The Rectory Hotel

What a wonderful weekend we had at the Rectory, a charming country hotel in the Cotswolds.

Time flew by with two full days of bridge, great food and excellent company. The late autumn weather was glorious: the reds and oranges of the trees contrasting with the deep blue of the skies. Some guests, complete with bright green wellies from the hotel, found a few spare moments to explore the surrounding area and on bumping into the gamekeeper, were immediately asked if they were bridge players: news had spread quickly in Crudwell!

The bridge was good fun and instructive with a revision of some subjects previously covered and new topics such as bidding in the protective position and 3-card support. There was a gentle duplicate session on Saturday with six prizewinners and plenty of after-dinner bridge with some exciting and exotic bidding auctions.

The food was a treat, with the copious breakfasts keeping many of us going all day. Lovely homemade biscuits arrived in the breaks and for those hungry enough for lunch, there was the option of eating in the hotel or across the road in the award-winning Potting Shed pub, where their delicious mini mutton pie was to die for. Mixing everyone up for the evening meal broke the ice and with the wine flowing, the atmosphere quickly became extremely convivial.

Having the Rectory Hotel to ourselves and being full of bridge players, some of us were staying at Crudwell House opposite – a magnificent Regency house where our hosts, Gary and Pam Lowe treated us royally, making us feel more like house guests than visitors: the splendid bathrooms and breakfasts being unmissable! Having heard what we were up to across the road, Gary and Pam are hoping to join us on our next StockenBridge Break!

All in all an excellent couple of days: we will certainly be back!