The Cottage in the Wood, Malvern – Review
By Kirsty Reid, March 2025
After a busy few months, I was craving a peaceful retreat, and The Cottage in the Wood promised just that.
Located than more 150 miles from my home in Yorkshire meant a three-hour drive – but it was so worthwhile.
Despite its remote feel, the venue is easily accessible from the motorway, making the journey straightforward.
Once off the motorway, the route is well-signposted, so there’s no stress as you wind your way up the hills toward the venue.
Despite its name, The Cottage in the Wood is actually a hotel on hill.
Located in the heart of the Malvern Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB), the scenery here is nothing short of spectacular.
The four-star hotel is home to 32 rooms, spread across three buildings. There’s the main house, the Beech Cottage and the Coach House.
Willow, enjoying the views in Malvern
image: Kirsty Reid
“Well-stocked”
Travelling with my whippet, Willow, I enjoyed a two-night stay in a Best Room in the dog-friendly Coach House (£259 per night B&B).
The ground-floor room was light and airy, with calming muted tones throughout. Pale green walls and pink boutique chairs gave it a cosy yet contemporary feel.
A well-stocked tea tray (complete with some rather delicious cookies) added a homely touch, while Willow was just as well looked after with her own bed, bowl, and treats.
Bramley toiletries added a little luxury to the spacious bathroom, which had both a walk-in shower and freestanding bath – something I took full advantage of after a day of hiking.
Example of a bathroom
image: Jamie Mckerrow Maxwell
“Private terrace”
Another nice touch was the vintage record player, complete with a carefully curated selection of tunes.
But the real highlight was the view – patio doors led to a private terrace, complete with a table and chairs. A great spot to enjoy a cuppa (and those cookies!).
The plush king-sized bed was positioned perfectly so I could enjoy sunrise from the comfort of my pillow. Not a bad way to start the day.
The room also had a TV, but with eight acres of woodland to explore just outside, I had little time to watch the box.
A room inside The Cottage in the Wood
image: Jamie Mckerrow Maxwell
“Sunrise stroll”
Keen to make the most of the idyllic surroundings, Willow and I embarked on several hikes in the hills, including an unforgettable sunrise stroll, with unrivalled views. If hiking isn’t your thing, there are plenty of short and gentle walks, all just a stone’s throw from your room.
If you’re wondering whether the food here is as fantastic as the views, I can confirm it is.
With dining available in the 1919 restaurant, lounge bar, and terrace, there is something for everyone.
I had the pleasure of having breakfast on the heated terrace.
The breakfast menu has all the usual favourites: fruit, yoghurt, cereal, bacon, sausage, and eggs. I opted for a pot of tea and eggs on toast. The poached eggs were perfectly done, and paired with creamy avocado on crispy sourdough. Delicious.
Evening food
image: Jamie Mckerrow Maxwell
“Presented elegantly”
As for the evening meal? It was equally fantastic.
The restaurant’s floor-to-ceiling windows flood the room with natural light and offer breathtaking views, while warm, earthy tones create a stylish yet relaxed atmosphere.
Under the leadership of head chef Mark Potts, the award-winning 3AA restaurant featured in the Michelin Guide for 2024 and has twice won Worcestershire Restaurant of the Year. With such accolades, it’s no surprise that the food here is exceptional.
With a focus on local and seasonal ingredients, the tasting menu evolves constantly. Guests also have the option to dine from the three-course à la carte menu.
I had the pleasure of sampling the tasting menu (£85pp), which began with a crisp glass of house white, followed by delicious sourdough. Presented elegantly on hessian and garnished with rosemary and thyme, it was almost too pretty to eat.
Next came the chef’s appetiser: a delicate, melt-in-the-mouth arancini ball paired with a similar-style cheese bite. Both were crispy with soft and flavourful centres.
Dessert example
image: Jamie Mckerrow Maxwell
“Stargazing”
The mulled wine beetroot dish followed, bringing together goat’s curd, linseed, and a red cabbage gazpacho. Tangy yet sweet, it was the most beautifully presented dish I’ve ever seen.
Not a fan of fish or duck, I was kindly offered alternative dishes. First, chicken terrine. Later, a succulent chicken breast with chestnut mushroom, chard, and truffle.
With flavour and presentation at the heart of every course, the surprises just kept coming. A truffled honey fruit loaf with Cotswold Brie was an unexpected delight, balancing savoury and sweet.
Dessert was the highlight of the evening – a light yet indulgent chocolate and hazelnut crémeux with vanilla ice cream. A simple, well-executed finale to an outstanding meal.
To end the evening, I headed back to my room and out onto the terrace for some stargazing, accompanied by a hot chocolate (with a sachet kindly provided in the room).
While the car park is adequately lit, the lighting is intentionally kept to a minimum to reduce light pollution. This makes it an ideal spot for stargazing, and my visit coincided with the rare planetary parade, where all seven planets aligned. A lovely way to end the night.
A view from the hills
image: Kirsty Reid
“Haven”
This summer marks a decade since Nick and Julia Davies made the bold decision to swap their London life for the Malvern Hills. Since then, they’ve poured their hearts into the three-stage renovation, transforming the hotel into the charming retreat it is today.
A haven for foodies, romantics, and nature lovers, The Cottage in the Wood invites guests to slow down and live in the moment. With the tagline, ‘where time is yours, embrace the good stuff’, it’s the kind of place where you can hit pause and simply be.
A one-night B&B stay in a ‘Cosy Room’ at The Cottage in the Wood Malvern (www.cottageinthewood.co.uk) is priced from £139 per night for two adults sharing. For guests wishing to travel with their furry friends, accommodation is in The Coach House and there is a £20 surcharge per dog per night. Dinner Bed & Breakfast packages are also available.
The historic hotel is home to the award-winning 3AA Rosette 1919 Restaurant, Lounge Bar, and Terrace which is led by Head Chef Mark Potts who joined the team last summer (2024). 1919 was listed in the Michelin Guide for 2024 and has twice (to-date) won Worcestershire Restaurant of the Year.
To book a table and / or stay, call 01684 588 860 or email reception@cottageinthewood.co.uk
top image: The Cottage in the Wood Malvern
Kirsty has spent nearly 20 years grappling words, first in arts and events, then as a sub-editor for national magazines and newspapers. Now working in communications, she crafts messages that cut through the noise. She satisfies her creative appetite by writing about food, theatre and travel, sometimes accompanied by her trusty whippet, Willow.
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