#STAYCATION : THE DORSET ARMS / WITHYHAM
As part of our ‘staycation’ series, we were kindly invited to spend a night at the Old School Cottage, a beautifully renovated building situated behind The Dorset Arms on the Buckhurst Estate in Withyham.
Set deep within the English countryside lies The Dorset Arms, an 18th Century public house owned by the De La Warr family. The Old School Cottage has six beautifully appointed rooms that can be reserved on a room only basis or the cottage can be hired exclusively. Its position is only a stone’s throw away from the bar, after a quick welcome drink we checked in. Our room was a very good size with a picture-perfect view looking out over the Buckhurst Estate, the decor is warm and welcoming, it has a modern country vibe mixed with traditional pieces of furniture. Family portraits of the De La Warr family hang proudly on walls which add a nice touch of history, the rooms are bright and airy and have all the comforts of home.
After getting settled in we strolled around the immediate grounds and took in some much needed fresh air before heading back to the bar. As you walk through the door you get a warm welcome, you know instantly that those propping up the bar are the locals - oh so friendly and full of recommendations for the best tipple. I start with a Brighton Gin & Rhubarb Tonic.
The oak-beamed bar and restaurant is cosy and understated in decor, a stripped-back setting which becomes centre stage for the food and wow, - it did not disappoint. We sat just outside the Gunn room, next to the old inglenook fireplace, right in the centre of all the diners. The menu is curated weekly with locally sourced game at its heart, its fresh and varied selection has something for everyone. I highly recommend the scotch egg starter with mustard mayonnaise followed by the Roast Monkfish linguine, pure heaven! If you have room afterwards ask them to wheel over the cheese trolley….
With very full stomachs and far too much Merlot we strolled back to our room, guided by torchlight. The cottage is quiet, warm and I fall asleep as soon as I’m tucked under the covers. I wake up to the sound of birds song and fling open the curtains to be instantly enveloped back into this rural setting once again. After a long soak in the bath, we head to breakfast back in the restaurant. There is a selection of cereals, bread and fruit available as well as a cooked breakfast in any way you desire. The Buckhurst Park Sausages are a must, reared on the estate, they have been a labour of love for Lord De La Warr who has perfected the taste over many years. If you’re in a hurry to check out they will give you a sausage bap to go.
The Dorset Arms is a wonderful place to escape the everyday humdrum of life, only a fifteen-minute drive from Royal Tunbridge Wells with a wealth of local attractions nearby. We whole-heartedly recommend it for its accommodation and cuisine and eagerly look forward to returning again soon.
The Dorset Arms gifted our stay with them for this feature. We base all of our ‘staycation’ features on experiencing dinner, bed, and breakfast and we only ever recommend places we truly believe our readers would like. If you have any specific questions about our stay here please email hello@officialtunbridgewells.com
