Sometimes the best thing you can do for your wellbeing is put your phone away, step into nature and spend a weekend slowing down. Now, Unplugged, the UK's pioneers of digital detox escapes, are giving food lovers another reason to disconnect with the launch of Archie, its very first cabin designed entirely around the joy of cooking and sharing great food.
Launching this July, Archie is tucked away within the beautiful Vale of Belvoir in Leicestershire, just 65 minutes by train from London, making it an easy countryside escape for city dwellers craving a change of pace. Here, Unplugged combines its signature screen-free experience with a fully equipped outdoor kitchen, inviting guests to swap endless scrolling for slow cooking beneath the stars.
Created in partnership with outdoor cooking specialists Big Green Egg, the cabin centres around one of the brand's iconic ceramic BBQs, capable of grilling, roasting, smoking, baking and slow cooking. Guests will find everything needed for an unforgettable alfresco feast, from pizza-making accessories and rotisserie equipment to a chef's apron, transforming every meal into part of the experience.
The surrounding countryside offers plenty for food enthusiasts too. A visit to Belvoir Castle's Farm Shop provides the chance to stock up on artisan cheeses, seasonal produce and local ingredients before heading back to the cabin. Those looking to dine out can also discover nearby restaurants including The Martin's Arms, run by MasterChef: The Professionals winner Laurence Henry, alongside the award-winning Chequers Inn.
As with every Unplugged stay, technology takes a back seat. Upon arrival, guests lock their phones away in the company's signature lockbox and instead embrace a slower pace with books, board games, maps, journals, a retro cassette player and even an old-school Nokia phone for emergencies. Add a kingsize bed dressed with Piglet Bedding, woodland views, a wood-fired hot tub and peaceful surroundings, and it's easy to see why guests leave feeling truly refreshed.
Since launching in 2020, Unplugged has grown to more than 50 off-grid cabins across the UK and Spain, with Archie representing the latest step in its mission to help people reconnect with nature, food and each other through meaningful, screen-free experiences. Whether you're planning a romantic weekend away, celebrating a special occasion or simply craving a proper break from notifications, Archie offers a refreshing reminder that some of life's greatest pleasures are the simplest: cooking together, eating well and spending time outdoors.
Need to Know
Location: Vale of Belvoir, Leicestershire
Travel from London: Approximately 65 minutes by train
Launching: July 2026
Stay length: Three-night digital detox experience
Prices: From £620 per stay
For more click here.
Written by Claire Bloom
Photography by Rebecca Hope
