In hospitality terms, Mad Swans represents a 180-degree handbrake turn for the company. I perk up immediately, partly because the Mad Swans team are so endearingly warm and friendly but also because signs of Surrey swankiness are everywhere. Farrington Gurney, a 30-minute drive southwest from Bath Insider tip Dinner in the hotel restaurant, the Potting Shed, is fantastic value Who will love it? “We’re trying to make Mad Swans a place for people who hate golf,” he tells me. I thoroughly enjoy my time at Mad Swans, no ifs and, sadly, no putts either.

Source: The Times December 23, 2025 21:32 UTC