A Luxury Country Break
Booked a luxury country break for example, at stay at the Farmhouse at Polehanger? You may just want to chill in the Farmhouse or Gardens, read a book, nap, walk…the possibilities are endless.
But if you want to get out and about, we’re putting together some information of some fantastic places you may want to go in the surrounding area. First – Hitchin!
Hop in the car and within 15 minutes you’ll find yourself in the beautiful market town of Hitchin. You can find out about its history, and up to date information on seasonal goings on here https://visithitchin.com/whats-on/ and here https://visithitchin.com/history/
Amazing Historical Hitchin
Hitchin is first noted as the central place of the Hicce people, a tribe holding 300 hides of land as mentioned in a 7th-century document, the Tribal Hidage
Although you might be looking for a luxury country break, consider popping into Hitchin which has loads of beautiful shops and restaurants. We thoroughly recommend the Groundworks café for a breakfast or brunch. They change their menu regularly, but still have the regulars like smashed avocado or a breakfast roll.
Its right by the church, and has outside seating, so you can watch the world go by as you sip your morning coffee.
Retail Therapy
If independent shops are calling you on your luxury farmhouse break, you are in for a treat. We love Rubarb (just down the road from the Groundworks – say Hi from us!). The winner of the Muddy Stilettos award for Best Women’s fashion for more years than we can count, Rubarb always has a gorgeous range of ladies clothes, jewellery and accessories.
But you’ve been warned – you will fall in love with the stock! https://www.rubarb.online/ Other clothing stores, include the lovely Twisted Fabric, with men and women’s clothing https://www.twistedfabric.co.uk/ or Our Favourite Shop (that’s what its called!), a shop dedicated to vintage clothing and second hand records.
Next, head to Vinegar Hill to see their range of beautiful homeware and gifts. https://vinegarhill.co.uk/ A lovely range of stock; it’s a beautiful lifestyle store. (Its right opposite Oliver Bonas, too, which we know isn’t independent, but has some equally gorgeous stock! https://www.oliverbonas.com/ )
Take a little walk down Hermitage road, and you’ll find The Little Deli https://www.thelittlede.li/hitchin/ where you can stock up on all kinds of yummy things to bring back to the Meadows at Polehanger, from cheese to anti pasti to charcuterie – you’ll find it here. And if you’re still after homeware shops, Culture Trend is fantastic – if you can walk past without popping in, you’re stronger willed than us! https://www.culturetrend.co.uk/
Hitchin’s Fabulous Local Market
Head back towards the church and market square (you’ll find the market on Tuesday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday) and you’ll be able to get lost in the Fleetville Emporium – hours of fun searching through the antiques and rummaging to find hidden gems. And if you don’t find anything here, Hitchin has a few charity shops with some really good stock.
If you’re after a break from all the shopping, we insist you visit Neighbourhood bakes. The best cakes around and equally delicious coffee. Its tiny, so you may have to get a takeaway as its so popular, but a visit to hitchin isn’t complete without one of their delicious buns, brownies or tarts. https://www.neighbourhoodbakes.com/
Brunch Breakfast and Wine!
If you want to stock up for breakfast treats, or get some bread to add to the delicious bread and cheese from the deli, wonder down to Quotidian Bakery on Sun street. Their croissants are the best! https://www.quotidianbakery.com/
Finally, you can’t visit Hitchin without checking out the Wee Vinoteca https://weevinoteca.com Go in and buy a bottle to go with that wine, meat and cheese from the Little Deli. Go and speak to Duncan or Dom to ask them what you should pair your purchases with!
Amazing Local Restaurants
If you’re on the lookout for a dinner and drinks, Hitchin has a whole host of lovely restaurants. From Lussmans Fish and Grill (in the Sunday Times list of best places to eat in the UK). https://www.lussmanns.com/ Check out their Autumn Set menu if you’re eating early. If you love tapas, head over to Los Reyos and enjoy the delicious dishes with a cheeky cerveza.
Thai food is provided by the lovely Sukawatee on Hermitage road http://www.sukawatee.com , or Cheeky monkey, which serves Thai street food (there’s very little seating space, so get it to take away or get in early). https://littlemonkeykitchen.co.uk/
Or if its cocktails and food you’re after, head to Hermitage Road. Set in an historic ballroom, it’s a restaurant and bar where you can get seasonal foods, fine wines and maybe a bespoke cocktail or two. https://www.hermitagerd.co.uk/about
And don’t miss the famous Hitchin Lavender Farm on your way home.
So, even though you are on a luxury country break, if you are staying a little bit longer or want to have a good mooch around a lovely town. Check out Hitchin.
