Thyme General Overview

Thyme General Overview
Thyme is an exemplary country destination in the Cotswolds, celebrating all things
quintessentially English: the land, the seasons, local produce and design. Located on a small
English country estate, this immaculately restored private property is found on the edge of
the idyllic village of Southrop, comprising a 15th century Manor House, Medieval barns and a
Norman Church. Over the past 12 years, Thyme has undergone an extensive, meticulous
restoration at the hands of Thyme Founder, Caryn Hibbert and her family. To date, Thyme’s
accommodation comprises eight bedroom suites and three cottage suites; two beautifully
restored cottages; a spectacular entertaining and private dining space; The Baa, a
sophisticated and stylish guest drawing room and bar serving botanical cocktails and
infusions, inspired by Thyme’s herb garden; The Swan, a 17th century English village pub; and
their award winning cookery school.
A place to stay
Thyme is the ultimate place to stay, offering guests a unique home away from home
experience in the Cotswolds, surrounded by a picturesque country estate. Guests can relax
in their bedroom or cottage suite, and discover the elegant drawing rooms, before
unwinding at the cocktail bar. Breakfast is served at the Chef’s Table in one of Thyme’s
beautifully restored medieval Tithe Barn, with menus inspired by the fresh seasonal produce
picked from Thyme’s own kitchen gardens and farm. Eggs are from the estate’s chickens,
geese and quail, served alongside freshly baked breads and pastries, and homemade granola
and jams.
The Swan
The Swan is Thyme’s 17th century English village pub, serving the best of what English
country life has to offer. It is located just a stone’s throw away from the Estate, at the heart
of Southrop’s village community. ‘Home grown, homemade and produce-driven’ is the
motto at The Swan, where each morning, fresh vegetables, herbs, and eggs are harvested
from the estate’s kitchen gardens and farm and are incorporated into the seasonal menus.
Award-winning landscape gardener, Bunny Guinness, has flawlessly designed the garden at
The Swan, whilst The Skittle Alley is an impressive private dining room, featuring exposed
beams and accommodating up to 30 for a cocktail party, or 24 seated for a private event.
The Cookery School
Thyme’s award-winning cookery school is renowned for ‘telling the complete story of food’.
Aspiring chefs or passionate home cooks will learn so much more than essential kitchen
proficiencies: they will come to share a love of the land, learn about seasonality working
with the farm and kitchen gardens, as well as baking, charcuterie and foraging. Visitors will
be inspired by demonstrations, talks, tastings and hands-on classes, all in the exquisite
surroundings of a Bulthaup kitchen.
The Kitchen Garden and Farm
The productive farm and kitchen gardens add a very special dimension to Thyme’s offerings.
Thyme aims to use as much home-grown, organic, seasonal produce as possible, with
ingredients featuring on the menus at The Swan, daily breakfast, inspiring the cookery school
programmes and even the botanical cocktails at The Baa. The freshest vegetables, fruit and
herbs can be found, as well as eggs from hens, geese and quail, lamb from Cotswold sheep
and the new addition of rare-breed pigs for home curing.
Things to do
The team at Thyme are more than happy to help organise activities in advance of guests’
stay, including private beauty treatments in suites or cottages, clay pigeon shooting, a scenic
cycle tour, or simply pointing out a spectacular walking route through the Cotswold
countryside.
Thyme is easily accessible by car from Swindon, Oxford, Cirencester and Cheltenham, or by train
from Charlbury and Swindon. Privately owned by the Hibbert family, it has been a project that has
renewed the heart of the Cotswolds, on the Oxfordshire border. For more information, please visit
www.thyme.co.uk.
-ENDSAbout Thyme
Thyme is a family owned, English country destination, celebrating all that it means to be
quintessentially British. Located in the Cotswolds, in one of Britain’s most spectacular natural
landscapes, Thyme is an elegant boutique hotel; comprising eight bedroom suites, three cottage
suites and two beautifully restored cottages; a spectacular private dining space within an authentic,
medieval Tithe Barn; and a state-of-the-art cookery school. Renowned for “telling the complete story
of food,” Thyme’s culinary offerings include The Swan, a 17th century English village pub at the heart
of Southrop. All produce served at Thyme is hand-harvested from Thyme’s own Kitchen Garden and
Farm from which The Baa, their elegant guest drawing room & cocktail bar, draws inspiration for its
botanical cocktail collection & selection of English wines.
Media Contacts
PRCO
Charlotte Wilmots / [email protected]
Emma Lipman / [email protected]
020 7259 1100
Thyme Accommodation
As of autunm 2015, Thyme opened its doors to individual room bookings for the very first
time, becoming the ultimate place to stay for a ‘home away from home’ experience in the
Cotswolds. Located on an English country estate, this immaculately restored private
property is found on the edge of the idyllic village of Southrop, offering a stylish boutique
hotel stay for guests. Visitors can choose between a bedroom or cottage suite as well as
larger cottages, ideal for groups of friends or families.
Bedrooms and Cottage Suites
The eight elegant bedroom suites are all individually designed and named after herbs found
in Thyme’s kitchen gardens. Architect Bob Weighton was inspired by traditional Cotswold
stone houses when restoring the building, while interior designer Roger Hall gave each suite
its own personality, complete with elegant furnishings and antiques from nearby Tetbury.
Three double cottages suites are also on offer. The two romantic Ox Houses are tucked
away under a grand arch, each sleeping two guests in one double room and feature private
country chic style sitting rooms, complete with a Juliet balcony. The Dairy is the third
cottage suite, featuring a double bedroom (that can be adapted as a twin), ensuite bathroom
and a sumptuous sitting room with a wood-burning stove for chilly nights.
Every morning hotel guests enjoy a delicious breakfast at the Chef’s Table in Thyme’s
medieval Tithe Barn. The menu changes daily and is inspired by the fresh, organic produce
from Thyme’s Kitchen Gardens and farm.
Cottages
The Tallet: Thyme’s largest cottage accommodates up to eight guests in four double
bedrooms, ideal for groups of friends. Complete with an outstanding living space fitted with
underfloor heating and a wood-burning stove, The Tallet is home to a fully equipt kitchen
and dining room, seating up to 14 visitors. It is perfect for entertaining and private dining can
be arranged upon request. The Tallet also features a private courtyard garden, perfect for al
fresco dining in the warmer months.
Old Walls: Situated a stone’s throw away from Thyme, Old Walls is the perfect option for
guests looking to immerse themselves in local village life. Overlooking the Thyme estate, Old
Walls is available for a family of six searching for a tranquil outdoor pursuits, or a group of
friends on a country retreat. Old Walls sleeps up to four adults and two children and is
complete with a kitchen, conservatory and charming sitting room with wood-burning stove.
It sits in its own walled garden with far-reaching views across the countryside.
Old Walls is the only accommodation at Thyme that welcomes children under 12 years and dogs.
Guests staying in The Tallet or Old Walls can enjoy breakfast in the Tithe Barn and the facilities of
The Baa if they are travelling without children under the age of 12 or dogs. The restaurant at The
Swan welcomes families and dogs.
-ENDSAbout Thyme
Thyme is a family owned, English country destination, celebrating all that it means to be
quintessentially British. Located in the Cotswolds, in one of Britain’s most spectacular natural
landscapes, Thyme is an elegant boutique hotel; comprising eight bedroom suites, three cottage
suites and two beautifully restored cottages; a spectacular private dining space within an authentic,
medieval Tithe Barn; and a state-of-the-art cookery school. Renowned for “telling the complete story
of food,” Thyme’s culinary offerings include The Swan, a 17th century English village pub at the heart
of Southrop. All produce served at Thyme is hand-harvested from Thyme’s own Kitchen Garden and
Farm from which The Baa, their elegant guest drawing room and cocktail bar, draws inspiration for
its botanical cocktail collection and selection of English wines.
Media Contacts
PRCO
Charlotte Wilmots / [email protected]
Emma Lipman / [email protected]
020 7259 1100
Thyme Dining
Food is the beating heart of Thyme. All culinary options at promise fresh, locally sourced,
seasonal dishes that are inspired by Thyme’s kitchen gardens and farm.
The Swan
The Swan is Thyme’s very own 17th century pub, located a stone’s throw away from the
estate in the heart of the village. The award-winning eatery is renowned for its ‘home
grown, homemade and produce driven’ plates with a stylish edge. The menu at the Swan
changes according to season, and dishes change depending on what has been picked, caught,
foraged or collected from the kitchen gardens. Lunchtime favourites include ‘Smoked
Haddock Fishcake with garden spinach, poached hens egg and lemon butter sauce’ or ‘Homemade
sourdough open sandwiches with: ‘Cotswold ham, English mustard and pickle or Beetroot, goats
cheese and rocket.’ By night, guests choose from elegant dishes packed with flavour, such as
‘Braised leg of rabbit, fennel, chorizo, and orchard cider’ or ‘Hand cut tagliatelle, garden chard, mint
and ricotta’.
The Baa
The Baa is Thyme’s cocktail bar and lounge, offering guests restorative infusions, teas and
coffees, homemade cakes and light lunches. By night, it transforms into a trendy cocktail bar,
stocked with a treasure trove of English spirits and wines, specialising in botanical cocktails
inspired by Thyme’s herb and kitchen gardens.
Private Dining at Thyme
Whether guests choose the Tithe Barn for wedding celebrations, or The Tallet for a dinner
party with friends, the culinary team at Thyme make private dining a very special experience
for all. Simple, produce-led, modern menus are crafted according to personal taste and
requirements, using ingredients sourced from the kitchen gardens and the finest local
producers, whilst taking inspiration from around the world. Whatever the occasion, Thyme
promises a sophisticated setting with good food and warm hospitality at its heart.
Breakfast at Thyme
Breakfast at Thyme is a memorable experience, served daily in the magnificent Tithe Barn at
the Chef’s Table. Guests will sample homemade jams, honey and freshly baked pastries,
along with Thyme’s special granola, Bircher muesli and seasonal compotes. Those who still
have room for a cooked breakfast can indulge with the daily changing menu, made up of
organic ingredients, the majority collected direct from the kitchen gardens just hours earlier.
These include eggs from Thyme’s hens, geese, duck and quail, courgette fritters, corn cakes,
sautéed spinach, heirloom tomatoes and the crispiest local bacon that guests will ever taste.
-ENDS-
About Thyme
Thyme is a family owned, English country destination, celebrating all that it means to be
quintessentially British. Located in the Cotswolds, in one of Britain’s most spectacular natural
landscapes, Thyme is an elegant boutique hotel; comprising eight bedroom suites, three cottage
suites and two beautifully restored cottages; a spectacular private dining space within an authentic,
medieval Tithe Barn; and a state-of-the-art cookery school. Renowned for “telling the complete story
of food,” Thyme’s culinary offerings include The Swan, a 17th century English village pub at the heart
of Southrop. All produce served at Thyme is hand-harvested from Thyme’s own Kitchen Garden and
Farm from which The Baa, their elegant guest drawing room and cocktail bar, draws inspiration for
its botanical cocktail collection and selection of English wines.
Media Contacts
PRCO
Charlotte Wilmots / [email protected]
Emma Lipman / [email protected]
020 7259 1100
Thyme Design
Thyme is an evolving story, celebrating the best of country life. The project began as a group
of unloved, yet magnificent Cotswold stone barns, which have been gradually restored over
the past 12 years by Founder and Creative Director, Caryn Hibbert and her family. The
project culminated in an award from the Campaign to Protect Rural England (CPRE) and has
continued to grow ever since.
Over the years, Thyme has become established as a luxury destination in the English
countryside, with its award-winning cookery school and collection of beautiful cottages and
houses for exclusive use. From autumn 2015, Thyme launched as a boutique hotel, taking
individual room bookings for the very first time.
Caryn worked with her father, Michael Bertioli, whose love of craftsmanship, respect of
architecture and heritage, and interest in advanced green technologies, ensured that
together with Caryn’s understanding of luxury, the buildings have a humble grandeur in
substance and appearance.
With interior designer Roger Hall and architect Bob Weighton helping Caryn realise her
vision, she created an offering that is both sophisticated and stylish, whilst still quirky and
authentic. Every room at Thyme, from the bedroom suites to the reception spaces, is home
to striking pieces of furniture sourced from the famed antique shops of Tetbury. The colour
palette is inspired by nature, with greens, greys and blues acting as a base for pops of bright
colour. Each suite has its own personality and is named after a herb found in the Thyme
kitchen gardens, including Wild Thyme, Lemon Balm, and Nepita.
With the help of award-winning landscape and garden designer Bunny Guinness, Caryn has
created exceptional outside spaces. The garden is integral to the success of Thyme, as it is
deceptively simple and allows the agricultural lines of the barn to stand uninterrupted. The
bedroom and cottage suites overlook orchards and meadows filled with flowering bulbs,
including snowdrops, daffodils, tulips and lilies. The flowerbeds are full of roses, allium,
lavenders and alchemical, traditional English country house flora that complement the warm
Cotswold stone and gravel paths within this idyllic rural setting.
-ENDSAbout Thyme
Thyme is a family owned, English country destination, celebrating all that it means to be
quintessentially British. Located in the Cotswolds, in one of Britain’s most spectacular natural
landscapes, Thyme is an elegant boutique hotel; comprising eight bedroom suites, three cottage
suites and two beautifully restored cottages; a spectacular private dining space within an authentic,
medieval Tithe Barn; and a state-of-the-art cookery school. Renowned for “telling the complete story
of food,” Thyme’s culinary offerings include The Swan, a 17th century English village pub at the heart
of Southrop. All produce served at Thyme is hand-harvested from Thyme’s own Kitchen Garden and
Farm from which The Baa, their elegant guest drawing room and cocktail bar, draws inspiration for
its botanical cocktail collection and selection of English wines.
Media Contacts
PRCO
Charlotte Wilmots / [email protected]
Emma Lipman / [email protected]
020 7259 1100
Thyme Spaces
Thyme offers a variety of practical, elegant and stylish meeting and entertaining spaces that
can be individually tailored, depending on requirements or group size.
The Tithe Barn
The Tithe Barn is a medieval barn that has been lovingly restored and transformed into a
magnificent space. It is an ideal setting for country weddings, celebratory cocktails,
corporate meetings or incentives and can host lunches, dinners and drinks for up to 40
people. This inspiring venue can be used in conjunction with Thyme’s Cookery School, ideal
for delicious group incentives or team building activities.
The Balcony Room
The Balcony Room offers a gallery view over Tithe Barn. This can be used as a flexible work
area with seating at tables for 30 in various configurations or up to 50 for theatre-style
seating. This meeting space also features two large TV screens.
The Tasting Room
This striking room offers a modern meeting space, also within the Tithe Barn, overlooking
over The Olive Garden. This bright and airy room comfortably seats eight people, complete
with a wall-mounted TV for use.
The Tallet
This is Thyme’s largest cottage, ideal for a private and relaxed meeting. Here, guests have
access to a soft seating area and table space seating 14, complete with television and audio
equipment. The Tallet also features its own kitchen and a small, secluded courtyard garden,
perfect for a sunny day.
The Snug
For those looking for a space for intimate and informal gatherings, The Snug seats up to five
people. Located in Thyme House, it is tucked away and radiates ambiance, thanks to its cozy
fireplace and plush couches.
Fifi’s Room
Named after Thyme Founder Caryn Hibbert’s beloved pooch, Fifi’s room offers soft
sophistication from the comfort of Thyme House’s drawing room. This room features two
separate seating areas in one large room for up to 12 people.
The Garden Room:
Situated in Thyme House’s impressive and bright kitchen space, this meeting area seats up to
16. It is bursting with life and is highly inspirational, overlooking the fabulous gardens
through vast sliding glass doors, a real treat in the warmer months.
The Baa
The quirky sheep in The Baa characterise this space. By day, it acts as a drawing room
serving restorative infusions, teas and coffees, homemade cakes and light lunches. By night it
transforms into a stylish cocktail bar, stocked with a treasure trove of English spirits and
wines. Botanical cocktails inspired by Thyme’s herb and kitchen gardens are also on offer.
-ENDSAbout Thyme
Thyme is a family owned, English country destination, celebrating all that it means to be
quintessentially British. Located in the Cotswolds, in one of Britain’s most spectacular natural
landscapes, Thyme is an elegant boutique hotel; comprising eight bedroom suites, three cottage
suites and two beautifully restored cottages; a spectacular private dining space within an authentic,
medieval Tithe Barn; and a state-of-the-art cookery school. Renowned for “telling the complete story
of food,” Thyme’s culinary offerings include The Swan, a 17th century English village pub at the heart
of Southrop. All produce served at Thyme is hand-harvested from Thyme’s own Kitchen Garden and
Farm from which The Baa, their elegant guest drawing room and cocktail bar, draws inspiration for
its botanical cocktail collection and selection of English wines.
Media Contacts
PRCO
Charlotte Wilmots / [email protected]
Emma Lipman / [email protected]
020 7259 1100
Thyme Cookery School
Food is ‘Thyme’s beating heart’, with their award-winning Cookery School at its core. The
experience takes guests on a gastronomic adventure, whilst teaching them valuable skills in
the kitchen, allowing them to live the story of Thyme’s food from planting to eating.
The sleek and modern Bulthaup kitchens are arranged around two long Bulthaup Islands,
allowing easy interaction with the chefs, encouraging conversation and conviviality. Vast
windows lead onto the olive and herb garden and flood the space with natural light.
Thyme’s team of chefs, led by epicurean duo Daryll Taylor (Culinary Director, Head Chef
and Resident Beekeeper) and Marjorie Lang (House Chef and Masterchef winner) inspire
guests with their breadth of culinary wisdom, both having lived, worked and travelled around
the world.
The flagship class at Thyme is 'The Instinctive Cook', a process that begins with the
ingredients rather than the recipe. It is produce led and the day starts with a walk around
Thyme's kitchen gardens and farm to gather fresh ingredients for the day's cooking. The
chefs introduce thoughtful seasonal flavour combinations, both traditional and modern,
helping guests develop kitchen confidence and new ideas to take home that will extend far
beyond the recipes cooked that day.
The Cookery School at Thyme also offers demonstrations, tastings, talks, garden excursions,
forages and skill-based cookery classes such as: Bread Making, Butchery & Game, Crabs &
Crustaceans, as well as Rustic & Regional Italian, Indian Curry & Spice and Middle Eastern
Feast. New shorter Masterclass Mornings and Short & Sweet Baking Afternoons have
recently been added to the Cookery School programme.
Experiencing a truly special culinary journey from earth to plate, guests also have the
opportunity to meet Claudio Bincoletto, Italian Chef, Ethnobotanist and wild food expert. A
marvellous storyteller, Claudio takes guests on fascinating 'no trace' forages and nature
excursions.
Private classes for groups of friends, family or business colleagues are also available and can
be tailored according to the groups needs, ending with a spectacular feast in the Tithe Barn
or Olive Gardens.
-ENDSAbout Thyme
Thyme is a family owned, English country destination, celebrating all that it means to be
quintessentially British. Located in the Cotswolds, in one of Britain’s most spectacular natural
landscapes, Thyme is an elegant boutique hotel; comprising eight bedroom suites, three cottage
suites and two beautifully restored cottages; a spectacular private dining space within an authentic,
medieval Tithe Barn; and a state-of-the-art cookery school. Renowned for “telling the complete story
of food,” Thyme’s culinary offerings include The Swan, a 17th century English village pub at the heart
of Southrop. All produce served at Thyme is hand-harvested from Thyme’s own Kitchen Garden and
Farm from which The Baa, their elegant guest drawing room and cocktail bar, draws inspiration for
its botanical cocktail collection and selection of English wines.
Media Contacts
PRCO
Charlotte Wilmots / [email protected]
Emma Lipman / [email protected]
020 7259 1100
Thyme - Things to do
The team at Thyme are happy to help organise activities on the Southrop Estate and beyond.
Activities
Beauty Treatments: These can be arranged ahead of guests’ stay in the peace and privacy
of visitors’ own suite or cottage, using expert beauty therapists.
Clay Pigeon Shooting: Thyme can arrange for a clay pigeon shoot on the expansive
Southrop Estate, ideal for groups, with tuition and guidance for both beginners and avid
shooters alike.
Cycling: With miles of magnificent Cotswold countryside to explore, the friendly staff can
either accommodate guests’ own bikes or arrange for cycle hire. With both carbon and alloy
performance road bikes to choose from, Thyme can also organise for pre-set satnav devices
with route suggestions of some of the most scenic cycles. For the more avid cyclists,
Thyme’s own Cinder Path Racer bicycle is on display in the reception to be admired, made
exclusively for Thyme by Henry Cole at Gladstone Cycles.
Walks: As the Cotswolds is England’s largest Area of Natural Beauty; it is a paradise for
keen walkers. With gentle hills, centuries-old villages, secret gardens, historic manor houses
and ancient churches to be discovered, Thyme plans the best paths for guests according to
their preferences and interests. Thyme even has it’s own favourite walk perfectly mapped
out for visitors to discover.
The Cookery School: The award-winning Cookery School at Thyme offers
demonstrations, tastings, talks, garden excursions and skill-based cookery classes such as:
Bread Making, Butchery & Game, Crabs & Crustaceans, as well as Rustic & Regional Italian,
Indian Curry & Spice and Middle Eastern Feast. New shorter Masterclass Mornings and
Short & Sweet Baking Afternoons have recently been added to the Cookery School
programme, alongside signature class The Instinctive Cook.
Foraging: In-house Wild food expert and Forager, Claudio Bincoletto, guides guests to
explore nature’s wild larder, and teaches how to identify flora and fauna, as well as the
principles of sensitive, safe and sustainable foraging. Along the way, Claudio will share both
his botanical and culinary wisdom, with some fascinating stories to boot.
Boules: Guests can partake in a fun game of traditional boules or pétanques in Thyme’s
private gardens.
Golf: The Burford Golf Club is just 10 minutes away from Thyme, for those keen to
practice their swing during a stay. The course is particularly noted for it’s tree-lined fairways
and beautiful surroundings with a challenge at every hole.
Horse Riding: With a multitude of bridleways across the exquisite Cotswold scenery,
Thyme recommends The Talland School of Equitation who can organise a cross-country
trek or riding lessons for guests.
Fishing: From fly-fishing to ‘The Big Catch’, Lechlade Trout Fisheries is just a five-minute
drive from Thyme.
Polo: For a quintessentially English polo experience, Cirencester Park Polo Club is the place
to visit. Guests can take their own picnic or become a day member and enjoy lunch in the
Members' Restaurant or Tea Room.
Local Markets
Cirencester – Held the second and fourth Saturday of every month. 9am – 3pm
Malmesbury – Held the second and fourth Saturday of every month. 9am – 1pm
Stow-on-the-Wold – Held the second Thursday of every month. 9am – 1pm
Gloucester – Held every Friday. 9am – 3pm
Stroud – Held every Saturday. 9am – 3pm
Of course, for the foodie who would like to take some lovely local produce home, the
Burford Garden Company whose food halls are a delight, are bursting with fresh locally
sourced delicacies.
Cities & Towns
Tetbury: This well-known Cotswold town is famed for it’s 25 antique shops, from which
Thyme sourced much of its bedroom furniture. This old market town has a wide range of
tearooms, bistros, cafés, pubs and restaurants.
Bibury: Just a 15-minute drive from Thyme, once described by William Morris as ‘the most
beautiful village in the Cotswolds.’
Bourton-on-the-Water: Known as the ‘Little Venice of the Cotswolds,’ Bourton is a 10mile drive from Thyme. Along the River Windrush, it is home to gorgeous boutique shops,
cafés and restaurants.
Burford: One of England’s prettiest medieval towns, Burford is famous for its magnificent
hillside high street full of antique shops, country boutiques, restaurants and pubs.
Cheltenham: A Regency jewel, home to the Cheltenham Festivals and of course the Races,
Cheltenham is only 40 minutes from Thyme, and offers guests sophisticated day out.
Cirencester: Once one of the most important places in Roman Britain, second only to
London, Cirencester is known as the capital of the Cotswolds, with a wealth of diverse
shops from individual boutiques to well-known brands.
Houses & Gardens
Cotswold Wildlife Park: The Wildlife Park is home to lions, rhinos, giraffes, and much
more.
Blenheim Palace and Estate: Set in some of England's most beautiful parkland, Blenheim
Palace is one of Britain's masterpieces of Baroque architecture.
Hidcote Manor Gardens: Located near the village of Hidcote Bartrim not far from
Chipping Campden, this garden is internationally renowned, made up of smaller gardens
each with it’s own theme.
Westonbirt Arboretum: Located at the village of Westonbirt, not far from
Tetbury, Westonbirt National Arboretum contains one of the finest collections of trees
and shrubs in Europe across 600 acres of glorious Cotswold countryside.
Cerny House Gardens: Cerny House Gardens near Cheltenham are described as ‘a
romantic secret garden in the Cotswolds.’ It features old-fashioned roses, a working kitchen
garden, woodland walks, an extensive herb garden and colourful tulip displays.
St Nicholas Church, Oddington: A small country church near Stow on the Wold,
famous for its superb medieval ‘Doom’ wall painting.
-ENDSAbout Thyme
Thyme is a family owned, English country destination, celebrating all that it means to be
quintessentially British. Located in the Cotswolds, in one of Britain’s most spectacular natural
landscapes, Thyme is an elegant boutique hotel; comprising eight bedroom suites, three cottage
suites and two beautifully restored cottages; a spectacular private dining space within an authentic,
medieval Tithe Barn; and a state-of-the-art cookery school. Renowned for “telling the complete story
of food,” Thyme’s culinary offerings include The Swan, a 17th century English village pub at the heart
of Southrop. All produce served at Thyme is hand-harvested from Thyme’s own Kitchen Garden and
Farm from which The Baa, their elegant guest drawing room and cocktail bar, draws inspiration for
its botanical cocktail collection and selection of English wines.
Media Contacts
PRCO
Charlotte Wilmots / [email protected]
Emma Lipman / [email protected]
020 7259 1100
Caryn Hibbert – Biography
Caryn Hibbert, Founder and Creative Director of Thyme, has spent the past 12 years
lovingly restoring The Southrop Manor Estate with her family, since purchasing the land in
2002.
Caryn had a happy childhood in the countryside, with her physicist, engineer and inventor
father and loving mother who enjoyed the simple things in life, especially the great outdoors.
Caryn has a great passion for art, however she grew up surrounded by the influence of
science, medicine and entrepreneurship and chose to study medicine, as art was not seen as
a ‘proper’ subject at the time. Caryn arrived at Nottingham University, where the professors
of physics were working with her father, developing a pressure transducer for use in the
first pioneering heart surgery. This project was very close to Caryn’s own heart, having
spent many days after school assisting her father while he developed this technology.
After qualifying Caryn moved to London, choosing to work as an obstetrician and
gynaecologist. She worked and trained in various teaching hospitals in London and loved to
care for people while thriving off the dynamic energy of labour wards and operating
theatres.
Caryn married her animator and film director husband Jerry, who introduced her to the
world of media, food, fashion and fun, in 1989 and in the years that followed they had three
children together. Caryn remained a working mother, helping to set up the first colposcopy
and laser outpatient clinic with Chris Sutton in Guilford, a pioneer of both laparoscopic and
laser surgery. Later, Caryn joined the fundraising committee for CHASE, one of the first
children’s hospices. She helped raise money over several years by organising events including
exclusive tastings, dinners, art and fashion shows.
Caryn’s heart never left the country and in 2002 they stumbled on Southrop Manor in an
issue of Country Life and Caryn fell in love, despite the enormous amount of work required
to restore the property. As she spent her first night in the Manor, she realised the enormity
of the project she had embarked upon. Unperturbed, the acquisition of the vast, derelict,
listed barns on the estate soon followed, reuniting them with the farm and Manor.
In 2009 The Southrop Manor Estate restoration project received an award from the
Campaign to Protect Rural England (CPRE) for “the establishment of economic viability for these
important buildings in the centre of Southrop, and carrying out the scheme with exemplary attention
to the quality of detailing and craftsmanship.”
Caryn’s passion for art and her meticulous eye for detail are apparent across the estate.
Thyme has been an evolving story that did not start with grand ambitions, but the scale of
the buildings, Caryn’s affinity for them and the love of the land on which they stand, has
driven the project forward. Thyme’s journey is an evolving one, so watch this space…
-ENDS-
About Thyme
Thyme is a family owned, English country destination, celebrating all that it means to be
quintessentially British. Located in the Cotswolds, in one of Britain’s most spectacular natural
landscapes, Thyme is an elegant boutique hotel; comprising eight bedroom suites, three cottage
suites and two beautifully restored cottages; a spectacular private dining space within an authentic,
medieval Tithe Barn; and a state-of-the-art cookery school. Renowned for “telling the complete story
of food,” Thyme’s culinary offerings include The Swan, a 17th century English village pub at the heart
of Southrop. All produce served at Thyme is hand-harvested from Thyme’s own Kitchen Garden and
Farm from which The Baa, their elegant guest drawing room and cocktail bar, draws inspiration for
its botanical cocktail collection and selection of English wines.
Media Contacts
PRCO
Charlotte Wilmots / [email protected]
Emma Lipman / [email protected]
020 7259 1100
Thyme Fact Sheet
Address:
Thyme, Southrop Manor Estate,
Lechlade,
Gloucestershire, GL7 3NX
Contact Details:
+44 (0)1367 850174
www.thyme.co.uk
Social Media:
Instagram:
Twitter:
Facebook:
Opening Date:
thyme.england
@Thyme_England
Thyme
Individual room bookings at Thyme became
available as of September 2015
Thyme People:
Founder & Creative Director:
General Manager:
Creative Content Manager:
Caryn Hibbert
Dominic Abbott
Olwynne Goodrich
Culinary Director:
House Chef:
Ethno-botanist & Forager:
Daryll Taylor
Margorie Lang
Claudío Bincoletto
Bedrooms:
Thyme has a total of 17 rooms available:
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Thyme House - Eight double suites with
ensuite bathrooms
The Dairy & Ox Houses - Three cottage
suites, sleeping two each. All feature an
ensuite bathroom and double bedroom
upstairs and sitting room downstairs. The
Dairy also features a wood-burning stove.
The Tallet - Four double bedrooms (three
ensuite), sleeping up to eight guests. It
features a large open plan living space, fully
equipped kitchen, bar, 42” TV, underfloor
heating and wood burning stove. It also
includes a dining area, seating up to 14 people
and a private courtyard garden.
Old Walls Cottage - Two double
bedrooms and one room on the landing,
which can accommodate two single beds for
children (sleeping up to four adults and two
children).
This cottage features two
bathrooms, a kitchen, conservatory, sitting
room and large south-facing garden. It is
situated a stone’s throw away from Thyme in
the heart of the village. This is the only
accommodation at Thyme that caters for
children under 12 years and dogs.
Room Rates:
Rates start at £260 per double room per night on
a B&B basis in a double suite in Thyme House
Thyme Food & Drink:
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The Cookery School at Thyme:
Celebration / Corporate
Facilities:
The Swan at Southrop - The Swan is the
quintessential English country pub serving
stylish seasonal dishes, using home-grown and
local produce.
The Baa - A luxurious and relaxing space for
day and night. It is stocked with English
distillations and wines, where delicious
botanical cocktails inspired by Thyme’s Herb
Gardens are served in the evening; with teas
and coffees and light lunches during the day.
Private Dining - Private dining at Thyme
offers seasonal modern menus using
ingredients sourced from the kitchen gardens
and finest local producers, whilst taking
inspiration from cuisine around the world.
The award-winning Cookery School at Thyme is
designed to tell the complete story of food. Here,
aspiring chefs or passionate home cooks will learn
about seasonality, working with produce collected
from Thyme’s farm and kitchen gardens, before
heading back to the Bulthaup kitchens to cook with
Thyme’s culinary experts. Guests can choose from
specific classes such as Bread Making, Crab and
Crustaceans, South East Asia or Charcuterie with
The Cotswold Curer. Skill-based Masterclass
Mornings introduce guests to Thyme’s cookery
school, while flagship class ‘The Instinctive Cook’
takes guests to the heart of their food philosophy.
Sustainable foraging classes are also on offer.
The Tithe Barn is a medieval barn that has been
lovingly restored and transformed into a spectacular
space. It is an ideal setting for country weddings,
celebratory cocktails, corporate meetings or
incentives and can host lunches, dinners and drinks
for up to 40 people. The Tithe Barn also has an
adjoining Balcony Room overlooking the estate. This
can be used as a flexible work area with seating at
tables for 30 in various configurations or up to 50
for theatre-style seating. Other available meeting
space at Thyme includes The Tasting Room,
overlooking the olive gardens, seating eight, The
Snug (seating five), The Garden Room (seating 16)
and Fifi’s Room (seating 12) in Thyme House for
smaller meetings, as well as The Tallet, ideal for
flexible meeting space for up to 12, complete with
kitchen and garden space.
Things to do at Thyme:
The Cotswolds is England's largest area of natural
beauty and is a paradise for walkers. With gentle
hills and centuries old stone villages, guests can
explore the gardens, historic manor houses,
churches and village pubs. Thyme can suggest scenic
jogging routes and organise top of the range bike
hire, complete with pre-loaded GPS devices with
route suggestions. Thyme can also organise a clay
pigeon shoot on the Southrop Estate or arrange
beauty treatments in the peace and privacy of
guest’s suites or cottages.
Location:
Thyme is set in a charming country estate in the
peaceful village of Southrop, at the heart of the
Cotswolds. It is less than two hours from London
and 45 minutes from Cheltenham and Oxford. It is
also easily accessible from Cirencester and Swindon,
which are both within 15 miles of the estate.
-ENDS-
About Thyme
Thyme is a family owned, English country destination, celebrating all that it means to be
quintessentially British. Located in the Cotswolds, in one of Britain’s most spectacular natural
landscapes, Thyme is an elegant boutique hotel; comprising eight bedroom suites, three cottage
suites and two beautifully restored cottages; a spectacular private dining space within an authentic,
medieval Tithe Barn; and a state-of-the-art cookery school. Renowned for “telling the complete story
of food,” Thyme’s culinary offerings include The Swan, a 17th century English village pub at the heart
of Southrop. All produce served at Thyme is hand-harvested from Thyme’s own Kitchen Garden and
Farm from which The Baa, their elegant guest drawing room and cocktail bar, draws inspiration for
its botanical cocktail collection and selection of English wines.
Media Contacts
PRCO
Charlotte Wilmots / [email protected]
Emma Lipman / [email protected]
Tel: 020 7259 1100