I'm BBBAAAAACCCCCKKKK!!! HIYA to all my favorite Ciao friends and new Ciaoers!!!! xxxx
I'm BBBAAAAACCCCCKKKK!!! HIYA to all my favorite Ciao friends and new Ciaoers!!!! xxxx
Member since:10.05.2003
Reviews:41
Members who trust:16
The Shears Inn, Collingbourne Ducis, Nr Marlborough, Wiltshire
On the way back from a long drive from the annual holiday, we had to stop over for one night due to a polo tournament I was playing in. Typical, a last minute thing and could we find a BnB? No! So we stumbled across this highly recommended village Public Inn and Hotel.
The Area
The area is primarily an army area, hosting the Tidworth Garrison, a mile or so down the road, and is on the eastern side of the famous Salisbury Plain. Any army/forces folk will know it! The way is nicely sign posted however I would recommend doing a route finder as some of the signs were well hinden by foliage! Keep your eyes peeled!
The Inn
I had no idea what to expect, only that it was costing us £80 for a standard double room with ensuite, with a traditional English Breakfast. All the rooms have ensuite. I was not holding out! However,
I was very surprised and pleased to see a gorgeous thatched period house awaiting us, surrounded by gentle rolling hills full of sheep! Gorgeous. We were warmly greeted by the proprietor, the pine decked bar and old barrell tables added to the country feel. A very well stocked bar, with every thing for all tastes, well stocked champagne, beers and cask ales- they are a Brakspears pub. A rather good real ale maker. All spirits and some extras more suited to a cocktail bar! Very well appointed, with bar snacks, nuts and rice cracks etc. We were warned if we required we should book there and then to avoid disappointment. It gets very busy as it has a wonderful a la carte chef who's awards are plaster throught the concourse/reception. We thought it would be rude not to sample the delights and booked in for 7pm. Upstairs is light and airy, and you can see the history of the house, lovely old beams, probably circa 1700, or perhaps earlier. There are 6 bedrooms available and we stayed as mentionedabove in a double room. There are twin rooms available. A beautifully furnished room awaited us- again traditional bespoke period furniture, with a very pretty made up bed. Within the room, there is phone, two bedside cabinets, a television, a window that looks out onto the Vales, Ample storage/armoires and a light and very new ensuite bathroom- shower/bath and loo.
Extras... there were extras in the room that added to the experience, such as a fruit basket with slices of cake, Tea and Coffee, and tea lights in the shower for a relaxing bathe. It was more than welcome after a horrendous 6 hour drive from Newquay!
Supper Time
A seven we trundled down to the bar. We had some drinks whilst our table was prepared. Awaiting us was a small loaf of freshly made bread, and some olives.Yum! We had ordered whilst at the bar so as we sat down within minutes the starter was out. I had mussles in a garlic sauce which were delicious, Mr armychick had soup- fennel and asparagus.There is a wide choice of starters, so there is pretty much something for everyone. Both went down very quickly.The mains followed promptly and waitresses were very attentive. I had the most delicious calf's liver with summer fruit jus and veggies, and Mr armychick had an exquisite rack of lamb, with veg and gravy. After scoofing down those delights, the chef came out personally to see if the meal was ok. He was lovely and delighted that we had enjoyed the meal. The meal was finished with a desert- just to be real pigs- we ordered an ice cream and lemon tarte thing to share. Bellies full and big smiles we finished our wine at the bar before retiring upstairs. The wine list is also comprehensive, so wime lovers you are in for a treat.
Breakfast
Again, very accomodating. There was no set time for breakfast. They are ready when you are, just specify a time. There is everything you could imagine. But the full fry up was divine. Fresh country fair- proper cured bacon and home made sausages, with black pudding and local mushroom. Great start to the day.
I would highly recommend this place if you are ever in the area. It is out of the way, but it really is beautiful for supper for sa special occasion.
As I said, £80 a night for a double ensuite.
£75 for a 3 course dinner for two including £18 on a good bottle of wine. So all in all, reasonable value for a night.
Details can be found if you google Brakspears, or just type the name. I'll gaurantee you a lovely hospitable stay where you feel the most important guests there. Great for a treat. There is plenty of carparking. Children accomodated. (there's a large wood chipped play area with climbing frames etc in the garden)
Thanks for reading Naomi
How helpful would this review be to a person making a buying decision? Rating guidelines
Very well written, you deserve a few more Es for that!
nigeofnewbury 16.09.2005 17:56
I liked this review - it sounds lovely. And the title - "...Very Shearful" - fantastic !
Majiggy 15.09.2005 03:07
Great review. You make it sound so nice and cosy. Reminds me of a nice Bn'B I went to ages ago. The breakfast there was great. Oh and the chef coming out personally is so sweet! :)
xx maj xx
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