Assessment: The Roseate Studying, Berkshire, UK

Tucked away within the coronary heart of Studying, The Roseate Studying is a strikingly lovely boutique lodge set inside a Grade II listed constructing that was as soon as the city’s Shire Corridor. Recognized for its opulent decor, grand spiral staircase and a seamless mix of basic structure with trendy luxurious, the lodge is barely a brief stroll from the historic Abbey ruins and the colourful city centre.

The welcome

I arrived in Studying by prepare and walked the quick distance from the station to the lodge the place I used to be welcomed at reception.  The check-in course of was fast and environment friendly, and I used to be getting into my room on the second flooring inside a matter of minutes. 

The room

I stayed in Room 27, a Home Premium Suite located throughout the Roseate Constructing, famend for its conventional design and in addition housing the reception and restaurant. 

The suite exuded an air of basic refinement, full with king-size mattress, adorned with a plethora of pillows, cushions, and a luxurious throw, all combining to offer an mpression of unparalleled consolation. And the mattress greater than lived as much as its expectations of offering me with a reassuringly restful sleep every evening.

A luxurious couch on the foot of the mattress might have simply lured me into moments of leisure had I not bought loads of work to do. 

The suite additionally featured a separate, dual-purpose dressing desk/workspace, and fitted wardrobes that hid considerate facilities similar to a secure, hairdryer, ironing board and iron, a mini fridge stocked with water and milk, a kettle, espresso maker, and extra. 

The lavatory

Getting into the toilet felt nearly like getting into your individual personal minature spa sanctuary. The area boasted a big, deep tub for indulgent soaks, complemented by a separate bathe, basin and WC. 

To enrich the expertise was the aromatic Blenheim Bouquet vary ttoiletries from Penhaligon.

The services

Culinary excellence is a trademark of The Roseate Studying, epitomised by The Studying Room, the place each breakfast and dinner are served. 

My dinner started with an amuse-bouche of native cauliflower with almond and caviar, a fragile introduction to tease the palate.

For starters, the Orkney scallops, artfully mixed with slowly cooked pork stomach, sweetcorn, ink tapioca, Granny Smith apples, and a curry oil emulsion, showcased Govt Chef Rajesh Maharjan’s prowess in balancing various substances. 

My hearty foremost course featured Cornish halibut, completely roasted and accompanied by a splendidly candy puréed butternut squash, in addition to chickpeas, roasted pepper, toasted almonds, greens and a caviar sauce. 

Dessert was a revelation: pistachio brûlée paired with pistachio ice cream, strawberry consommé, raspberries, and a hanging pistachio coral, to place the final touch an impeccable meal.

Throughout my keep, I additionally bought to expertise a themed afternoon tea that was placed on for a gathering of vacationer business professionals. Celebrating the 250th anniversary of Jane Austen’s delivery, the lodge introduced a collection of sandwiches and impressed desserts, with the aesthetic standout being the imaginative Plum Delice, artfully crafted to resemble an ink pot and quill — a nod to the literary legacy of Austen herself, who had household connections with the city along with attending boarding college very near The Roseate.

For these looking for rejuvenation, the lodge’s spa services on the highest flooring provide a variety of therapies designed to appease and revitalise, the place company can take pleasure in bespoke therapies tailor-made to their wants.

The situation

Strategically positioned, The Roseate Studying serves as a perfect base to discover the myriad of sights to be present in Studying. Simply across the nook lies the historic City Corridor, residence to a exceptional 70-metre-long Victorian reproduction of the Bayeux Tapestry.

The already-mentioned connection to Jane Austen provides a literary attract, particularly throughout this 250th anniversary yr. A brief stroll from the lodge results in the grounds of the Abbey the place, for those who’re lucky sufficient to achieve entry to a particular tour, you’ll be able to go to a classroom on the Abbey Gateway the place Austen as soon as studied — a pilgrimage for lovers eager to immerse themselves within the surroundings that formed her childhood.

For leisure and wellness guests to Studying, Thames Lido, with its Twenties Edwardian frontage, is an area that’s re-born, but steeped in historical past, the place an open-air swimming expertise is paying homage to a bygone period.

Not solely that, however Studying’s place alongside the Nice West Method — a route that stretches from London to Bristol — makes it a handy cease for travellers exploring a few of England‘s most iconic landmarks.

Different good touches

The Roseate Studying made quite a lot of considerate gestures. For instance, upon getting into my room, I used to be greeted by a plate adorned with goodies and macaroons, with “Welcome to The Roseate” elegantly scripted in chocolate. 

In-room studying materials incuded the Harrods journal and The Sybarite.

It was additionally a nice shock that, throughout dinner, the chef made a private request to satisfy me, and took trip of his busy kitchen schedule to have a fast chat.

The price

The Home Premium Suite, such because the one I stayed in,  sometimes begins from £235 per evening. Contemplating the extent of consolation and prime location, this represents distinctive worth for these looking for an indulgent deal with.

One of the best bit

Whereas each side of The Roseate Studying exudes excellence, the standard of the fixtures and fittings of my suite and the culinary expertise at The Studying Room notably stood out.

The ultimate verdict

Few locations handle to stability historic structure with up to date consolation as effortlessly as The Roseate Studying. The intricate consideration to element — from the beautifully-appointed suites to the artistry of the kitchen — creates a keep that feels deeply private. The grandeur of the constructing speaks for itself, whereas the meals would rival quite a lot of London’s most interesting institutions.

Disclosure: Our keep was sponsored by The Roseate Studying.

Paul Johnson

Paul Johnson is Editor of A Luxurious Journey Weblog and has labored within the journey business for greater than 30 years. He’s Winner of the Improvements in Journey ‘Finest Journey Influencer’ Award from WIRED journal. Along with different awards, the weblog has additionally been voted “one of many world’s finest journey blogs” and “finest for luxurious” by The Telegraph.