Boys Hall

Boys Hall

Overview

Set on the fringes of Ashford in the heart of Kent, Boys Hall is a Jacobean manor reborn as a boutique hotel and gastronomic destination. Launched by Kristie and Brad Lomas, this 17th-century house now hosts nine sumptuous bedrooms and a buzzing restaurant, making it a rewarding escape for gourmands and style-seekers just an hour from London. The venue’s sense of heritage, layered with contemporary design, appeals to both romantic couples and food-focused weekenders after a base in Kent’s lush countryside.

Eat

The restaurant at Boys Hall is earning a name among Kent’s most inviting fine dining rooms, where timber beams and open fires evoke both grandeur and warmth. The kitchen champions local and seasonal produce, with a menu rooted in British tradition interpreted through a modern lens and a steady hand with the grill. You’ll find expertly aged steaks cooked over asado-style flames, often sourced from ex-dairy Scottish cattle, alongside dishes built around Kentish vegetables and South Coast fish. Guests might encounter refined plates like Romney Marsh lamb or delicate wild mushrooms, and Sunday lunch sees the tradition elevated with slow-roasted meats. Service is attentive yet informal, creating a relaxed backdrop for occasions both special and spontaneous.

Sleep

With just nine rooms, Boys Hall offers an intimate retreat defined by tactile luxury. Each bedroom is individually designed, blending period features—think exposed beams, rich wallpapers and grand beds—with roll-top baths and a playful, maximalist sense of comfort. Suites feel indulgent but unstuffy, some with private garden access or deep tubs made for lingering. The characterful setting, attention to detail, and grown-up atmosphere make this a superb choice for couples or design lovers looking to unwind after a knockout meal.

Retreat

Boys Hall’s leafy grounds provide quiet nooks to read or sip a gin and tonic from the in-house bar, but the wider area is equally worth exploring. Ashford’s fast links put London St Pancras within a 40-minute train ride, while the Romney Marsh, Kent Downs and historic villages like Wye are all less than half an hour by car for scenic walks, nature reserves, or heritage-hunting. A weekend here is easily filled with garden strolls, local vineyard tours, and ambling through Kent’s market towns, before returning to the low-lit restaurant for another round of kitchen-led comfort.