Review: Soho Farmhouse
Soho Farmhouse review - in a sentence:
Infamous but undeniably fun, this sprawling retreat is the perfect Cotswolds base, with bags of countryside chic.
Design: 4/5
From the distressed wood that clads the cabins to the muted colour schemes and iconic pistachio coloured bikes / milk floats, this really is the epitome of Cotswolds design, plus a heavy dose of laidback luxury.
I opted for the ‘Studio Cabin’ room type, which are really spacious, detached cabins complete with a huge bed, sitting area, log burner and private wraparound balcony - featuring one of those iconic outdoor tin bathtubs. So luxurious.
Studio Cabin at Soho Farmhouse
An al fresco soak with a glass of rosé while listening to the stream burble along really was one of the highlights of my stay. I really recommend booking a studio cabin if you can!
The in-room amenities are amazing at all Soho House properties, but here they were taken to the next level - a fresh sourdough loaf, granola, local cheddar and freshly baked cookies were waiting in our cabin on check-in, as well as the usual lovely Soho House touches like comprehensive amenity kits, Grind coffee, cocktail cabinets and fluffy robes.
Food & drink: 3.5/5
I ate at four places in the 24 hours I was at Soho Farmhouse:
Blakes - an informal deli / cafe to grab a coffee and a quick bite, in the main courtyard of the hotel
Pen Yen - the Japanese restaurant situated in the lake house. The buzziest / most going out-y option, with a great cocktail menu. We really enjoyed what we had, but we did think the bill was a bit steep
The Main Barn - serving British classics and comfort food. I really enjoyed an absolutely banging mac & cheese!
Finally, Little Bell - hands down my favourite meal of my stay, this is really elevated pub food for very reasonable prices. This is the spot I would 100% recommend - it’s tiny though, so make sure you book!
You can also book a Milk Float service for drinks or in-room breakfast. Such a cute option!
Food at Soho Farmhouse is really tasty and reliable; if you’re a massive foodie, it won’t blow you away, but it’s to a high standard and on the whole is reasonably priced.
Location: 5/5
Situated in Great Tew, Soho Farmhouse is in the heart of the Cotswolds, specifically the Oxfordshire side - so literally the perfect base for exploring some of the Cotswolds’ most picturesque villages and hot spots.
I’d recommend driving if you can - you’ll be asked to park up and check-in, where you’ll be offered refreshments, and finally be whisked away to your room on one of the Insta famous milk floats.
If you’re travelling to Soho Farmhouse by train, the nearest station is Charlbury which is a short drive away.
To-do: 5/5
The amenities at Soho House are amazing and, for me, what makes it stand out compared to other Cotswolds hotels.
There’s enough to occupy here for days, including a Cowshed spa (of course!), a gym, a handful of different restaurants, a Soho Home store, a farmyard full of animals, stables for those who ride, clay pigeon shooting, an Electric Cinema and even a florist.
When you book your stay Reception will email you with a full amenities booklet and give you opportunity to book whatever you’d like. You don’t need to reserve a slot at the spa (unless you’re getting a treatment), but definitely make reservations for your meals as the most popular spots do get booked up.
My favourite things to do while at Farmhouse were enjoying the indoor / outdoor pool, and simply pootling around the extensive grounds on my bike. So wholesome!
Reasons to book
Super luxurious touches throughout
Fantastic, friendly service
Really fun vibe and heaps to do
Perfectly placed to explore the best of the Cotswolds
Any negatives?
Those looking for a truly authentic Cotswolds stay might be disappointed - there are some original buildings on site, but many parts of the property are purpose built. We commented during our stay that it almost feels like an elevated, adults’ version of Legoland!
Could do with a little touch up in places, as some signs of wear and tear are starting to show
Guests are all allocated their own bike, complete with name tag, but unfortunately they regularly get nicked! Not the hotel’s fault, but it was an annoyance during our stay
Do you need to be a Soho House member to stay at Soho Farmhouse?
I’ve been asked this a few times, so thought I would give the response a permanent home here - yes, you’ll need to be a Soho House member (either full membership or Friends membership) to stay, or you’ll need to be joining in with others who are members and have booked a room big enough.
Soho Farmhouse review - the final word
I feel like Soho Farmhouse really divides opinion. I really enjoyed my stay, and I’ll be returning. Plump for a ‘cabin’ room type and you’ll be hard pushed to find such spacious rooms at a hotel with this many amenities for the price point!
