Foxhill Manor is close. Annoyingly close. Just a few bits and pieces would make it The One. And that is what makes it painful—they are almost there.
This private country house hotel, with just five rooms and three suites, sits just outside Broadway in the Cotswolds.
When we were there it was mostly raining, which suited us fine, we were here to do nothing except relax, read a book, and catch up on writing about our latest restaurant visits.
The scenery around Foxhill Manor is stunning. Even the short drive into the Farncombe Estate feels special, with the manor set on a hillside offering sweeping views over Broadway village and the Cotswold landscape beyond.
We booked one of the suites, Hazel and Full Fox*. It is a hotel that wants you to feel at home. And you do, as soon as you step out of the car and are greeted by Grace.
We arrived just after twelve (check-in is normally at 15:00) and were given a small tour of the house. Then we settled in the living room for a glass of Champagne, soaking it all in.
Lunch was easy—they asked what we wanted to eat. For people like us, who usually cannot decide what to cook for dinner, that is dangerous territory.
Thankfully, they helped us out with a few suggestions. A lighter lunch, but I am sure the kitchen could handle a challenge. Perhaps not a beef Wellington.
Dinner works differently here. After around 13:00 you can head into the kitchen, where a big blackboard lists the day’s dishes—some change daily. Speak to the chef if you have preferences. For food lovers like us, it is a fantastic concept.
You can also eat anywhere in the house. Want that romantic table on the second floor overlooking Broadway? Go for it.
This is the beauty of Foxhill Manor: go down to the wine cellar, have a look around, and pick a bottle. Book the Den, their private cinema for two.
Before the film, stop by the pantry upstairs and grab popcorn, crisps, or sweets. Or order a cheese platter—it is up to you. Pick a movie from the DVD bookshelf and sink into the electric recliner.
And yes, they check in just to see if you want another glass of Champagne or a Coke.
The service here is astonishing—but not in the “kissing up” way. It is just naturally warm. You know when hospitality is in someone’s blood? Here, they all have it.
It was our first time, but we saw a couple of regulars checking in. People clearly come back year after year. I understand why—it feels like a family. A family with a price tag, unfortunately.
Tempura Prawns – Sweet Chilli
Dish after dish in the beginning had us thinking: among the best of this journey. One day it was fantastic, the next not so much. We know the head chef was on leave, but still, consistency matters.
One night I had the Hereford fillet with sauce poivre vert. The steak was perfectly cooked, but not sensational. The sauce, though, was a let-down—watery, with four lonely green peppercorns.
I had hoped for something rich and peppery, like I remember from my childhood in the French countryside.
Salmon tartar with yuzu. Looks simple, but unforgettable.
That flavour has stuck in my mind ever since. Still searching. My sister and I were children, and it was probably a Michelin restaurant where our parents’ dinner dragged on for hours.
After the “kids menu”, which did not exist at the time, they tucked us into the car and carried on with their dinner.
Still, the fillet was better than the one at The Hand & Flowers, which missed the mark completely. About the same level as The Waterside Inn’s version.
The Pantry
The Den
Foxhill Manor is good—really, really good. But to be fair, we have to mention a few things that hold it back from being one of the greatest.
First, some of the furniture needs replacing. The design needs an update, and so does the comfort.
Second, the room air conditioning. If you have read my other hotel reviews, you know I am anal about this. My wife does not care as much, but I do not enjoy waking up in the middle of the night lightly sweating.
Especially when they say they have it. With that price tag, they should. At Foxhill Manor, it simply does not work.
I would not even call it air conditioning. More like a coin-operated fan that coughs the compressor alive for two minutes, then shuts off and starts again a couple of minutes later.
Then there is the drinks list. As guests with the Full Fox, we were expecting more, but it was the same wine selection for three days straight.
Not bad wines but an easy fix would be to rotate them for a little more variety. In the end, we ordered from their regular wine list. (The mark-up is ok.)
And finally, the atmosphere risks tipping into “luxury retirement home” territory. When we stayed, the guest profile leaned towards the older generation.
A few small updates and design tweaks could shift that balance, and we think they need to attract a younger crowds.
Do not read this the wrong way—Foxhill Manor won us over from the first glass of Champagne until the moment we had to point the Volvo downhill to Oxford.
As we left, I said, “Fix the AC and we will come back.” The truth is, we will come back anyway. But if they sort the AC, freshen up the furniture, and deal with the other annoying things, we might never leave.
The Full Fox package includes lunch, dinner, unlimited house spirits, Champagne and soft drinks, wine with dinner, full access to the Pantry, and transport to the Dormy House spa or Broadway—plenty to support that “all you want, whenever you want” vibe.
First visit
3
Suite Hazel
None
What air conditioning?
85%
No menu, no buffet, just tell them what you want.
OK, sometimes shaky.
Absolutely. Fix the AC and freshen up the furniture, and we might never leave.
Yes, but the Full Fox comes with a question mark.
