Nestled in the heart of the quaint town of Malmesbury in Wiltshire, England, the Old Hell Hotel is a hidden gem that offers a dining experience like no other. This establishment provides an inviting and charming atmosphere with its unique and enchanting interiors and impeccable customer service.
One of the standout features of this establishment is its executive chef and his talented team; the culinary geniuses behind the exquisite dishes that grace the menu is truly a master of their craft. Their passion and dedication to their work is evident in every word and mouthful they prepare; each bite is a carefully crafted symphony of flavours that tantalise the taste buds, leaving one satisfied and impressed … and wanting more. Choosing to wine and dine at the restaurant it was the perfect excuse to get dressed up, enjoy award-winning food and spend quality time with my partner.
We were greeted with warmth and hospitality from walking through the restaurant doors. The staff were knowledgeable, friendly, and attentive, ensuring our every need was met. Our server, Meghan, was particularly exceptional, guiding us through the menu and making recommendations that were spot on.
"The use of fresh and locally sourced ingredients, combined with the chef’s expert techniques, made for a dining experience that was both traditional and innovative."
To start the evening, we indulged in a cocktail or two - I ordered the Bonbon Bell, which was complete with limoncello, lemon sorbet, lemon and vanilla essence, and my partner went for the classic 1220 espresso Martin, completed with vodka, kalmia, Frangelico, butterscotch, white chocolate and espresso. The mixologist members of staff are all true masters of their craft, creating unique and flavourful concoctions - from the given menu, but also they were able to make drinks not listed. Every cocktail was crafted with care, precision and shaken to perfection.
To start our three-course tasting menu, I ordered the ‘Pig in Blanket - and if you couldn’t guess, we were visiting over Christmas. This was completed with pork and bacon balloting, spiced pineapple and Burford yolk - and my partner opted for the ‘confit goose leg’ finished with pancetta, celeriac, plum and pickled sprout flowers. From the presentation and taste of the starters, we knew that our evening would be unforgettable - as this only left us wanting more and excited for our next dish to arrive.
For our main dishes, after much debate, we both went for England’s classic, fish and chips - completed with beer-battered haddock, triple-cooked chips, mushy peas and tartar sauce - and this was exactly what we needed; it was nothing short of exceptional. The use of fresh and locally sourced ingredients, combined with the chef’s expert techniques, made for a dining experience that was both traditional and innovative.
Although we could not manage a dessert, from what we could see, they looked heavenly mouthwatering- giving us another excuse to visit their in-house restaurant.
We would love to use this opportunity to thank the entire team for ensuring we had the most wonderful experience. We recommend this restaurant to everyone within the area or thinking of visiting Malmesbury.
The Bill: £84 per head
