Swellegant Stays: The Stroud, Gloucestershire

There was a time when Stroud’s charm lay in its markets and artisan shops, rather than its hotels. Nestled within Gloucestershire’s Five Valleys, the town has always defied easy categorization—neither a quaint Cotswold village nor a bustling metropolitan hub. But now, with the arrival of The Stroud and the refined yet inviting Sauce at The Painswick (www.thepainswick.co.uk), the area finds itself stepping confidently into a new era of hospitality.

Built in 1852 as part of the Great Western Railway, The Stroud has lived many lives: first a Berni Inn, then a Thai restaurant, later abandoned. Now, its butterfly branding signals renewal, as the hotel reclaims its place in Stroud’s evolving landscape. A boutique property with an eye for understated elegance, its bar, wrapped in rich wood panelling, radiates warmth—avoiding both the sauna-like sheen of polished timber and the clichés of an overdone ski chalet aesthetic. Instead, the design embraces natural materials—exposed brick, soft leathers, and slate floors—all with a quiet confidence that whispers rather than shouts.

Upstairs, the rooms delight in their details. Soft pink hues and voile curtains catching the breeze create an air of serenity. But the real star? A copper bathtub—the kind of indulgence that turns a simple stay into something memorable.

Step away from The Stroud, and Stroud itself rewards those who persevere beyond first impressions. The Five Valleys Shopping Centre, its entrance dominated by vape shops and mobile accessory stalls, reveals a surprisingly luxe interior, complete with a gourmet food hall—open late on Fridays for post-work indulgence. There are independent boutiques selling genuinely local crafts, a thriving farmers’ market, and an award-winning wine shop for those with discerning tastes.

And then, just beyond, is Sauce at The Painswick, a restaurant where history meets quiet modernity. Its grand entrance remains, but subtle contemporary touches—a neon sign beside high arched doors, sculptural bowl chandeliers—hint at the restaurant’s evolving identity. The menu reflects this spirit of adaptation. Once traditional, then briefly experimental with shared small plates, Sauce listened to its loyal customers and found balance—a menu that accommodates all appetites and occasions.

Among its offerings, the house Pinot Noir, Les Templiers, is a standout: light, fruity, and effortlessly drinkable. Then there’s the asparagus—so fresh, so perfectly prepared, it serves as a quiet reminder of the joys of Cotswold produce.

For those wary of Cotswold hotels that charm but isolate, The Stroud is a revelation—boutique comfort without seclusion. Paired with Sauce at The Painswick, it offers a weekend escape where history, hospitality, and modern indulgence coexist seamlessly. And when it’s time to explore beyond the hotel’s walls, there is always Raja Taxi, the local name to know for reliable travel.

www.thestroudhotel.com