CODE stays at Hotel Indigo, Bath

Arriving in Bath on a cold and rainy day, it’s clear that the short-lived British summer is well and truly over, but that doesn’t stop people telling you to admire the rainbow as you take refuge under a tree. The first sure sign you’ve left London is when (despite masks and distancing) people actually talk to one another walking down the street – not to say that Londoners aren’t friendly, the pace of life is just different outside the capital.

Upon arrival we checked in to Hotel Indigo, a boutique hotel housed in a beautiful 18^th century Georgian building, located on the South Parade in the centre of the city. The first time I’ve stayed in a hotel this side of lockdown, I would be lying if I said I wasn’t slightly apprehensive of how the experience would be, but my worries were quickly dispelled – the team had thought of everything to keep guests safe and comfortable, right down to removing ‘high touch’ items from the room such as cushions and blankets.

As I settled in, I realised it really is the little things about hotels I’ve missed the most: the small (and delicious) box of chocolates left on the pillow, the huge beds that would look quite frankly ridiculous if you put them in your bedroom at home and roll top baths that you could waste hours in. With 166 bedrooms, the five room designs at Hotel Indigo Bath each reflect the culture of the building and the city: the literary hideaway rooms complete with a writer’s desk pay homage to the many famous authors from Bath, whilst the vault rooms reflect the historical architecture of the city. The opposite of what you’d expect from a hotel smack bang in the centre of the city, the rooms are large and bright, and some even have a garden terrace to enjoy (perhaps best for when the weather gets better again…)

The independent restaurant located in the hotel, The Elder, was the real highlight of my stay. Led by executive chef Mike Robinson, owner of The Woodsman in Stratford on Avon and part-owner of The Harwood Arms, it was clear that the restaurant was likely to be a hit. With Gavin Edney at the helm in the kitchen, the restaurant focuses on timeless and authentic British cooking. Much to the dismay of those dining with me, I’m a real people watcher – but I did agree with one guest who commented it’s nice when the menu notes where the ingredients are from, proving its commitment to seasonality and sustainability goes beyond mere buzz words, but form part of the ethos of the restaurant. Managing the land that its wild produce is reared on, guests also have the option to go and visit the local estates to learn more about the field-to-fork philosophy.

With a vegetable-forward menu on offer, I had an artichoke soup with crispy artichoke skins to start – which whilst sounding simple was up there as my favourite dishes I’ve eaten this year – followed by a sweetcorn and mushroom tart and finished with a caramelised pear mille-feuille. The Dorset crab tart was also a highlight and judging by how often I saw the dish coming out of the kitchen, it is popular with other guests, too. With individual dining rooms making up the restaurant, the space has a very cosy and intimate feel, and it was great to see it full on a Saturday night with people experiencing the joys of eating out once more.

So, whilst I know many are mourning the loss of their cancelled summer holiday or wondering when they may be able to travel abroad again, let this be a reminder that there is still lots to enjoy as we settle into this new way of life and – if you are able to – a few days exploring what our own country has to offer is most definitely one of them.

CODE was a guest of Hotel Indigo and The Elder Bath. The stay took place before tier restrictions were introduced. Please check details in your local area before booking. 

Rooms start at £170 a night. To find out more about Hotel Indigo and The Elder, visit the website here 

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