Forget about the boyfriend

There is nothing like a romantic getaway, and Coombe Abbey, in the heart of the Warwickshire countryside, promised so much.

So when the opportunity came up, the little issue of last-minute-boyfriend-unavailability was never going to put me off, especially when I found out I would be spending the night in Gary Barlow’s bed.

Instead, I enlisted my friend Kat to join me for a stay in one of the most luxurious hotels within 100 miles of Swindon.

Coombe Abbey Country House Hotel is a Grade I listed building cradled in the Warwickshire countryside, just a stone’s throw from Coventry.

It is in travel website Booking.com’s top 10 list of ‘surprising places to stay’, and the hotel is well known for its unique bedroom suites, such as the Lucy Bedchamber where we stayed.

Not only were we assaulted with plush gold and red fabrics and beautiful furnishings, the novel twist was climbing a spiral staircase to a bathroom featuring a bench in the shower and a stand-alone bath.

There was even a television in the canopy of the bed.

Kat, whose first impulse was to test out the quality of the bathroom, said: “When we first got to the room I just thought ‘wow’. It wasn’t what I was expecting.

“The furnishings were beautiful, and there was a four poster bed. It was just like being royalty.

“I also loved the bathroom. There was a separate toilet which was great because it meant that when you had a bath you still had absolute privacy.”

The former Cistercian Abbey was built in 1150AD, and played host to a number of esteemed guests after it became a royal property in the 16th century.

Even today the hotel has retained its regal flair and medieval roots, with rumours of hauntings exaggerated with regular ghost hunts, banquets and murder mystery events.

This luxurious hotel has a very grandiose, Gothic feel, including a long sweeping drive down to the house, and a moat you must cross to get to reception.

Just remember too that the car park is quite a distance away if you have heavy bags to carry.

The main event for both of us was dinner in the Garden Room Restaurant, a large conservatory softly lit and decorated in Regency colours, complete with a background of gentle classical music.

Determined to try something a little different, I opted for the pan seared Shetland scallops accompanied by confit cured pork belly, Jerusalem artichoke and pancetta crisp and smoked bacon foam to start.

I have never tasted anything so delicious. The tender pork belly fell away in my mouth, and its deep flavours complemented the fish. It was a posh surf and turf. The snap of the thin pancetta offered another level of flavour while adding to the range of texture in a single mouthful.

After a short break – and a cheeky cheesy bread roll – my roasted duck breast arrived, complete with calvolo nero – also known as kale – caramelised fig, fondant potato and a honey glaze.

The tender duck – cooked rare on the advice of the chef – was beautifully seasoned, and the potato wonderfully creamy on the inside while crispy on the outside.

Together with the kale, there was an earthy flavour to the dish which made a wonderful contrast to the richness in the starter.

To finish I polished off a tray of cheese and grapes, where once again the variety of flavours tantalised my taste buds, washed down with a class of port.

Kat began her meal with the butternut squash veloute, which had a watercress syrup swirled on the top, before being served her sirloin steak, cooked exactly as she’d requested – medium well – and beautifully tender and expertly seasoned. She said the triple cooked chips were amazing – golden and crispy on the outside and beautifully fluffy on the inside.

For her, it was the dessert which took the meal to another level. Her white chocolate panacotta was beautifully smooth, countered perfectly by the hard crunch of cinder toffee and topped off with an orange and cinnamon syrup. She described it as “a fantastic explosion of texture and taste in your mouth”.

During the meal we were well attended by the staff, who helped to make us feel comfortable and at ease, and make us wish we had even more courses to come.

Following a nightcap in the bar, our evening of luxury came to an end and we returned to our room, and a bed the size of a small flat.

When we checked out the next morning, the reception staff asked us how our stay was... and mentioned that it was the room that Gary Barlow stayed in when he visited. Kat said that if she’d known that earlier, she may have stayed in bed a little longer!

There is plenty to be impressed by at Coombe Abbey. We both agreed it really is a great place for a weekend away – whether your boyfriend can make it or not.

Travel facts

Liz Mackley was a guest of Coombe Abbey, Brinklow Road, Binley, Warwickshire CV3 2A Bed and breakfast rates start from £89 per night Dinner, bed and breakfast for two in Grand Feature Bedchamber costs from £209 per night. A romantic break for two, including dinner, champagne, flowers, chocolates and breakfast in Grand Feature Suite costs £429 per night. For more information or to book, call 02476 450450 or visit www.coombeabbey.com.