The Old Bell Hotel named the best in the UK!

The Old Bell Hotel, an historic hotel located in the South Cotswolds and England’s oldest hotel, has been awarded the title of ‘Best Hotel’ at the prestigious Food Lifestyle SW Reader Awards 2024.

With more than 800 years of history, The Old Bell Hotel in Malmesbury, Wiltshire, continues to enchant guests with its unique blend of charm, history, and hospitality.

Since Kim and Whit Hanks took ownership of the historic building in 2021, they have undertaken a personal mission to conserve and honour this incredible piece of history, which has links to Whit’s ancestors as far back as the 1500s.

As a Grade I listed building, The Old Bell is not just a place to stay, it’s a piece of England’s past. The hotel’s interiors are a showcase of rich heritage and contemporary vibrant design and features 34 individually styled bedrooms and suites.

Working alongside Executive Chef Daniel Kerr has elevated, the hotel’s dining experience is something special. Chef Kerr is known for his innovative use of local ingredients in seasonal menus which has elevated the culinary offering. Many of those ingredients are are grown in the gardens of the nearby adjacent cousin property Abbey House Manor.

Guests at The Old Bell can enjoy dining under 8,000 hand-painted stars at the Abbey Row restaurant, while experiencing Kerr’s modern British cuisine which blends tradition and creativity. They can also relax in the all-weather outdoor tropical tropical-themed Tyger Bar, featuring an open kitchen that offers vibrant Middle Eastern flavours.

For those seeking a cosy afternoon, the hotel's lounges provide the perfect setting for afternoon teas.

The newly refurbished Garden Room is perfect for weddings and events, while the and luxurious Townhouse Suites offer further opportunities for relaxation and enjoyment.a uniquely spacious option for guests who prefer all the comforts of home.

“We undertook this as a personal mission to preserve and be stewards of such important English (British) incredible history that ended up surprising us with links to Whit's ancestors,” said Kim Hanks, co-owner of The Old Bell Hotel.

“It’s wonderful to be recognised for this effort. This award reflects the dedication of our amazing team and our commitment to making every guest’s experience truly special. We invite everyone to come and discover why The Old Bell is a unique destination for curious travellers.”

About The Old Bell Hotel - where heritage and luxury co-exist

Located in the heart of Malmesbury, Wiltshire, The Old Bell Hotel, established in 1220, is England’s oldest purpose-built hotel. Blending centuries of history with contemporary luxury, it features elegant rooms: fine dining at Abbey Row, outdoor dining at Tyger Bar, and cosy lounges for afternoon tea—all set within stunning medieval architecture.

The hotel also has 34 bedrooms and townhouse suites. It is for those guests who want to stay a while in a central and convenient location from which guests can enjoy Malmesbury and surrounding towns and take in the history of the building, the location and perhaps travel in Wiltshire or the South Cotswolds. Staff at the hotel are always on hand to share their recommendations for days out to both leisure and business guests.

Owned by Kim and Whit Hanks, who purchased the hotel in March 2021, The Old Bell reflects their passion for preserving history, with ancestral ties to Malmesbury dating back before 1500. They are committed to providing a unique experience for the curious traveller.