THE LOWDOWN

Been to Shipston before? If the answer is no, you’re missing out. Pubs galore, quirky indie shops and more walks than you can shake your muddy wellies at. It’s also home to beautiful restaurant with rooms, The Bower House.

It’s a Georgian Grade II property set right in the middle of town, with five bedrooms overlooking the bustling streets outside. It’s nestled firmly between the Cotswolds’ town of Chipping Norton and Warwickshire’s Stratford-upon-Avon, so plenty of beautiful places to explore (but more on that later).

THE VIBE

Pretty pink bar at The Bower House in Shipston

The main door opens into the bar area where it’s a botanical wonderland with gorgeous foliage, moody blue walls and mis-matched tables and chairs. But the real focal point is the pink tiled bar (I need those tiles in my kitchen, stat) covered with hanging lights and industrial-style bar stools. It’s a well stocked affair with local booze including gins from Pinnock’s Distillery, beers from Purity Ale, rum from Newbold Spirit and whiskeys from Cotswolds Distillery. If you’re the designated driver there’s local Monsoon Estate coffee or Compton Scorpion apple juice, or hey, the mocktail menu is pretty impressive too.

Head through to the dining room and it’s a mish-mash of country pub and cool restaurant. There’s real fireplaces, exposed brick aplenty, flickering candles and heaps of quirky artwork on the walls.

When I visited on a Friday night there was a buzzy, relaxed atmosphere and the clientele was a mix of friends and couples. Waiters were funny and knowledgeable, happy to help me choose wine and food – because I am one of those annoying people who always has two dishes they can’t pick between.

During the day there’s a bit more of a chilled family vibe with parents popping in with the kids for breakfast, dog owners stopping off for mid-walk coffee or pint with their pooch and couples and friends stopping off to grab a bite.

SCOFF & QUAFF

Pretty cocktails and flowers at The Bower House

You’re going to want to start with a cocktail – they’re super pretty and expertly made. I had a few during my stay (in the interests of a balanced review…obviously) and all were absolutely delicious, with my favourite being Honey I Gotta Rum – golden rum, ginger, honey, lime and ginger ale, taking me back to a beach in Barbados (even if it was hammering it down outside).

We had a lovely crisp bottle of Sauvignon Blanc with our meal, though there’s some great choices whether you’re a white, rose or red fan. It went perfectly with my starter of house smoked burrata with avocado, sesame, shiso and a seaweed ciabatta. The cheese was really lightly smoked and divine with the sesame and shiso. My date for the night (yes I took my mum) was delighted with her confit yellow tuna, heritage tomato, black olives and horseradish. It was a light option and I did have a bit of food envy because her plate was so pretty (see above image).

Mains I went with the chargrilled Cotswold chicken with pomme Anna, courgette, peach and hazelnut. There’s nothing better than the delightful sweetness of peach in a dish (I chuck them in nearly every salad going) but the hazelnut was a real surprise. It was a really well thought-out dish, and the perfectly balanced flavours show these chefs really know what they’re doing. Mum went with the sirloin steak, complemented with a creamy peppercorn sauce and a healthy portion of fries to mop up the plate with afterwards.

You’d think we’d be too full for pud, and you’d be right, but what’s a proper review without dessert? So we took one for the team and I ordered the burnt Basque cheesecake and mum had the vanilla caramel pannacotta. Staff told me the cheesecake has been on the menu since the restaurant opened, and I can see why it’s a staple. It was bloody delicious. If you’re after something a little lighter I can also recommend the pannacotta which was a real treat.

Breakfast is hugely popular here and there was a steady flow of customers while we were there. There’s everything from oatmeal to pancakes and bacon to a full English. Obviously I went for the biggest thing on the menu, the full English which had chunky sausages, thick cut bacon, black pudding, tomato, mushroom, beans and eggs served how you like. I had mine scrambled and they were cooked to perfection. Mum had the veggie brekkie with spinach, avocado and a huge hash brown.

PILLOW TALK

It’s not often you find a place where you don’t need to ask for anything, and it was great to have all you need (and more) in your room. There was a fruit platter and homemade cookies to snack on, a fan, Nespresso coffee machine, beautiful local Ila products and a mini bar which put most pubs to shame. The Roberts radio was playing classical music when we arrived and you instantly relax – which let’s face it, is exactly what you want when you’re stopping away for a night or two.

There’s five plush bedrooms all brimming with historic features like original floor to ceiling sash windows, quirky antique furniture and each is individually decorated. Ours was painted a subtle dusky pink – perfect for girls’ night!

The bed is a huge king size and we both woke up feeling refreshed after a snooze on the comfy mattress. Arguably there’s more pillows than one person needs (we had three each!) but it all added to the luxury vibe.

The bathroom was the real piece du resistance. A gorgeous roll-top bath, fluffy towels, his and hers sinks, and a walk-in shower which frankly was so nice I didn’t want to get out – but breakfast called so obviously, priorities.

KID FRIENDLY

One of the rooms is a luxe family suite suitable for a family of four. There’s a big room with king size bed for parents and a smaller children’s room with bunk beds. There’s really fairly-priced kids menu coming in at £12 for a main, pud and drink. The dining room has high chairs available too.

DOG FRIENDLY

Dogs are very welcome here and there were several in the bar area (including a very cute rescue pup from Barcelona!) Lots of wonderful walks around and dogs can stay for an extra fee.

ACCESSIBILITY

The restaurant is accessible for those with disabilities but to getting to the rooms could be difficult as there’s a huge flight of stairs.

OUT & ABOUT

Apart from touring the North Cotswolds villages and towns, we recommend National Trust’s Upton House and Charlecote Park, the arts and crafts inspired garden at Hidcote and Kiftsgate Court Gardens, which celebrates three generations of female gardeners. Also worth mentioning is Warwickshire’s answer to Stonehenge – the Rollright Stones, a collection of neolithic monuments on the Oxon border. If you’re a crafty type check out new venue The Makers Space in Alcester where there’s always some lovely workshops. The RSC is just 15 minutes up the road and Warwick Castle is 25 minutes away.

THE MUDDY VERDICT

Good for: Couples, families, dog owners – if you’re looking for a luxe break for exploring the pretty Warwickshire and Cotswolds countryside this is your place

Not for: If you struggle with mobility maybe think twice about booking the rooms – they’re up a pretty steep set of stairs. You can still hot foot it into the restaurant though so don’t miss out on a delicious dinner!

The damage: Super reasonable – rooms start at £120 per night. There’s set lunch menus with two course and a glass of wine for £25 or three courses for £29. Starters are between £4 and £12 and mains around the £20 mark.

The Bower House, Market Place, Shipston on Stour, CV36 4AG. Tel: 01608 663 333

Review: The Bower House, Shipston-on-Stour

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