The Botanical Rooms at The Newt

Summary

“Simply stunning surroundings” inspire much of the feedback on this revamped country pile (Hadspen House, built around 1690) which has been bought and refurbished as a luxury hotel by South African billionaire Koos Bekker and his wife, Karen Roos, former Elle Decoration editor. “The oak-panelled dining room is very nice and the adjoining glass box (which occupies the former courtyard) less soulless than most glass boxes”. Even if it’s “very expensive”, there is some “very accomplished cooking” too, with “a number of very interesting and delicious dishes (mackerel and rhubarb works!)”. They must be doing something right, as from September 2021 you must be a hotel resident or member of their club (£48) to book a table here.