Take a trip inland to the oldest hotel in England, the charming Old Bell Hotel in the town of Malmesbury. Whether you’re in the mood for a traditional sit-down British meal, afternoon tea with treats, a pint at the bar, an early bird breakfast or lazy brunch, the countryside hotel can dish it up. The exterior is a perfect picturesque teaser with a beautiful flowery facing, before you head into the quaint Cotswold hotel. Cosy up by the log fire, melt into squishy sofas or take in all the country-style accents to make you feel at home, all while enjoying the hotel’s rich history in this Grade I listed building.
The restaurant, called the Refectory, brings diners traditional British dishes with European influences. Guests can pick something from any of the menus from 7am on weekdays and fill up on a three-course lunch. Dinner is served until 9pm every day. Stop by for a savoury from the bar, such as a mini Welsh rarebit or keep it traditional with an afternoon tea serving a selection of sandwiches, scones, pastries and complimentary hot drink refills.
Open the wine list and find a whole host of vino from around the world to choose from, each with a brief tasting note. You’re also spoilt for choice with the bar menu, including close to thirty gin options, port, spirits and plenty of cocktails. Munch on something from Refectory’s à la carte menu, each paired with a wine, such as a pan-fried Scottish scallops starter with black pudding. Keep your mains authentically British with roasted pheasant, confit pheasant legs and served with creamed potatoes, shallots, rosemary and honey parsnips and a rich port sauce. Finish your meal with one of the desserts or digestifs. Try the baked rice pudding with mulled fruits and gingerbread ice-cream.
The Old Bell Hotel hosts weekly Sunday lunches and the occasional special event, such as a Father’s Day lunch and you can make sure the kiddies are fed with mains and puddings on the straightforward children’s menu. If you’re one for the silver screen, tuck into the three-course Cinephile Dinner menu before catching the movie of the day for £18. In the warmer months, grab a seat outdoors on the terrace and relax under umbrellas with your pooch at this dog-friendly hotel.