The Bite Magazine - Autumn/Winter 2023 - Issue 34

biterestaurant W ith stunning views across the Severn Valley and the Cotswold, the 4-star boutique hotel The Cottage in the Wood Malvern is set high in the Malvern Hills. Its history dates back to the late 18th century with stories of literary greats, musical legends and famous residents enjoying the tranquil Worces- tershire location. From 1791 to 1902, the building was part of the renowned Blackmore Park Estate, owned by Thomas Charles Hornyold, followed by John Vincent Gandolfi. John Vincent turned all his estates to Thomas Charles II in 1898, whom Pope Leo XIII later gave the title of Duke Gandolfi for services to Catholicism. Thomas’ son, Alfonso, named after his godfather, King Alfonso XII of Spain, be- came a distinguished scientist and was far more interested in zoology than running a country estate. He sold most of the Blackmore Park Estate in 1919. The Cottage, a charming de- tached residence in finely timbered grounds on the Malvern Hills with unrivalled views, was also part of the estate. During the 1920s, English composer Edward Elgar per- formed for a private audience at the Coach House, adjacent to The Cottage. He lived in and around Malvern for most of his life, and the Malvern Hills inspired many of his well- known compositions. In 1926, The Cottage was renamedThe Cottage in the Wood. That same year, fantasy authors C.S Lewis and J.R.R Tolkien met for the first time and enjoyed a lifelong friendship. They were often seen walking together in the Malvern Hills. In 1937, J.R.R Tolkien’s The Hobbit was published. The White Mountains between Rohan and Gondor are based on the Malvern Hills. A decade later, Raymond Mills and his wife ran The Cottage in the Wood as a guest house. Raymond offered piano lessons, and the husband and wife, Malvern Music Makers founders, regularly performed at local venues. The area has attracted musical talent over the centuries, in- cluding Swedish opera singer Jenny Lind, violinist and viol- ist Nigel Kennedy, and Malvern native and composer Paul Farrer. The 1950s saw The Cottage in the Wood become a licensed hotel, and C.S Lewis’ The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe was published. The inspiration for the entrance to Narnia came when the author was intrigued by the unusual sighting of a bright, snow-covered gas lamp when leaving the Uni- corn Pub in Malvern one evening. In 1963, the hotel was taken over by Michael and Ellen Ross as head chef and front of house. They lived in The Beech Cottage, which now has hotel rooms. In the 1980s, Sue and John Pattin owned and ran the hotel. Their special guests included Baroness Margaret Thatch- er, who always stayed in room 35, then known as The Blue Room. The Rolling Stones drummer Charlie Watts, artist Adam Ant, rock band The Who, and ska revival band The Specials had connections to the hotel, either staying in, play- ing in, or visiting the area. After running the hotel for 26 years, Sue and John decided to retire and put it on the mar- ket. Jada Brookes discovers The Cottage in the Wood Malvern’s history and its 1919 Restaurant’s new lease of life with the arrival of head chef Rob Mason. Rob Mason Head Chef Profile