Wiltshire


<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="666" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wilts/wp-content/uploads/sites/19/2024/09/The-Great-Bustard-interior-Dave-Watts-1.jpg" alt="The Great Bustard credit Dave Watts" class="wp-image-34447" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wilts/wp-content/uploads/sites/19/2024/09/The-Great-Bustard-interior-Dave-Watts-1.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wilts/wp-content/uploads/sites/19/2024/09/The-Great-Bustard-interior-Dave-Watts-1-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wilts/wp-content/uploads/sites/19/2024/09/The-Great-Bustard-interior-Dave-Watts-1-768x511.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Dave Watts</figcaption></figure>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-lowdown">THE LOWDOWN</h2>



<p>Just seven miles from Salisbury’s medieval city centre lies The Great Bustard, a boutique hotel with fine-dining restaurant, pub and mini-spa. It’s tucked away in the Woodford Valley, amidst some of Wiltshire’s most bucolic countryside, and a short hop from Stonehenge. It’s also perfectly positioned just 10 minutes from the A303, making this a great stopover for weary travellers wanting to recharge their batteries before the final sprint down to Cornish coast. &nbsp;</p>



<p>Formerly The Black Horse, The Great Bustard has undergone a multi-million-pound refurb, and pretty impressive it is too. You’ll find a restaurant, treatment room and 10 fabulous bedrooms, decorated in minimalist yet luxuriant style. Oh, and there’s a farm shop in a picture-perfect shepherd’s hut, stuffed with everything from jams to game and organic DURNFORD body products, all of which hail from the Great Durnford Estate.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="666" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wilts/wp-content/uploads/sites/19/2024/11/Great-Bustard-farm-shop-Dave-Watts.jpg" alt="The Great Bustard " class="wp-image-35180" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wilts/wp-content/uploads/sites/19/2024/11/Great-Bustard-farm-shop-Dave-Watts.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wilts/wp-content/uploads/sites/19/2024/11/Great-Bustard-farm-shop-Dave-Watts-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wilts/wp-content/uploads/sites/19/2024/11/Great-Bustard-farm-shop-Dave-Watts-768x511.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Credit: Dave Watts</figcaption></figure>



<p>Of course, this country escape now boasts a new name, inspired by the remarkable birds that have been famously reintroduced to this corner of Wiltshire. If you’ve never seen a Great Bustard in all its feathered glory, you’d be forgiven for thinking they’re the stuff of folklore. These ancient birds can stand over a metre tall, weigh in at 18kg and sprint at an impressive 30mph. Sadly for them, they were also a great delicacy and the last British bird was shot back in 1832, before a group of conservationists revived the population some 20 years ago.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-vibe">THE VIBE</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="666" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wilts/wp-content/uploads/sites/19/2024/11/The-Great-Bustard-pub-Dave-Watts.jpg" alt="The Great Bustard pub" class="wp-image-35160" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wilts/wp-content/uploads/sites/19/2024/11/The-Great-Bustard-pub-Dave-Watts.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wilts/wp-content/uploads/sites/19/2024/11/The-Great-Bustard-pub-Dave-Watts-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wilts/wp-content/uploads/sites/19/2024/11/The-Great-Bustard-pub-Dave-Watts-768x511.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Credit: Dave Watts</figcaption></figure>



<p>When we arrived on a rainy Monday evening, we found loyal locals tucking into a drink by the fireside. With its flagstone floors, nooks and crannies for seating and roaring fire, the pub is traditional and welcoming. It embraces four-legged friends too, and is definitely more about wellies and walks than champagne and caviar. That said, the bar is immensely well-stocked and features plenty of locally produced treats from nearby Downton Distillery, as well as a vast array of vodka, rum and tequilas. Whiskey fiends will be in heaven, with over 30 to choose from. &nbsp;</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="666" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wilts/wp-content/uploads/sites/19/2024/11/Great-Bustard-bar.jpg" alt="The Great Bustard" class="wp-image-35157" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wilts/wp-content/uploads/sites/19/2024/11/Great-Bustard-bar.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wilts/wp-content/uploads/sites/19/2024/11/Great-Bustard-bar-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wilts/wp-content/uploads/sites/19/2024/11/Great-Bustard-bar-768x511.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>Things get a little more glam in the restaurant, which is a slick, sophisticated space. Think acres of floor-to-ceiling glass and black leather banquettes, leading up to an open kitchen. It’s light, airy and will really come into its own on a summer’s day, when the vast doors can be thrown open onto the terrace outside. There’s plenty of character too, with bold splashes of colour from carefully chosen modern art and tables dotted with yellow roses, cut from the estate’s gardens.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="666" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wilts/wp-content/uploads/sites/19/2024/11/The-Great-Bustard-Black-Grouse-Dave-Watts.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-35166" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wilts/wp-content/uploads/sites/19/2024/11/The-Great-Bustard-Black-Grouse-Dave-Watts.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wilts/wp-content/uploads/sites/19/2024/11/The-Great-Bustard-Black-Grouse-Dave-Watts-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wilts/wp-content/uploads/sites/19/2024/11/The-Great-Bustard-Black-Grouse-Dave-Watts-768x511.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Credit: Dave Watts</figcaption></figure>



<p>Tucked away near the pub and restaurant there’s also a 12-person dining room, Black Grouse. With its leather dining chairs, deep brown panelling and a vast chandelier decorated in frothing foliage, this space has a rich, decadent feel to it. It would work equally well for private dining or corporate meetings, especially given the vast flat screen TV that’s discreetly hidden away.</p>



<p>The Great Bustard may be a very polished affair, but it’s also done a nifty job of hanging onto its community vibes. On a sunny day you’ll spot riders tethering their horses by the shepherd’s hut while they grab a quick coffee, or mums nipping in for a pastry and a natter while their children make the most of the play area.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>PILLOW TALK</strong></h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="666" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wilts/wp-content/uploads/sites/19/2024/11/The-Great-Bustard-Ouzel-Dave-Watts.jpg" alt="The Great Bustard Ouzel room " class="wp-image-35178" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wilts/wp-content/uploads/sites/19/2024/11/The-Great-Bustard-Ouzel-Dave-Watts.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wilts/wp-content/uploads/sites/19/2024/11/The-Great-Bustard-Ouzel-Dave-Watts-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wilts/wp-content/uploads/sites/19/2024/11/The-Great-Bustard-Ouzel-Dave-Watts-768x511.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Credit: Dave Watts</figcaption></figure>



<p>There are 10 rooms at The Great Bustard, most of which are dotted outside in stylish larch-clad lodges. My mum was my partner in crime for the evening and we stayed in Ouzel, named after a type of thrush. It was light, airy and felt fabulously spacious, thanks to its vaulted ceiling and big glass balcony doors.</p>



<p>The décor is awash with textured neutrals, and very soothing it is too. Think sisal rugs, sumptuous woollen curtains, rich linen bolster cushions and cosy wool blankets, with a subtle pop of colour from the abstract art on the wall. It’s all extremely tasteful, right down to the Samsung Frame TV and lush, terracotta-clad houseplants. Our bathroom was also pristine, with a large walk-in shower and Noble Isle toiletries.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="666" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wilts/wp-content/uploads/sites/19/2024/11/The-Great-Bustard-White-Tailed-Eagle-room-Dave-Watts.jpg" alt="The Great Bustard" class="wp-image-35159" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wilts/wp-content/uploads/sites/19/2024/11/The-Great-Bustard-White-Tailed-Eagle-room-Dave-Watts.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wilts/wp-content/uploads/sites/19/2024/11/The-Great-Bustard-White-Tailed-Eagle-room-Dave-Watts-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wilts/wp-content/uploads/sites/19/2024/11/The-Great-Bustard-White-Tailed-Eagle-room-Dave-Watts-768x511.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">White-Tailed-Eagle is pooch-friendly. Credit: Dave Watts</figcaption></figure>



<p>There are lots of thoughtful little touches too, like the discretely tucked away Nespresso machine, ridiculously soft towelling robes and box of delicious homemade petit fours. The bed was also one of the comfiest I’ve ever slept in and, despite my intentions to wake early, I had to prise myself up for breakfast.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>SCOFF &amp; QUAFF</strong></h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="666" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wilts/wp-content/uploads/sites/19/2024/11/The-Great-Bustard-dining-art-Dave-Watts.jpg" alt="The Great Bustard" class="wp-image-35167" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wilts/wp-content/uploads/sites/19/2024/11/The-Great-Bustard-dining-art-Dave-Watts.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wilts/wp-content/uploads/sites/19/2024/11/The-Great-Bustard-dining-art-Dave-Watts-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wilts/wp-content/uploads/sites/19/2024/11/The-Great-Bustard-dining-art-Dave-Watts-768x511.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Credit: Dave Watts</figcaption></figure>



<p>We dined in the restaurant, where Head Chef Jordan Taylor puts locally grown produce centre stage. Pigeon breast, venison and lamb all hail from the Great Durnford Estate – in fact, even the truffle is foraged here. Meanwhile, beef comes from Springbottom Farm just down the road and sourdough from Dorset’s Orchard Bay Bakery</p>



<p>I eyed up the menu with a margarita in hand, and delicious it was too – just the right balance of sweet, salty and sour. The drinks list is excellent and while there are plenty of top-end options, you’ll find a solid choice under the £35 mark. We were particularly taken with the Otarda, a velvety red which hails from the hotel’s sister estate in Tuscany (Otarda means Great Bustard in Italian).</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="666" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wilts/wp-content/uploads/sites/19/2024/11/Great-Bustard-starter.jpg" alt="The Great Bustard" class="wp-image-35152" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wilts/wp-content/uploads/sites/19/2024/11/Great-Bustard-starter.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wilts/wp-content/uploads/sites/19/2024/11/Great-Bustard-starter-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wilts/wp-content/uploads/sites/19/2024/11/Great-Bustard-starter-768x511.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>We kicked off our meal with a mushroom mousse amuse-bouche, paired with a deliciously pillowy bread, glazed with estate honey. I avoid wheat and find most alternative breads pretty unpalatable, but this was sublime. Torched red mullet with beetroot relish, blackcurrant and horseradish followed, which tasted every bit stunning as it looked.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="666" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wilts/wp-content/uploads/sites/19/2024/11/Great-Bustard-steak.jpg" alt="The Great Bustard" class="wp-image-35156" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wilts/wp-content/uploads/sites/19/2024/11/Great-Bustard-steak.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wilts/wp-content/uploads/sites/19/2024/11/Great-Bustard-steak-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wilts/wp-content/uploads/sites/19/2024/11/Great-Bustard-steak-768x511.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>For main, I opted for 35-day aged Springbottom fillet steak, with a peppercorn sauce. I then got greedy and added truffle and parmesan to my fries – totally OTT but it was an absolute winner. The beef itself was scrumptious too, perfectly seared yet tender and melt-in-the-mouth. Mum opted for roast chicken, with delicata squash and hazelnut pesto. The chicken was butter-soft, as was the squash, and the rich, nutty pesto tasted utterly divine.</p>



<p>We were nearly beaten by the time it got to pudding, but rose to the challenge. For me, it was a fiendishly chocolatey chocolate mousse, with black cherry and kefir ice cream, while mum opted for a pear sorbet. Light and fruity, it proved the perfect palate cleanser.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="666" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wilts/wp-content/uploads/sites/19/2024/11/Great-Bustard-breakfast-2.jpg" alt="The Great Bustard" class="wp-image-35149" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wilts/wp-content/uploads/sites/19/2024/11/Great-Bustard-breakfast-2.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wilts/wp-content/uploads/sites/19/2024/11/Great-Bustard-breakfast-2-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wilts/wp-content/uploads/sites/19/2024/11/Great-Bustard-breakfast-2-768x511.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>Breakfast at The Great Bustard is also served in the gorgeous restaurant, which felt like even more of a treat early doors. First-up came a platter of sourdough, with lashings of salty butter and estate preserves. Our absolute fave was the strawberry and Champagne jam, although the blueberry followed hot on its heels.</p>



<p>Next-up came an alluring array of cooked options, including duck hash with poached hen’s egg, yoghurt with apple compote and granola, and a full Bustard breakfast. I plumped for the smoked trout eggs royale, which was picture-perfect. Think oozy eggs, buttery hollandaise and rich trout, all perched on divine nuggets of wheat-free toast. Meanwhile, mum happily polished off toast, topped with estate mushrooms and shavings of truffle. &nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-treatments">TREATMENTS</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="666" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wilts/wp-content/uploads/sites/19/2024/11/Great-Bustard-treatment-room-.jpg" alt="The Great Bustard" class="wp-image-35158" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wilts/wp-content/uploads/sites/19/2024/11/Great-Bustard-treatment-room-.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wilts/wp-content/uploads/sites/19/2024/11/Great-Bustard-treatment-room--800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wilts/wp-content/uploads/sites/19/2024/11/Great-Bustard-treatment-room--768x511.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>A stay here comes with the option to dial up the relaxation, with visit to Osprey, the dedicated treatment room. You’ll find expertly administered massages, facials and everything in between, all using products from the DURNFORD collection. These have been designed by aromatherapist Annie Brown, formerly of Lime Wood Hotel in Hampshire and Head Therapist at The Pig at Honiton.</p>



<p>My treatment began with a sea salt footbath and some gentle reflexology, which did an excellent job of getting me into the zone. Annie then performed a bespoke full body massage, which involved a luxuriant combination of deep tissue, hot stones and shiatsu.</p>



<p>It was incredibly relaxing, and felt like Annie was instinctively honing in on all the bits of my body that were in dire need of some TLC. It’s worth noting that the oil itself – DURNFORD Signature Oil – was also divine. It’s a blend of rosemary, lemon, mint and lemon verbena from the estate, expertly crafted into small batches.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-out-amp-about">OUT &amp; ABOUT</h2>



<p>You’re in easy striking distance of Salisbury’s spectacular cathedral here and, of course, Stonehenge. Fido in tow? It’s well worth heading up to Old Sarum, an Iron Age hillfort with stunning views. Alternatively, roll out of bed and soak up the surrounding countryside, with a stomp in the Woodford Valley. Intrigued by the Great Bustard itself? Book a <a href="https://www.store.greatbustard.org/book-online" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">half-day visit</a>, where you can hear more about the project.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>ACCESSIBILITY</strong></h2>



<p>You’ll find two accessible ground floor bedrooms. The Great Bustard’s restaurant and pub are fully accessible too.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-dog-friendly">DOG-FRIENDLY?</h2>



<p>Yes, pooches can join in the fun. Dogs are allowed in the bar area, and one of the outside terraces. There are two dog-friendly bedrooms too, White Tailed Eagle and Nightingale.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-muddy-verdict">THE MUDDY VERDICT </h2>



<p><strong>Good for:</strong>&nbsp;Foodies should head here pronto for the amazing cuisine and gorgeous bedrooms. Service is absolutely top-notch too, and we couldn’t have asked for a warmer welcome. A big shout-out goes to head chef Jordan and his team for going that extra mile with our dietaries.</p>



<p><strong>Not for:</strong>&nbsp;Great Durnford is a sleepy village, so bear in mind that you’ll need a taxi if you’re keen to sample the drinks menu. Alternatively, book a room and bunk down for a (very comfortable) night.</p>



<p><strong>The damage:</strong>&nbsp;Very reasonable, with B&amp;B rates from £217 for a double. Restaurant starters from £11 and mains from £19.</p>



<p><a href="https://thegreatbustard.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Great Bustard</a>, Great Durnford, Salisbury SP4 6AY<br><br></p>


Review: The Great Bustard, Great Durnford, Salisbury

You may also like