The Bower House: A Luxe Getaway In The UK’s Cotswolds That Redefines Country Elegance!

Published on September 11, 2025

In the heart of Shipston-on-Stour, a pretty town in the north Cotswolds, sits The Bower House, an idyllic escape wrapped in countryside charm. Guests settle into stylish rooms, indulge in delicious dishes, and soak up the inviting atmosphere. Just an hour’s drive from both Birmingham and Stratford-upon-Avon, this restaurant-with-rooms feels like a treasured secret, offering the perfect mix of luxury and homeliness. The Bower House combines the best of countryside elegance under one roof, ensuring a getaway that’s both memorable and wonderfully relaxing.

A Historic Setting with Modern Comforts

The Bower House is housed in a Grade II listed Georgian building, located on Shipston’s bustling High Street. With a turquoise sign hanging above the entrance, the restaurant is both inviting and steeped in history. The building’s vintage charm is beautifully paired with modern amenities, offering guests a taste of both the old and new. Inside, the café bar exudes a cosy atmosphere where guests can unwind before heading to their rooms.

The five rooms, accessed through a separate entrance above the restaurant, are designed to reflect a stylish, vintage-inspired aesthetic. The rooms are spacious, with each featuring original artwork, antiques, and a mix of luxurious furnishings. The high-end toiletries from Ila, combined with the plush, comfortable bed, ensure that guests enjoy every moment of their stay. The Bower House offers exceptional value, with rooms starting from just 115 Euro per night.

Michelin-Starred Dining in the Heart of the Cotswolds

The main attraction of The Bower House, however, is its award-winning restaurant. The restaurant has garnered a reputation for its exceptional food, led by Leo Kattou, the former head chef at Birmingham’s Michelin-starred Simpsons. Leo, who was a finalist on MasterChef: The Professionals, brings his culinary expertise to Shipston-on-Stour, making every meal an unforgettable experience.

The restaurant’s interior is as stunning as the food it serves, with its wooden beams, panelled walls, and exposed brick adding to the atmosphere. As night falls, the flickering candles create a warm, intimate setting for diners. The restaurant offers a range of options, from a delightful a la carte menu to a more indulgent five-course tasting menu. The tasting menu, priced at 60 Euro, offers a culinary journey that is further enhanced by wine pairings for 32 Euro or a fine wine pairing for 60 Euro.

Exquisite Dishes at The Bower House

Food enthusiasts will be delighted with the variety and quality of the dishes available at The Bower House. For starters, there are options like beef tartine and heritage tomato salad, each priced between 11 Euro and 14 Euro. The Brixham Crab Risotto, creamy and flavourful with charred cauliflower and sea herbs, is a standout. Another favourite is the Norfolk quail with Jerusalem artichoke, a beautifully tender dish complemented by hazelnut pesto and a rich gravy.

For mains, guests can opt for a juicy, high-quality steak, available as dry-aged Gloucester steaks, ribeye, or fillet, ranging from 31 Euro to 33 Euro. These are served with triple-cooked chips, caramelised onions, green salad, and Madeira sauce, with the chips proving a standout element of the dish. If you prefer something a bit different, the South Coast Lamb on the tasting menu is a delightful combination of black garlic, barbecued aubergine, and tomatoes, all topped with a crisp tart.

To finish, The Bower House is renowned for its souffles. The Cherry Bakewell Souffle, priced at 13 Euro, is a perfect end to the meal, light and airy with divine almond ice cream. The Honey Parfait (11 Euro), served with Earl Grey notes, biscuity crumble, and orange sauce, provides a lighter alternative for those who prefer something less indulgent.

A Relaxing, Friendly Atmosphere

What sets The Bower House apart is not just the exceptional food and elegant rooms but also the friendly, welcoming service. The team here is dedicated to ensuring that every guest has a memorable experience, offering an informal yet attentive approach. Their attention to detail creates an atmosphere that feels more like visiting a friend’s stylish countryside home than staying in a hotel.

Breakfast is served in the same vintage-inspired surroundings, where guests can choose from a range of options including Full English or Full Veggie breakfasts. Those seeking a lighter option can opt for granola, avocado on toast, or even a refreshing smoothie. For something a little more indulgent, the option of Mimosas or Breakfast Martinis is available, adding a touch of elegance to the start of the day.

A Unique Countryside Getaway

In short, The Bower House in Shipston-on-Stour deserves a top spot on your getaway list if you crave a luxurious yet comfy Cotswolds hideaway. Come for the amazing food, the postcard-perfect views, or the soothing hush that wraps around the place, you’ll leave feeling recharged. This restaurant-with-rooms neatly blends old-world character, modern perks, and culinary brilliance, explaining why it’s hailed as one of the Cotswolds’ finest escapes. Trust me, I’ve already circled the calendar for the next relaxing revisit.