Experiences, TFH
Tudor Farmhouse Named ‘Country Hotel of the Year’ by the Good Hotel Guide 2019
Boutique hotel Tudor Farmhousein the Forest of Dean, 20 miles from Gloucester, has just been named Country Hotel of the Year by the prestigious Good Hotel Guide2019; an independent guide to the best hotels in Britain and Ireland, published yesterday (Monday 08 October).
This is one of ten special César awards presented to a small number of hotels that have demonstrated extra excellence in their field, out of the 860 featured in the guide. Named after César Ritz, these are known as the Oscars of the hotel industry.
Owners, Hari and Colin Fell were thrilled to pick up the award alongside head chef Rob Cox, currently the reigning South West Chef of the Year.
“It’s been an incredible year for us and we are blown away by this latest accolade. We are so lucky to be surrounded by a great team and it is really down to each and every one of them working together to gain us such recognition from our guests and industry experts. The Forest of Dean is glowing with Autumn colours right now, as well as everyone at Tudor Farmhouse!” commented Colin and Hari.
Co-editors Adam Raphael and Ian Belcher commented: “This year’s award winners have demonstrated excellence at every turn, providing guests with delicious food and warm hospitality. They have also succeeded in getting the all-important basics right; from a comfortable mattress or very good ambient lighting to that vital but often overlooked welcoming atmosphere and smooth service.”
Of Tudor Farmhouse, the guide comments: “Formerly a working farm, Hari and Colin Fell have lovingly crafted a chic retreat, designed to pay a tribute to the buildings’ rich history. Head chef Rob Cox uses the kitchen garden to its fullest, creating a varied menu of produce sourced from within a twenty-mile radius, including the surrounding Forest of Dean. Bedrooms have luxurious pocket-sprung mattresses, roll-top baths, monsoon showers and a super-fast WiFi connection”
In addition, the hotel has just been re-awarded three stars, two rosettes for ‘Culinary Excellence’ and a Notable Wine Award from the AA for 2018/19.
Tudor Farmhouse is based in the working village of Clearwell in Gloucestershire’s Forest of Dean and has been lovingly converted from a former 13th century working farm into a chic hotel and restaurant with 20 rooms.
The Hotel is well known for its foraging breaks in the Autumn and Spring, celebrating its surroundings and host of wild ingredients. In addition, it recently launched a unique Wild Swimming Guide for the Wye Valley, helping people to get out and about and discover the many incredible swimming spots in the region. The team are now working on a raft of new experiences for their guests to enjoy, combining a traditional foodie break with different ways to explore and enjoy this corner of Gloucestershire.
It’s the perfect destination for a rural escape, being just an hour’s drive from the centre of Bristol and Cardiff and under a three hours’ drive from central London. Guests can quite easily mountain bike in the forest, canoe or kayak on the Wye River at Symonds Yat or visit the nearby sculpture trail and steam railway. Those simply looking to relax can unwind with a cocktail in the hotel’s 14 acre garden or borrow a pair of Hunter wellies and explore the surrounding countryside.