Newent, British, Traditional Restaurant Guide

“The obvious attraction of this restaurant is the spectacular view from the Malvern Hills across the plain” – unusually dramatic for an English dining room – that creates an away-from-it-all impression at this small hotel owned since 2015 by Nick & Julia Davies, who have constantly upgraded it over the years. Service is “friendly and professional” and the cooking has become ever-more “impressive”. In July 2025, after our diners poll had concluded, they announced a redesigned offering from chef Mark Potts, with the introduction Thursday-Saturday of a tasting-menu-only format of seven courses for £95 per person. This will be followed with the opening of a new brasserie, with cheaper à la carte options.

“Set in a 17th-century hunting lodge”, this “lovely place to stay and eat” is “beautifully placed in the heart of the Forest of Dean”. There are a range of spaces in which to dine: more formal “dinners are served in the old Verderer’s (Magistrates’) Court Room, with a blazing log fire for atmosphere and warmth”, and some “delicious” offerings on the “limited menu”; the more relaxed Orangery meanwhile turns out “hearty teas with local goodies and good views over the gardens”. They also have cosy Outdoor Dining Dens for small groups which can be booked by the hour. All in all, an “undiscovered gem”.

“A miracle for Malvern” – this “pleasant and professional” year-old venture takes meat reared on the Lygon family’s 900-year-old Madresfield Estate and chef Tom Friedli prepares it here over fire in an open kitchen, with the menu providing a selection of cuts (or you can order a ‘Butcher’s Board’ for £64 for two to share). “Meats are tender, juicy and beautifully cooked and presented, while traditional ingredients are enhanced by some more contemporary flavourings such as wasabi, nori and yazu”. “Desserts can be similarly a little out-of-the ordinary such as thyme ice cream”.