EMMA DUNN takes a break from the hassles and strains of real life for some much-need relaxation at The Kings Head Hotel in nearby Cirencester THEY say moving house is one of the most stressful things you can do, and my boyfriend and I were feeling the full force last week as we packed up our respective flats in Swindon, ready for our move to London.

All we could think about was how we were going to get everything packed up in time, whether we would fit everything in the van, and would Scott ever actually wear the cowboy boots he bought as a souvenir from Texas?

So our heads were spinning as we left Swindon to drive to The Kings Head Hotel in Cirencester for a one-night stay. But as soon as we were shown into our room, all thoughts of the move quickly disappeared.

“Woooooooow,” we both said, as the reception manager opened the door to our room.

The mix of modern and vintage decor was perfect, and certainly matched the boutique hotel description.

The four-poster bed (which looked the size of two doubles) was impressive, and there was even a free-standing bath tub next to it. The en-suite bathroom was given another “wow”, with its impressive floor to ceiling tiles.

In fact, the whole room was stunning, and about five times the size of the studio flat we were about to move into.

Ours was one of 45 bedrooms created at the Grade II listed building, which is thought to date back to the 14th century.

The hotel has only just reopened to the public after closing for redevelopment in 2007, and there’s nothing the people behind the multi-million pound renovations haven’t thought of.

Owned by Wildmoor Properties and operated by The Vineyard Group, the hotel has a restaurant and bar, private dining rooms, and will also be opening a spa and fitness room in the cavernous basement area in early 2015.

When we left our room for drinks and dinner, the wow factor continued.

Drinks were in the Panel Room, which has been renovated in keeping with the Grade II original features. It has been updated with new panels in front of the old ones, along with stylish furniture.

Our dinner in the wine cellar downstairs certainly kept up the high standards.

The room, with its own glass-walled wine display and bespoke dining table, is a magical private dining space.

And the dishes, from head chef Wayne Sullivan, not only looked delicious but tasted sensational.

We began with a colourful salad of Heirloom tomatoes, beetroot, Cerney Ash goats cheese and citrus meringue. Yes, meringue. I would never have believed it, but the flavours worked perfectly.

Next on the menu was a trio of pork loin, cider-braised belly pork and black pudding. It was so soft it melted in the mouth. It came with sweet potato purée, roasted apple and broccoli, which were also delicious.

The Jack Daniels cheesecake presented for dessert arrived deconstructed into three sumptuous parts, each incredibly rich and offering just the right ratio of bitter to sweet.

Each course was accompanied by a specially selected wine from the hotel’s extensive wine menu, and the choices were spot on.

From the citrus hints in the white wine to go with the salad, to the rich chocolatey tones in the red wine served with dessert, each glass complemented the dishes perfectly.

After dinner, we were treated to a tour of the hotel and were amazed to see how far the underground sections extend, going far beyond the street level the facade would have you believe.

The low, shot-blasted ceilings create an intimate feeling in the newly created function room and bar, likely to open regularly and become an atmospheric live music venue.

We also got a sneak peek at the new spa, which was still in the process of being completed although it was easy to envisage the final product. An entrance on the street separate from the main hotel is sure to catch passing trade as well as longer term guests.

Breakfast the next morning was of the same high standard we had come to expect from the hotel. I went for the continental option, a generous buffet of cereals, croissants, yoghurts and fruit. Scott opted for the full English, which was packed with golden hash browns, thick cut bacon, local Gloucester Old Spot sausages, button mushrooms and tomato. We arrived at breakfast at 7am, ready for another whole day of packing back in Swindon.

Rather than feeling the stress we’d had on our arrival, The Kings Head Hotel gave us the refreshing break we needed. We felt like we had been away for a week by the time we got back to Swindon, and I would certainly recommend the hotel to anyone looking for a relaxing break.

And did we make it to London with all the boxes? Yes, I’m sitting in our flat now. And the cowboy boots are here too.

Rates at The Kings 
Head Hotel, which is at 24 Market Place, Cirencester GL7 2NR, start at £135 per room per night. 
For more information call 01285 700900, visit www.kingshead-hotel.co.uk or email info@kingshead-hotel.co.uk.