When you think of Soho or Shoreditch House, you think of rubbing shoulders with the rich and famous, sipping champagne in the bright lights of London. Soho Farmhouse still offers this but with a stripped back, more relaxed and wholesome edge.
Hidden through the winding roads of the Oxfordshire countryside is a make shift farm where every little detail has been considered and thought about for those wanting a form of rest and recuperation away from the city.
Driving into the farm you are met with your personal concierge.. who isn’t there to make fancy table reservations or club booth bookings but simply show you what time the milk man arrives, sort out your wellies or light the log burner for your comfort.
We are driven to the main barn in a converted milk float and dropped in a cobbled playground of open fires, farm shops selling locally grown produce and of course the home of the “Cowshed Spa”.
Even the spa isn’t as structured as most… beauty therapists wearing converse trainers and aprons can offer you a choice of hundreds of treatments overlooking the lake. The relaxed approach makes it even more tranquil.
If a treatment isn’t your thing then take a rowing boat from the main barn to the sheds infinity pool which meets with the lake, the pool is heated and surrounded by day beds and fresh towels and dressing gowns….it seriously doesn’t matter that its October and a slight frost to the air.
Take your complimentary bike across the lake bridge and chill in the traditional wooden tubs filled with warm water and best enjoyed with a glass of red.
There is a reason why this group is called “Soho House” It really is a home away from home…
On finishing day activities retire to your room, whether that be a log cabin with outdoor steel bath or a tepee that offers a high standard of “glamping”.
Your concierge will arrange to pick you up and drop you back at the main courtyard for you to choose from the array of restaurants for your evening meal. Choose from Fancy Farm for fine dining, Pen Yen for Japanese grill, wholesome grub at the main barn or we opted for a set menu of authentic Indian food.
After dinner, drink cocktails in the bar that refuses to shut until the last man standing or head to the Farmhouse cinema, which is how I wish I could watch every film…bed-like-sofas showing the latest film, (we’d recommend booking in advance to avoid missing out).
It’s hard to wrap up this review, simply because its hard to admit our stay is over. There is a reason why this group is called “Soho House” It really is a home away from home.
Cabins at Soho Farmhouse start from £325 for non-members
sohofarmhouse.com
