Reviewed by Mr & Mrs Smith.
Babington House certainly has a lot of ardent fans; trying to book a room there is about as easy as booking a table for two at the Ivy. It’s worth it, though. We knew before we went what the country cousin of major media hang-out Soho House is trying to achieve – its launch in 1998 famously kick-started the march of metropolitan cool into the countryside – and we hoped the reality was going to live up to the fantasy. As we drove up the classic long driveway, our destination appeared just how we had imagined: an impressive manor-house and chapel, in rolling grounds. It was only when we spotted the enormous double hammocks swinging here and there that we realised this was a stately with a difference.
Hip staff, wisely plucked from London operations, greeted us at the door, not a uniform in sight. Our car was whisked away while we were shown around, the staff making sure we knew that, here, anything goes. The truly relaxing do-what-you-want atmosphere is Babington’s real feat; others can imitate, but it’s the service that makes the difference. That and the scale of the place. All the rooms are massive – ours had a thrillingly huge bed, a bath big enough for two alongside it, and a TV resembling a small cinema screen. After an hour’s bathing, using as much of their Cowshed (the name of the spa – there’s a bit of a cattle theme going on) products as we possibly could, it was time to get done up and get downstairs.
There’s no dress code for supper – whether you turn up barefoot or doll up glam, you’ll feel equally comfortable. That’s what makes Babington so clever. We walked into the bar, and forgot we were in the countryside. We might have been back in London, had it been a bit more hectic. A flickering ‘golf ball’ chandelier, retro lights over the bar, and comfy sofas in leather, suede and cord complete the look. The barman knew his cocktails and we settled in to a couple of Cosmopolitans, but it’s just as perfect for a pint, cosy, firelit and friendly. Upstairs is the new and rather sexy ‘grown-ups only’ Martini Bar.
We set off to the Log Room for dinner. Just as you can wear what you want here, you can eat what you fancy. The menu has everything from pizzas and pies to caviar and full à la carte – strange, but it works. The food and service were excellent, and after a bottle of wine we were fully into the Babington way of life. When we arrived back at our room, two little pots of balm had been delivered by the BH fairy, the labels reading ‘Sleepy Cow’ and ‘Raging Bull’. Having spent several hours in the bar, I can’t quite remember which one we went for – but we did sleep very well…
The next day, after a particularly well-appointed fruit salad for breakfast, we embraced the champagne-hippie vibe of the hotel. A morning swim in the spectacular outdoor pool – built on the brow of a hill so you feel as though you’re floating in the middle of all that green – was followed by a massage in the random teepee by the lake and the ducks. There were quite a few children running around, but there’s no chance of them getting on anyone’s nerves; they are supremely catered for with their own ‘Little House’ next to the spa. Feeling much better, we went off to explore the beautiful countryside and have lunch at a fantastic local pub, the Talbot Inn in Mells.
More of the same led us to the end of a supremely chilled-out weekend. So, did it live up to our expectations? In a word, yes. The atmosphere at Babington is as laidback as the shabby-chic decor is effortlessly cool. The media crowd have retreated slightly, but the sophisticated and super-welcoming vibe remains. In terms of home-from-home havens for spoilt urbanites, this, in our humble opinion, is still the daddy.
This boutique hotel in Northeast Somerset was reviewed by Mr & Mrs Smith.
For more boutique hotels in Northeast Somerset and our guide to weekend breaks in Northeast Somerset, click here.
