Timbrell’s Yard, Wiltshire

Overview

Rob & Camille Greacen's cool little pub company (Stay Original Co) refurbished this stunning riverside property in the heart of Bradford-on-Avon in 2015, lovingly transforming the Grade II listed building, formerly a run-down boozer, into a very stylish inn.

Interior designer Ali Gutteridge successfully combined the building's traditional features with a contemporary design and the place is full of quirky detail touches that give the place a real wow factor. Think, exposed painted metal supports and RSJs in the bar, a nod to the town's industrial past, a modern airy dining room with a mezzanine overlooking the open kitchen, and decorative patchwork tiles on stairways and in the bathrooms, to name but a few.

The Club Room adjacent to the restaurant overlooks the river and is perfect for private parties and functions.

Rooms from

17 doubles: £85

Good to know

Credit cards accepted (not Amex)
Disabled access
Alfresco & private dining
Limited parking; Pay & Display adjacent
Dog stay: £10

Water and waves
Just by the River Avon, arrive early to bag a riverside table on the front terrace.

No car needed
Just a few minutes' walk from the station, this is the perfect inn for those who don't drive or who fancy leaving their car at home.

Town and city
There's plenty to do in buzzy Bradford-on-Avon, home to boutique shops, cafes and pubs.

Rooms

Upstairs the 17 individually designed bedrooms are filled with quirky design touches that will make you smile.

Six rooms are located on two floors above the original inn, boasting original features including sagging ceiling beams, whitewashed stone walls and deep window seats with views of the river and church. The two largest rooms have claw-foot baths in the room. Four stylish mezzanine rooms on the upper floor have a contemporary Scandinavian feel.

Set on one level, Room 205 is the pick of the rooms - the big bed enjoys heavenly views of the church spire. Throughout the rooms you'll find a pleasing mix of painted furniture, antique desks, shades of white and dusty greys, splashes of bold colours, unusual metal lamps, the odd French antique bed (Room 103), rooms with stylish statement wallpapers, and beautifully tiled bathrooms with vast walk-in showers. and Bramley toiletries.

Restaurant & bar

With a kitchen overseen by former River Cottage chef Tom Blake, expect only the best West Country produce, with local suppliers showcased on boards in the restaurant and above the bar.

Fresh, simply prepared food is delivered from the open kitchen with an all-day menu evolving from breakfast to dinner. From interesting tapas-style bar snacks, sandwiches, small plates and healthy salad options to delectable cakes come teatime, dishes appeal to all tastes and appetites. Main courses combine classics with more innovative modern dishes - perhaps trout cured in beetroot and horseradish, dukkah, dill and yoghurt dressing; hake with pork belly, lentils, capers and dill; and spiced apple crumble.

You can eat by the fire in the bar, or in the airy dining room overlooking the kitchen, river and church. Timbrell's Yard is very much a place to come to drink as well as to eat and stay, and sourcing from quality local producers extends to an impressive drinks list. Look to the chalkboard above the bar for a quick overview of what's on offer, perhaps top-notch ales and craft beers like Box Steam Piston Broke, Bath Gem, Freedom Organic Ale, and Meantime London Stout. Great gin, cocktail and wine lists, too.

Things to do

Bradford on Avon lies at the heart of some great walking country as well as the stunning Kennet and Avon Canal. Amble along the towpath and view the handsome Avoncliff Aqueduct, or explore the surrounding Somerset and Wiltshire countryside.

Don't miss a day out in stunning Bath, which boasts wonderful Georgian architecture in the shape of crescents, circuses and terraces. Surrounded by fine architecture, Bath is the ideal city for walking; one of its most popular trails is the Bath Skyline Walk, a six-mile loop through glorious neighbouring countryside.

For those searching for a little history, head to the iconic Roman Baths. Or, why not enjoy the modern Thermae Bath Spa, which includes access to an open-air rooftop pool with spectacular views of the city, the Minerva bath and aromatic steam rooms. It's a unique experience, blending the best of the historic Spa with contemporary design.