A cosy countryside getaway
Nestled within the rolling hills of Cefn Bryn, The King Arthur Hotel bears all the hallmarks of a quintessential countryside stay: A snug pub filled to the brim with local ales and gins, a beer garden big enough for both patrons and the roaming farm life, a restaurant to write home about, cosy rooms with views and an incredibly warm hospitality that makes it difficult to leave. The UK’s love for pubs with rooms is growing and this watering hole turned hotel sets the standard.
The King Arthur Hotel
We were recently invited on a trip as guests of Visit Swansea Bay to explore all the best things to see and do in the area. Part of the trip included staying at The King Arthur Hotel, an award-winning Welsh Inn located on the dreamy Gower Penisula. It was recently voted one of the Times’ cosiest pubs in the whole of the UK and on arrival we instantly fell for its spell. With over 150 years of history, the pub has undeniable charm, with exposed beams, nautical decor and dimly-lit cosy corners that will make you want to stay a while. Add hotel rooms on top, and you’ve got the perfect set up to sink back a pint or two and then flop into a comfy bed that’s mere meters away.
Disclosure- This post is sponsored as part of a collaboration with Visit Swansea Bay as part of a press trip, where The Curiosity Collection was invited to experience the area. All opinions expressed are our own.
The rooms
There’s heaps of options for rooms to stay in, including twin-rooms, king rooms, bridal suites, a 4-person cottage and cottage apartments. We stayed in a lovely king room, with an dreamy view looking out across the fields. All options are equipped with everything you could possibly need for your stay, with lovely added details, such as locally-made toiletries in the bathrooms and a huge selection of welsh teas and coffees topped up daily. Best of all, the beds are super comfy for a perfect nights sleep.
Why don’t you stay for dinner?
The food is -unsurprisingly- fantastic, with menus that celebrate local Welsh produce and regional specialties. Dining in their stylish restaurant therefore, is a must. Hearty pub classics and seasonal specials await, including seasonal game, fresh fish with heaps of vegetarian and vegan options. Delicacies, such as Gower salt marsh lamb can be found here, as well as Laverbread, made with local seaweed and a much-loved specialty in this region. Our order? For starters, I had the Gower asparagus and egg special, whilst Key had the ham hock terrine. Both pretty special. For mains, Key had locally sourced Welsh filet steak which he spoke fondly of for the rest of the weekend and my vegetarian option of paneer tikka was equally impressive! For dessert, a clash of palate’s, with Key ordering a zesty and fresh lemon tart, myself opting for oozy, warm treacle sponge with thick custard. Both strong choices.
Fancy a night cap?
The old pub really is the star of the show at The King Arthur and a tipple or two before bed is a must. A gallery of nautical-themed prints, relics and historical photos of the pub dance across the walls, with cosy dim-lit booths and live musicians serenading in the corner if you’re lucky. The pub is renowned for a huge selection of Welsh beers, ales, gins, whiskies, liqueurs and spirits, so the choice is yours. In the winter, there is a roaring open fire, ready to warm you up from the cold. If you visit when it’s warm, head out into the sun-drenched beer garden, where you’ll have golden views of countryside, paired with company of the sheep and Gower ponies.
How about a spot of breakfast?
All room rates include a yummy breakfast in your stay, which makes getting out of bed in the morning that little bit easier. They do a simple spread of toast, cereals and jams, as well as a cooked Welsh or Veggie breakfast made to order. Unlimited filter coffee and tea too, of course. Make sure to order the Laverbread and give the regional specialty a try (best served with the bacon, we’re told).
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