The Frogmill, situated 15 minutes outside of Cheltenham, describe themselves as a ‘Cotswolds classic’. Following an extensive renovation having been bought by Oxfordshire based brewers Brakspear, this is an accurate description for a place offering a laid-back country retreat with 28 individually designed rooms that scatter themselves around one of the Cotswold’s longest established inns.
The charming features of this 16th-century inn have been maintained from exposed wooden beams, open fireplaces and timber clad walls to keep alive the charisma and charm the Cotswolds is renowned for. This is centred around the popular restaurant that offers visitors and overnight guests a rotating selection of seasonal menus that champion British produce led by executive chef Arthur Knight and head chef Jonathon Pons (formerly of the acclaimed Feather’s Nest and Ellenborough Park) and their team.
The Frogmill’s signature grill selection is executed on its Spanish Josper coal-fired oven as the kitchen centrepiece alongside an American smoker. From a 12oz premium rump steak to 14oz premium bone-in sirloin steak to a dry-aged native Chateaubriand for two with bearnaise sauce – diners also have a wide collection of main dishes to select from its popular menu.
Championing pub classics which have been elevated with a sophisticated and contemporary twist, other main dishes The Frogmill offer on its dinner menu includes salt and sage pork crackling with a pear chutney, chapel and swan smoked salmon with lemon, pickled red onion, cornichons and soda bread or a warming whole-baked rustic Camembert studded with garlic and rosemary, tearing brioche and apple chutney for two.
Other mains extend to market fish of the day, wild mushroom and tarragon dumplings with truffle soya cream, extending to a less traditional Asian crispy duck salad with cucumber, carrots, spring onion, chilli, sesame and a hoisin dressing.
Surrounding a ‘laid-back luxe’ style are The Frogmill’s 28 en-suite rooms across six categories. Ranging from ‘Cosy’ to ‘Deluxe’, plus a dedicated Signature Room and additional Suite in the Frogmill’s cottage building, all rooms feature king-size Feather and Black beds with bathrooms lined with tiling, waterfall showers and freestanding bathtubs. Superior rooms are situated within the converted stables and have their very own patios, while Signature Rooms house their very own balconies and vaulted ceilings. A selection of rooms are also dog-friendly in keeping with this chic countryside retreat concept.
Whilst hidden within the main building is The Frogmill’s dedicated events space. Finished with high ceilings and a minstrel gallery in a French style, this space can hold up to 150 guests with a smaller separate ‘snug’ area and is popular for weddings, personal celebrations and corporate events.
The Frogmill has been lovingly restored to epitomise the charm of the Cotswolds. A comfortable and stylish overnight retreat, it offers those who visit a gateway to discover the rolling countryside of the Cotswolds set alongside a trickling stream that cut through its garden, large lawn and al fresco dining area, perfectly set up for long summer nights.
Factbox
Address: Shipton Oliffe, Cheltenham GL54 4HT
Phone: 01242 386364
Website: thefrogmillshipton.co.uk
