The Bath Priory hotel and spa review

A honey-hued 19th-century edifice built on land which once belonged to Bath Abbey (whence the name), The Bath Priory hotel and spa sits in four acres of grounds off an upmarket residential road just a few minutes’ walk from Bath’s Royal Victoria Park.

Each of the 26 bedrooms and seven suites is named after a flower - ours is Lobelia, one of the hotel’s 13 premier deluxe rooms.

The room’s period furnishing ensures a real country house feel, while tasteful neutral tones and wide windows looking directly out onto the beautiful gardens show a more modern sensitivity to space and light.

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In the more contemporary en-suite bathroom, an arrestingly large bath tub is edged with L’Occitane toiletries, a nod to the Priory’s status as the only spa in the UK partnered with French beauty giant.

The stylish Garden Spa, located on the lower level, offers all the pampering treatments you would expect, along with a heated pool, a sauna and steam room.

And if that all sounds a bit sweaty, French doors open out onto a scenic mini terrace where you can cool off in view of the gardens.

In fact, the grounds are another delight. Presided over by BBC gardening expert Jane Moore, the four acres of garden range from impeccably maintained lawns to splendid English wilderness, to an overflowing kitchen garden.

Scattered among all this, you’ll find a petanque pitch, a croquet lawn and, best of all, a heated outdoor pool tucked away behind a hedgerow.

As you might imagine, all this make a perfect backdrop for afternoon tea, which is served daily between 3pm and 4.30pm.

In the evening, the hotel’s restaurant offers either a la carte dining or a seven-course tasting menu, both developed under Michelin-starred executive chef Michael Nizzero, formerly of The Ritz.

Our dining experience kicks off with a pre-dinner Vieux Carre, served to strong but smooth perfection in the lounge.

Too many historic house hotels are let down by a stuffy, lifeless ambience, but on our visit the atmosphere in the common areas was relaxed and lively.

My companion and I both opt for seafood starters, which turns out to be a wise decision.

The Cornish crab, served with lovage and celery, has is resoundingly fresh, as is the lobster salad, which comes with the evening’s only moment of fine-dining frippery.

The plate is placed on the table, and then a vial of clear tomato essence is artfully poured over the ensemble - a bit of a self-conscious flourish, to be sure, but a forgivable one when the food is this good.

A main of delicate veal fillet - sliced into tender pink medallions - is pleasingly set off by the brackish bite of anchovy and basil sauce.

Meanwhile, my companion is sent into raptures by the Ston Easton lamb loin, roasted to melt-in-the-mouth perfection and served with a feather-light cream of potato dauphinoise.

The warm and knowledgeable service left almost as delectable a taste - in fact, throughout our stay, it was the cadre of unwaveringly friendly and charming staff which really brought the Priory into a class of its own.

Overnight stays at The Bath Priory start from £195 per room, including breakfast.

A three course a la carte dinner in the Priory restaurant can be had for £85 per head, with a seven-course tasting menu offered at £98 per head.

Spa and dining packages are available, check website for details.