This hotel is no ordinary hotel. If you want ordinary, book a Holiday Inn. If you want an experience that will be transformational, that will push you through an abundance of fear and awe, this is your place. It felt like I’d found a mash up of, ‘Cabinet of Curiosities’ and ‘Ripley’s Believe It or Not.’ The rooms smelt like museum but the building is old, very old. Expect taxidermy, deer busts, old books, motoring memorabilia, toys, sculptures and an abundance of art. I will add that there is lots of erotic and celebrity art. There really is nowhere like this place.
Firstly, I have to confess to being a horror lover. When I saw some the photos and read reviews mentioning the curiosities that adorned the place, I knew I had to go.
There was another reason I had to visit, I’m researching my next psychological thriller and my editor planted a wonderful seed of an idea into my head. When I’m writing, It’s important that I feel what it’s like to be a little pushed out of my boundaries. I needed atmosphere and I definitely got it. I also needed a house that fed me inspiration and I got that too. I felt like poor Eleanor when she approached Hill House in Shirley Jackson’s book, ‘The Haunting of Hill House.’
It’s quite funny that I’m planning a psychological thriller and when my husband and I arrived early, we were invited to wait in the garden. After exploring a succession of dark rooms where some of the exhibits were visually challenging and sent shivers down my spine, we reached the garden and ended up getting accidentally locked out. Hilarious, you might think. But with ivy enshrouding this mini castle-like building full of oddities, it had me saying to my husband, ‘I’m waiting for the weirdos to turn up and chase us through the woods with kitchen knives. Maybe we’re part of a hunt and we are the hunted.’ Of course, my mind was in silly comical overdrive. We found our way back to the entrance and after a few moments of panic, we were checked in. No one tried to chase us through the woods with a meat cleaver.
Our room was in another building called Treetops. Close to the main house, this building is surrounded by mature trees and foliage. The room was impressive, sporting huge limited edition photographs of famous people, antique furniture, opening French doors and two stuffed magpies. The setting felt gothic and romantic, unusual, and thoughtful to its woodland surroundings.
The gardens are crammed with fruit trees and grapevines. If you go, you’ll see figs, apples, pears, grapes and golden plums. Very impressive!
As for the food, we were both impressed. We started with the beetroot and goats cheese. The main dish of fishcake sitting on a bed of wilted spinach was complimented by the triple fried chips, capers and tartare sauce. Every element on the plate had been placed with care, was bursting with flavour and tasted amazing. For dessert, I had the chocolate mousse which was the most indulgent Chantilly cream topped delight I’ve ever tasted. For breakfast the next morning, I had avocado toast which was tasty. The restaurant staff were attentive, professional and lovely throughout. The ambience was again romantic. Candle-lit, dark, with beautiful jazzy tunes playing in the background.
As for costs, I booked on the cheap through Groupon. I paid £145 for two, which included an upgraded room, a three course evening meal and breakfast. A bottle of wine started from £40. Sides were £4 each. We were also given a carafe of table water.
Just in case you were wondering, this is an adult only hotel, so you have that added air of peacefulness. With the expensive exhibits and erotic art, it wouldn’t be suitable for little ones anyway. It’s also a great place to escape to if you have children and you need a break from them.
The Rudloe is a short drive from Bath. We loved Bath. It’s a wonderful, culturally rich city. There’s art, close up magic, music, gardens, the famous Roman baths, impressive bookshops and theatre. The streets are packed with restaurants and eateries. The Bath stone buildings are beautiful. If you go, breathe them in; enjoy the architecture.
All in all, I will never forget this trip. It was made memorable by the unique Rudloe Arms and the fabulous dining experience. I will say it again, please don’t book it and expect conventional, because you’re not going to get it. What you will get is a multi-sensory experience that will stay with you for life.
I’ve included a couple of links below. First is an article about Marco Pierre White taking over the Rudloe Arms. Second is the Rudloe’s website link.
https://www.rudloearms.com/the-venue
A little about me. I’m a crime, police procedural and psychological thriller author from Worcester. My books are translated into Dutch and Polish and there are more translations on the horizon. They’re also published by Bookouture, Sphere, Boekerij and Virtualo, and I’m a USA Today bestseller which I’m totally proud of. Lastly, I adore my job as an author more than life itself – haha!
Check out my website if you love to read. At the time of writing this post, the first book in my crime series is free of charge. It’s called, ‘The Next Girl,’ so if you want it, it’s yours to download from Amazon, Apple, Google Play or Kobo.
My website
Carla Kovach - Author 