800-year-old country hotel near Bristol wins rare AA award for its ‘memorable’ breakfast

An 800-year-old hotel near Bristol has scooped more awards for its food and rooms.

The historic Old Bell in Malmesbury has been awarded 4 stars for its rooms, two AA Rosettes for its popular restaurant Abbey Row, and a rare AA Breakfast Award for their “memorable breakfast”.

The coveted accolades from the AA come hot on the heels after The Old Bell was named Muddy Stiletto’s Best Hotel in the UK, firmly placing the venue on the map as one of the UK’s top destinations for staycations and dining.

After visiting over 4000 hotels and restaurants across the UK, the AA report writes that the “hotel team are evidently at the heart of this property and ensure a most memorable stay… refurbishment presents very well with a modern contemporary feel whilst still retaining the many characteristics of this impressive Grade I listed property. The overall quality is impressive.”

Set in the chocolate box town of Malmesbury, The Old Bell Hotel first opened its doors in 1220. Although it retains plenty of original character, it was given a full refurbishment in 2021 by its owners Kim and Whit Hanks.

The hotel boasts 34 bedrooms, each individually designed and furnished with colourful wallcoverings as well as two bar concepts – the 1220 bar and the aviary-like Tyger Bar.

The on-site fine dining restaurant, Abbey Row, is headed up by award-winning Executive Chef, Leigh Evans who works closely with the hotel’s gardeners who grow much of the kitchen’s produce at the kitchen garden at Abbey House Manor.