeous west coast.
By sourcing from the best local vendors, the chefs at their award-winning seafood restaurant know that they have the best and freshest ingredients. Hand-selected oysters from Loch Creran are on the menu, along with mussels, langoustines, and oysters from Loch Linnhe and Loch Etive. Lobsters and crab are kept delectably fresh in creels at the end of the pier.
Serving up an array of delicacies – this gourmet escape is a must for seafood lovers!
View this post on Instagram
Kylesku Hotel, Kylesku, Sutherland
Seasonal, local, and sustainable
Looking for a place that offers casual dining, stylish boutique-style accommodation, or a week of outdoor exploration among Scotland’s magnificent mountains and lochs? If so, you’ll love Kylesku Hotel in the northwest Scottish Highlands. It’s an essential stop-off point for travellers on the North Coast 500.
The cuisine at the Kylesku Hotel uses the highest quality regional foods to highlight their beautiful fresh flavours. Making the most of the fantastic local food available on their doorstep is their guiding principle. To deliver premium, fresh, local products to the table, they collaborate closely with suppliers and place a high priority on sustainable produce.
Enjoy perfectly prepared local seafood straight from the loch and nearby seas, or sample the pork and beef from neighbouring crofters while dining alfresco. Dine whilst observing wild stags grazing the wild gardens and spot grey seals lounging on the rocks. A gourmet fairytale!
View this post on Instagram
England
The Pig Hotel, New Forest, Hampshire
Celebrating the seasons
Nestled in the heart of the New Forest is the original Pig Hotel.
Each of their rooms includes a larder that is fully supplied with vintage goodies and locally sourced foods that can be purchased if you get those midnight munchies. Their suites combine a hint of luxury with plenty of homely charm.
Their cuisine focuses on straightforward flavours that are true to the seasons and influenced by the Hampshire countryside. As their surroundings impact their cuisine in every way possible, they are obsessed with eating locally grown food. Depending on what the forager provides and what their kitchen garden experts determine to be in ideal condition, their menus will vary daily.
Their greenhouse restaurant, impressive kitchen garden, cosy guest rooms, and winding woodland trails, make this the ideal destination for foodies looking for the most authentic and freshest ingredients in a place with bundles of homely charm.
View this post on Instagram
Hampton Manor, Hampton-In-Arden, West Midlands
The foodie escape
Hampton Manor is the ideal destination if you want to spend time with other culinary enthusiasts who share your passion.
Enjoy an unforgettable gourmet getaway with access to their Manor House, walled gardens, and charming Victorian greenhouses. There are also more than forty acres of wilderness to explore, and most importantly, you’ll get the chance to indulge in some unique culinary activities.
Experience dining at Smoke, which offers a wood-fired feast in a rustic setting on the edge of the walled garden. Stuart Deeley, Masterchef The Professionals champion, tends to the fire and prepares a delicious three-course meal inspired by the garden. You will also have the chance to participate in gastronomic workshops and acquire some inside secrets from members of the team.
Your stay at Hampton Manor wouldn’t be complete without a Michelin-starred tasting menu in Peel’s Restaurant. A foodie experience you do not want to miss.
View this post on Instagram
Royal Crescent Hotel, Bath, Somerset
Sense of occasion
The city of Bath offers visitors a taste of luxury through the ages and the Royal Crescent Hotel is a true testament to this. Set foot in a world of exquisite service and friendly greetings when you enter the majestic Georgian doors of this five-star hotel.
Enjoying afternoon tea here has a tremendous feeling of occasion due to the hotel’s splendid Georgian surroundings. The cake stand is decorated with elegant pastries and delicate finger sandwiches. An assortment of teas from around the world, sourced specifically for their visitors, enhance this most sumptuous of British customs. I think it would be fair to say that only an overnight stay and some downtime in the hotel spa could make your day even better.
For foodies that salivate over delicious cakes, enjoy sipping away at different flavours of tea, and can’t resist nibbling on quaint finger sandwiches, this is the gourmet escape for you.
View this post on Instagram
Devonshire Arms, Pilsley, Peak District
Farm-to-table produce
Eager to experience foodie heaven in the Peak District? The Devonshire Arms is situated at the heart of the Chatsworth Estate in one of the Peak District’s most charming villages.
From locally-sourced produce to meat reared on the estate, their menu features a classy take on traditional pub food, with each meal excellently complemented with a variety of cask ales and a great assortment of gins. On their tranquil Garden Terrace, enjoy their wonderful handcrafted pizzas while admiring the breathtaking views of the surrounding landscapes.
Whether you’re tackling the south section of the Pennine Way or just enjoying a scenic drive through the National Park, this quaint, historic inn will offer something that will be sure to tickle your taste buds.
View this post on Instagram
Wales
Penally Abbey, Tenby, Pembrokeshire
Pembrokeshire produce
Penally Abbey is situated a 10-minute walk from the magical Pembrokeshire Coast Path, a place where time slows down and sea views, comfortable armchairs and home-cooked cuisine heal the soul.
The Rhosyn restaurant focuses on celebrating the finest Pembrokeshire produce cooked simply and presented in a beautiful, relaxed setting. An idyllic place to unwind after a long walk along the beautiful Pembrokeshire coastline or a day spent exploring the incredible Welsh Castles.
If you are planning a visit, don’t forget to try their deliciously cooked Welsh breakfast, which includes a slice of their traditional laverbread.
View this post on Instagram
Ynyshir Restaurant and Rooms, Machynlleth, Powys
Not a place to relax
Do you feel ready for an immersive culinary experience? Travel to the edge of Snowdonia National Park and pay a visit to Ynyshir, a Michelin-starred restaurant located just south of this spectacular national park.
Ynyshir is much more than a meal. With dramatic black walls, an open kitchen and a live DJ, it is an event for the senses and the kitchen is the stage. Taking an experimental approach to food, the chefs take flavours from around the world with high-quality meat and fish to create unique dishes that the chefs serve themselves. This experience is complemented by the ten individually furnished guest rooms. They all have their own exclusive character with views over their gardens. If you fancy a change from the traditional dining experience, then Ynyshir is sure to excite you.
View this post on Instagram
Time to plan your next culinary break?
Why not get a taste of one of these mouth-watering getaways yourself? Here at Absolute Escapes, we offer a variety of self-drive holidays, which can be tailored to your gourmet needs.
Enquire now and we can begin planning your next foodie escape.
Nairne McBeath
