THE LOWDOWN

Once described by Jerome K. Jerome as “the most fairy-like little nook on the whole river”, Sonning-on-Thames is a village on the edge of the Berks and Ox borders. Here, quaintly nested away on the banks of the River Thames where weeping willows waft in the breeze and boats pootle past, you’ll find The Great House – a super groovy boutique hotel with 49 bedrooms to rest weary heads.

Sleep easy knowing you have Hollywood hottie George Clooney for a neighbour (yep, he has a house here). You’ll want to spend some of your time ogling the local property porn – the houses here show some serious leg, but once you’ve wrestled your way over Sonning Bridge and into the carpark, it’s all about taking it easy baby.

Most of the ground floor is taken over by Coppa Club – a laid-back restaurant and the beating heart of the local community where you can settle in for drinks, a bite to eat, or work in between riverside walks, a jaunt on the river, or perhaps a mindful yoga class. It’s the perfect country escape and only an hour’s drive from London, 30 mins on the train, and 5 miles from Reading and Henley. Come for the morning or stay the week – the choice is yours. But if you want my two pennies’ worth, go for the latter.

THE VIBE

Step into the Coppa Club and be wowed by the intoxicating blend of old and new. The styling is retro, funky, and fun with an earthy yet opulent palette and quirky artwork adorning the exposed brick walls. Hustle and bustle has been hauled into extinction here. The vibe is chilled, unpretentious, and undemanding. Scooch yourself into one of the slouchy sofas (go fireside when the weather isn’t playing ball) and let the friendly staff hold your hand through the 9-5 grind with nibbles and excellent coffee on tap.

The swish hangout spot is clearly the place to be when even on the Monday I visited, a constant stream of people trickled in and out for meetings, to work, natter with friends, or have a bite to eat. It’s a light and cosy space with views over the Thames should you snag a window spot. The ambience isn’t coffee shop buzzy so knuckling down or enjoying a quiet catch-up isn’t hard to do.

SCOFF & QUAFF

Coppa is a big pull locally – a casual dining experience that caters for all ages and tastes. It’s an all-day dining kinda situation, and although there’s no 24h room service, ring through and order something off their takeaway menu to enjoy in the comfort of your room. It would be rude not to grab a pre-dinner cocktail, so before we took our seats at the banquet table, the creme brûlée martini had my name all over it. It was creamy, delicious, and so naughty but nice, it would have Santa in a tizzy. Obsessed.

As we were led to our table, we were given the option to sit either outside in their heated, glass-covered terrace or in the main restaurant. As it was tipping down, we went for one of the cosy booths, but in the summer, I can only imagine how dreamy it would be with the stonking river vista. The outside space has been transformed with dining igloos, heated terrace, and deck chairs for warmer days.

The menu was packed with choice, but as soon as I saw you could have their fresh pasta as a starter, it was a no brainer. I opted for the slow cooked beef shin ragu, meanwhile my fellow foodie critic went for the bucatini carbonara, and we shared a garlic pizzetta too. Both were super delish and the flavour lip-smacking, although a bit more beef and sauce on the ragu would have taken it to stratospheric heights.

Next came the 10oz rib steak on the bone – grass-fed with truffle pecorino fries, dressed salad and optional Béarnaise or peppercorn sauce. The beef was super juicy and filled with flavour. Safe to say it went down a treat – even more so when paired with a good bottle of red. The meal was complete with the arrival of the flourless chocolate cake and sticky toffee pudding. Both were dreamy, and I now want to go back solely to give their warm Bakewell tart a whirl.

Overall, the meal was uber relaxed. It’s grazing-style scoffing at its best and the servers are all too happy for you to go at your own pace. Next morning, although I may have been rolled to breakfast after that feast, it didn’t stop me ordering the skillet breakfast (a ginormous fry-up with all the trimmings). There’s avo on toast, pancakes, and artisan pastries should you not want the whole hog. And if you can’t be bothered to haul yourself from your duvet, you can get breakfast in bed too. In fact, it’s strongly encouraged.

STAY

The Great House has a range of room options to suit all including larger suites, a two-bed apartment, and a family suite with the cutest beds. The hotel can also provide a box of toys and cots, and Z beds are available in larger rooms for ankle biters under 10. Each follow a similar blueprint in style, but with individual quirks for each.

They are tasteful and appeasing, with colour blocking on the walls, exposed brick, contrasting accents, and gold embellishments. Be eagle eyed for the quirky additions like an old school retro radio, vintage record player, and art deco style rotary phone. You get a mini kitchenette complete with fridge, tea, coffee, and water. The complementary jar of sweeties didn’t last long in our room either.

During my stay, I was given the Coach House Apartment Suite that was spread over three levels with gorgeous views over the river. The king-sized bed was hugeeee and there was a separate lounge with flatscreen TV to slob out like no one is watching. It was light and airy, and the swanky bathroom was particularly impressive with its roll top bath and mahoosive walk-in shower. Bliss. All the rooms have a decent hair dryer too, the toiletries are dreamy, and there’s free WIFI and a desk if you’re working.

It was easy to get some good zzz’s and it had such a homely feel I could have happily moved in for the long haul. The rooms each provide true sanctuaries of escape, and somewhere you would be vying to get back to after a lazy meander along the river.

ACCESSIBILITY

The Coppa Club is all on one level with ramps to access reception, and accessible en-suite rooms are available too.

DOG-FRIENDLY

Woof! Dogs are welcome in both The Great House and Coppa Club. Book one of the five dog-friendly rooms and your happy hound will be provided with a comfy dog bed, treats and bowls.

OUT & ABOUT

What do you fancy? The Mill at Sonning Theatre is a hop and skip down the road for culture vultures looking for their song and dance fix. Venture further afield for LEGOLAND Windsor, Go Ape, and horse riding. Or perhaps the historic Stonor Park or Berkshire’s largest vineyard, Stanlake Wine Estate, are more your speed. Gorgeous walks are on the doorstep and paddle boarding can be arranged at the hotel, plus they can help with boat hire too. If you do go for a tranquil riverside stroll, have a nose at some of the village’s big houses – including the mansion owned by former Sonning resident Uri Geller.

THE VERDICT

Good for: Romantic getaways, family stays, girly weekends, work trips, weddings, and a big old bash.

Not for: Go big or go home types. There’s no pool, spa, fine dining restaurant, or room service like larger hotels offer.

The damage: Amazing value when considering the quality. Doubles from £115 (Mon to Sat). From £72.25 on Sun.

The Great House, Thames St, Sonning, Reading RG4 6UT. Tel: 0118 969 2277.