Roughly an hour’s drive or train ride from London, the family-owned Bush Hotel nestled in the historic Georgian market town of Farnham on the Hampshire borders, can trace its roots (sic) back to the early 1600s.
Its remarkable age shows in its wonderful cosy downstairs dining room and bar with their welcoming real fires in the winter and the ancient timbers and frescos to be admired all year round.
It’s a seductive and charming maze of corridors and staircases, with courtyards and gardens that magically remain silent and tranquil despite the busy market town just outside the walls.
The hotel is mentioned in Thackeray’s 1857 novel The Virginians and Oliver Cromwell is said to have visited in 1648. The name comes from the old custom of innkeepers hanging an ivy bush outside their premises to let passersby know that wine was sold within.
Who for?
Farnham is romantic all year round and the hotel is ideal for couples taking a well-earned break. The proximity of the station also makes it a great option for the carless. If you’re making a big journey to catch a cruise ship in Portsmouth or Southampton, the Bush will make a perfect place to spend your last night on land, giving you an easy onward journey the next day.
Accommodation
Forty-five rooms vary in size and age. The more modern wing lacks some of the charm of rooms in the original building, but makes up for it by being accessible for anyone with mobility problems. We had a large cosy Vintage Suite which was gorgeous with plump sofas to collapse in, an original, non-working, fireplace and rattly sash windows (listed status) looking out over the green centre. A walk-in wardrobe, ultra-stylish bathroom and all the usual tea and coffee facilities, big TV, plus a strong WiFi, took care of all our modern needs. All the main building’s rooms have their own unique decor and layouts with unusual and carefully curated modern flourishes such as designer chandeliers and original artworks.
Facilities
There is no spa at the Bush, instead our well-being came from enjoying the gorgeous old bar with its real fires redolent of wood smoke.
In the summer you can sit out in the large tranquil suntrap gardens with a cold drink in hand while the Kamada Joe barbecues get fired up. The hotel has use of the old Redgrave Theatre hall in the garden for weddings, with attached bar facilities, and the lovely grounds are perfect for the photos. There are conference facilities available
Food and Drink
Dining room at Bush Hotel
The Bush has one of the nicest dining rooms we’ve ever been in. It’s the historic heart of the hotel with window frames that have seen the centuries go by, massive oak beams, wall frescoes faded with age, and more of those lovely real fires.
The food is country house hotel style and done well with a seasonal twist. Starters of Salmon gravadlax, chive crème frisée salad, and a Chicken and Cognac liver parfait, plum and apple chutney, and ciabatta croutes, were both generous and tasty. Roasted seabass, olive and spring onion potato cake, spinach and tomato cream sauce was well done, but for a slightly heavy hand with the rock salt in the spinach, while a sirloin steak with mushroom, tomato and chips was simple and excellent.
We shared an apple and berry crumble, with a jug of thick custard. Perfect.
Breakfast was served in the garden restaurant and had all the classics, including of course Full English with quality sausages (veg options available) and trendy smashed avocado with chilli, lime and coriander topped with a poached egg and pumpkin seeds on toasted sourdough bread.
The Oak bar has light bites available at lunchtime and in the evenings, and the Petite Patisserie based in the hotel’s street frontage is a stylish place for high-end patisserie and coffee with an open-plan theatre kitchen where you can see the goodies being created.
What’s nearby
A once monthly farmers’ market will delight foodies, while all week the independent boutique shops make it a pleasure to stroll the streets and browse the goods. A wonderful little ‘pub’ across the road serves a remarkable variety of craft beers in relaxed grown-up surroundings with very friendly locals happy to chat. The Bush is also handily close to Farnborough for the annual airshow, as well as the North Downs Way for walks and rambles. Chichester is also within easy reach, and I was told people often stay at the Bush for Wimbledon week, making use of the regular trains to London from the nearby station.
Verdict
An absolute treasure of a unique hotel in an age of homogenised and boring chains. The staff are lovely, and the building and its three acres of grounds are warmly welcoming. Buth Hotel is an oasis that exists in the centre of a small, busy, town and that is remarkable.
How much
Rooms start from £161.00 room only for a classic double room inclusive of breakfast for two people.