Broomhill Estate

Eclectic exuberance in north Devon

Putting the ‘art’ into artisan dining is the ethos at the newly renovated Broomhill Estate on the edge of Barnstaple.

Set in the heart of a forest, the boutique art hotel and refined restaurant has long enjoyed a reputation for its magical contemporary sculpture trails and winding streams through acres of woodland and river meadows. However, its new owner Alex Kleiner has shaken up Broomhill and introduced a more eclectic vibe. Authentic Hollywood props such as the Fight Club soap, Jumanji board and an original Predator costume rub shoulders with artwork from artists of note such as Almuth Tebbenhoff, Andrew Stonyer and Jonathan Michael Ray.

The food’s undergone a revolution too: it’s now modern British in style and rooted in regional produce, including ingredients foraged from within the grounds of the estate. Menus celebrate and support local producers, so diners can expect to feast on the likes of Plaistow Mills trout, Crediton duck, Appledore mussels, Exmoor beef, Okehampton guinea fowl and seasonal vegetables from Broomhill’s own smallholding.

Attractive plating coordinates artfully with the surroundings, while exciting pairings from a fabulous list of exclusively English wines provide oenophilic authenticity.

Trencherman’s tip: seven gorgeous bedrooms with super-king-size beds (and inspired by cult classics, from Clockwork Orange to Amélie), provide an opportunity to explore this creative wonderland in depth.