Staycation: Soho Farmhouse v Daylesford Organic
At Harrow & Green we were delighted to collaborate with both Soho Farmhouse and Daylesford Organic designing a range of Christmas sacks and stockings for each company. For this and many other reasons I love both establishments, and can say without hesitation that they each make for the perfect staycation.
The Cotswolds, so often synonymous with cream teas and the middle-aged, have been made that much edgier by the presence of Soho Farmhouse and Daylesford Organic Farm. Of course the Mucklowe cousins of BBC’s genius hit comedy This Country have also helped put the Cotswolds on the map but that’s a whole other blog post right there!
The Mucklowes aside, quite a few celebrities are knocking about the Cotswolds. However, as with all things, some are more A-list than others; Kate Moss and the Beckhams are leading from the front. Amanda Holden and David Cameron not so much.
On a Thursday night Soho Farmhouse is where it’s at. The Farmhouse as it’s known, is like Centre Parcs on steroids although the Soho House group probably wouldn’t thank me for that analogy!
At the Farmhouse the vibe is more box-fresh Hunter wellies than Gore-Tex waterproofs. This particular farm doesn’t have any livestock and there isn’t a tractor in sight, or much mud for that matter!
Home for the night is a cosy log cabin complete with wood burner, and as cars are banned the entire site is accessed, like Centre Parcs, by bike. However for the less energetic, there are milk floats available, who after their morning milk round, taxi guests around the grounds. As with all things Soho House, these are very upmarket milk floats, painted in mint green so as not to jar with the landscape, and then in the ultimate transformation becoming mobile cocktail bars in the evening. Semi skimmed milk delivery by day, Negronis by night - who knew milk floats could be so versatile? Only the Soho House group could take the concept of something so quintessentially British as a milk round and up it a whole other level!
In addition to cocktails on tap, the Farmhouse offers all the usual luxuries; spa, swimming pools, hot tubs, yoga and spinning classes, a cinema, pub and four restaurants. Membership is very exclusive but occasionally “muggles” like me can book an overnight stay and if you’re lucky, as I was, you might even get a David Beckham sighting thrown in for good measure. Apparently he treats it like its his local Starbucks and for the record, he’s very hot in the flesh!
Before Soho Farmhouse joined the Cotswolds party, there was Daylesford Organic Farm - the ultimate countryside retreat. Daylesford Organic is the creation of Lady Bamford who has been a devotee of organic farming for over 40 years, long before it was fashionable! She is passionate about sustainable farming and an advocate of the farm-to-fork movement.
Whilst Daylesford is a ‘working’ farm, the spotless Hunter wellies brigade are once again in full force. The world of Daylesford Organic includes a wellness spa, a cookery school, luxury cottages, restaurants and an organic farm shop. To be fair the words ‘farm shop’ don’t really do it justice because this is one high-end emporium. Everything is organic and beautifully packaged which is reflected in the prices. You’d need to be an oligarch to do your weekly shop at Daylesford but it’s perfect for little treats like a fruit and walnut tea loaf or a bottle of Château Léboue Rosé from the Daylesford vineyard in Provence!
In addition to Daylesford Organic farm, Lady Bamford also owns the Wild Rabbit Inn located just down the road in the heart of Kingham village. The Rabbit is a cosy country pub and restaurant with 12 bedrooms. Although it is an extension of Daylesford farm, it has its own identity. The vibe is more traditional but with a stylish twist. The emphasis is on comfort and indulgence; roaring log fires, squidgy armchairs, very posh pub grub and sinful puddings.
Testament to the Wild Rabbit’s success is how popular it is with the locals, and it acts as a hub for the surrounding villages. Late in the evening, as the labradors hunker down in front of the log fire, the locals gather to discuss the latest gossip. Subjects range from the Beckham’s latest planning application to Blur’s Alex James’ reinvention as a gentleman cheesemonger, and no that isn’t a euphemism!
Believe me it’s all happening in the Cotswolds so beg, borrow or steal a pair of Hunters and get yourself down to the coolest staycation destinations of 2020!
Words and photos by Tanya Taylor © 2020