The Cotford Hotel and L’amuse-BOUCHE Restaurant
This month we feature a small hotel with a superb reputation and a highly recommended place to stay…and dine.
The Cotford is, believe it, owned and run by …the “Morgans” – Yes! Barbara and Chris Morgan (no relation to H.F.S. or the Morgan family that we all know). During the past 12 years they have transformed this hotel from a mediocre, simple establishment into a vibrant, luxury hotel with a fine dining restaurant of immense reputation – “L’amuse BOUCHE”.
Chris and Barbara met online in 2005. At the time Barbara was a beauty therapist, and Chris a restauranteur. By April 2007 they were married and had purchased the Cotford. They viewed this as a project – “a blank canvas”, that they could work on, make their mark, and enjoy. Twelve years on there is no dispute that they have achieved their dream.
During the past 12 years the 15 bedrooms have been refurbished, not once, but twice. All are en-suit, and each is different, each with its own character and each individually named, for example “Severn View”, or the “Bishop’s Room”. The hotel has had an interesting history…it began in 1851 as a summer residence for the Bishop of Worcester, and was later owned by the Perrin’s family, known world-wide for their famous Worcester sauce, and elements of the Victorian gothic style are attractive features within the hotel.
Within just 6 months of opening Chris and Barbara had won the accolade of “Runner Up – Worcestershire Restaurant of the Year”. As well as been a master chef, Chris is a keen gardener and in 2010 they won Gold for Malvern in Bloom, and were also awarded Central England Hotel Garden of the Year. In 2016 they were runners-up in Worcestershire Restaurant of the Year and represented Worcestershire in the regional finals, and the following year, 2017, achieved the immense accolade of Worcestershire Restaurant of the Year. They have two AA Rosettes for culinary excellence, and are working hard to achieve a third, and who knows, perhaps a Michelin star is not far from their clutches in 2019/20? So, you can see why I mentioned in the opening sentence that the Cotford is a recommended place to stay…and dine! However, when booking, please be aware that there is often a three or four week waiting list for tables, so you are forewarned here…do book well in advance to avoid disappointment.
If arriving in your Morgan, the hotel has off road parking for 12 cars and Chris and Barbara will always ensure that Morgan owners have a warm welcome and a space to park. As well as the ample parking, the hotel sits in 3/4 of an acre in the centre of Malvern town, and the beautiful gardens are there to be enjoyed by guests, and on a fine summers evening sit out and enjoy pre-dinner drinks and the stunning views across to the Cotswolds or to The Malvern Hills behind you. The hotel also caters for larger gatherings and a marquee on the lawn can be arranged for such events…weddings for example, or larger car club meetings/socials. The hotel is licensed and Chris is proud of his selection of spirits and wines. There is a lovely bar separate from the elegant dining room and the whole establishment is in pristine condition. Chris is as handy with a paintbrush as he is with a garden spade and secateurs – as he is with any kitchen utensil.
The hotel is just a few minute’s walk from the shops, theatre, cafes and Priory and is one mile up the road from the Morgan factory. And on the subject of walks, access to the Malvern Hills is a short distance away at the top of the high street.
We like to offer our readers something special, and once again we have agreed with Chris and Barbara that if you book direct (and it must be direct) then they will offer you a 10% discount on the lowest rate if staying on a B&B basis between Sunday and Thursday inclusive. Please note that this offer does not apply at weekends, nor to the DB&B rate two night package, which is already discounted for guests.
The hotel can be contacted on 01684 572427 / reservations@cotfordhotel.co.uk
Happy stays.