Cotswolds88 - Stroud

Just returned from a weekend stay. Staff were attentive and polite from the beginning. Our room was comfortable, but the bathroom too small really. Dinner was excellent and the serving team all very professional and polite. So why just 4 stars?…. The overall condition of the hotel was a little neglected for the prices charged. The food, whilst being good, was very expensive and the wine prices just astonishing at more than double top retail prices…. Which is all a shame as The Painswick could be excellent, but not as it currently stands.

Two of us had booked well in advance for the tasting menu at the Painswick on the second night of our two night stay in Painswick as part of walking the Cotswold Way. It's a beautiful setting and the garden alone provides a spectacular setting, especially for us as we were here during the September heatwave. We very much enjoyed our cocktails in the garden as we eyed up what was to be offered on the tasting menu. The menu was excellent. There was nothing we didn't like, though particular highlights for me were the scallops, the stone bass and the lamb. Serving staff explained each course well and the accompanying wine flight was excellent. Though everything was enjoyable, if I have a minor criticism, I would say that I found some of the courses to be a little on the safe side. Yes, great quality ingredients were beautifully cooked and served but I would have appreciated maybe just a little more attitude and edginess from the chefs, to really let them display their creativity. As it was it felt just a little too classical. However, it's a minor criticism and certainly the Painswick was up at the top of the table in respect of the 10 nights of eating out on the Cotswold Way.

We had The George Afternoon Tea on their terrace and it was so delicious. A really lovely place with an amazing view. This hotel is great for an authentic full English experience. The food was exquisite and perfectly prepared.

Stayed 1 night at the hotel which included the 7 course taster menu, hors d’oeuvres were served with welcome cocktails in the lounge then through to the main restaurant, highlights were the lamb and the “scone” hors d’oeuvres which were beautifully presented and full of taste, only disappointment was the frangipane tart which we found a little dry. The atmosphere in the restaurant itself was v relaxed with guests dressed down, nothing too posh, and the staff cheerful and welcoming, no pretentious anywhere! Priced at £80, we thought that it was excellent value and we certainly revisit.

The restaurant is very nice located, hills view. Very nice and not to classic dishes for the region. Wonderful style and great selection of good wines