I travelled in September 2021 and stayed in Suite 105m, which starts from £185 B&B. Other rooms start from £150 B&B.
Overview
Located in the oft-overlooked Kentish town of Broadstairs, The Yarrow is unusual in that it is set within the East Kent College campus and staffed largely by spritely college apprentices newly out of hospitality courses, giving it an air of youth and energy. But slick service is ensured as the hotel is managed by professional hoteliers and restaurateurs.
If you like to walk, you can get to the Broadstairs band stand, gorgeous Viking Bay beach and Victoria Gardens in under 10 minutes and just a bit further is the pretty promenade and Charles Dickens’ holiday home. If you’d like to visit Margate and Ramsgate, they are minutes away by car.
Décor and vibe
Built in 1849, The Yarrow is an attractive Grade II-listed renovated Jacobethan building. It was originally a convalescent home for children, built by a shipbuilder called Sir Alfred Yarrow who chose the location as he believed Broadstairs to be the healthiest place in Britain.
You can still see nods to the building’s past with child-height banisters and wide corridors providing ample room for play. The statement façade is more windows than red brick and framed by lush green trees.
While historical on the outside, the inside is a modern world with intriguing paintings and seaside-themed colours, ranging from duck-egg blue and stormy sky grey in the bedrooms to bright turquoise in the dining room.
Services and facilities
- Room service
- Pool
- Laundry
- Parking
- Fitness centre
- Sauna
- Steam room
Rooms and suites
The accommodation ranges from elegant rooms to sumptuous suites, all with a historical feel and containing original trappings. Think large windows, classic roll-top baths and fireplaces but with a boutique modern twist.
The colour palette is cool and contemporary with greys and light blues and some of the rooms have a scenic sea view. The master suite is the largest in The Yarrow and boasts its own entrance hall and separate living room.
All accommodation includes modern appliances, spotless tiled bathrooms, tea- and coffee-making facilities and comfy robes to lounge in.
Food and drink
The Yarrow is known for its fantastic food offering and, with eager-to-please students serving, the dining experience is flawless and enjoyable. The Solarium is the go-to spot for your coffee and cake or bar snacks during the day, while the main restaurant is the place to go for fine dining.
Executive Head Chef Ben William has created a menu which is keen on local Kent produce and the theme is modern British classics.
To start, I had a crunchy pork croquette, beautifully balanced with a creamy celeriac remoulade and fresh watercress, followed by a rich braised pork belly, cabbage, sweet apple puree, tasty fondant potato and punchy pork sauce.
This was finished off with a very rich chocolate tart, refreshing banana ice cream and nostalgic honeycomb – delicious!
Breakfast ensured the day started well with the choice of a hearty cooked breakfast or light continental.
More information about The Yarrow
For more information and bookings, visit the hotel website.