UPON entering any new space, first impressions always count – and the one left by The Royal Crescent Hotel & Spa is nothing but noteworthy.
Located on one of the world’s most famous crescents, the hotel already boasts a very impressive reputation. The architectural chef-d’œuvre – which is a Grade 1 listed building – was built between 1767 and 1775 by John Wood the Younger and is also one of UNESCO’s 812 World Heritage Sites.
Bath
Despite being located incredibly close to the centre of Bath, which is an equally beautiful city, the hotel feels insulated and intimate, transporting its guests to a Georgian dreamscape.
As I walk through the front door, I am immediately struck by The Royal Crescent’s stately grandeur. Ceilings are impossibly high and trimmed with frills and embellishments, fires are lit below decadent mantelpieces, and period portraits also adorn every wall.
As a result, the hotel is ideal for anyone aspiring to experience a quintessentially English getaway. At a time when architectural and interior design trends see many opting for minimalist, simple décor, The Royal Crescent is a much-needed breath of fresh air.
Suite
Moreover, as I am shown to my room – the John Wood Suite – I can’t help but take notice of the hotel’s beautiful views. With one side of the building overlooking its private gardens and the other toward the city of Bath, it’s hard to imagine a better view of the golden-hued streets.
Retaining its focus on classicism and tradition, I am greeted with a canopied, four-poster bed, tall windows, a personal fireplace – and, to consolidate its refined allure, an accompanying Tchaikovsky soundtrack playing gently from the room’s television.
Taking you back in time through its architecture and interior design, the hotel is a monolith of Georgian beauty. However, that doesn’t mean the hotel hasn’t accounted for its contemporary clientele. The Royal Crescent Hotel & Spa offers modern comfort thanks to its stable internet connection, sophisticated bathrooms and even the latest Dyson hairdryers.
Interior of suite
After spending the afternoon exploring a few of the city’s attractions, I eagerly returned to the hotel for dinner. I had previously heard tales of the hotel’s delectable cuisine, so I was eager to find out if there was truth to the rumours – and there certainly was.
Montagu’s Mews is The Royal Crescent’s glamorous restaurant and bar. Named after Elizabeth Montagu, the original owner of No.16 Royal Crescent, the in-house dining location is often praised for its fresh, local ingredients and beautifully composed dishes. Head Chef Martin Blake has created a series of gastronomic delights for those visiting the stylish location.
Having gained a place in the prestigious Michelin Guide in 2023, it comes as no surprise that every dish surpasses all expectations. To start, I decided to opt for the Waldorf salad, which, upon arrival, strayed far from the dish’s traditional presentation.
Arriving with floral adornments, the dish was perfectly circular in form and harmonious in texture. Poached pear meets candied walnut and confit grape to conceive a fresh amalgamation of the traditional ingredients.
Starter
Next, I browsed the menu and opted for a ribeye steak as my main. Despite being paired with its usual accompaniments – onion rings, chunky chips and cress salad – the steak was expertly prepared and far beyond one’s standard ribeye.
Cooked to tender perfection, the meat was lean and brimming with flavour. Furthermore, the meat is served with mushroom duxelles, which marvellously combines the dish’s gentle seasoning and adds further earthy textural intrigue. Paired with a glass of red wine, this steak can do no wrong.
Dining Area
For my dessert, it was particularly difficult to make a decision. Guided by the hotel’s expert staff, I eventually landed on the rhubarb tart. Making a seasonal appearance on Montagu’s Mews menu, the tart made for the ideal denouement to my meal.
Soft, airy and gentle, it’s a dessert you explore the more you eat it, with the acidity of the rhubarb finely cutting through the dish.
Pairing each course with a delectable non-alcoholic drink – in the spirit of Dry January – I was, similarly, highly impressed with the bar team. As the bar team poured my first drink at the table and a colour-changing elixir emerged, it was clear I was in good hands.
Formulating unique, exciting mocktails utilising spirits from Three Spirit UK, the drinks were as interesting as their alcoholic counterparts.
With incredible staff attending to your every need, delicious cuisine and beautiful interiors, The Royal Crescent Hotel & Spa is a must-visit for those spending some time in Bath.