The Old Bell hotel

We are discovering a different style of hotel here. It is one in which we can feel quite at home.

Located in the centre of the quaint village of Malmesbury, The Old Bell is right next to the Abbey. As I explained in another blog, the abbey dates back to before 700 A.D. and this hotel was built to the abbey to accommodate the influx of scholars who came to study there.

The building is an utterly intriguing series of rooms and staircases. On the main first floor landing was a windowseat, something I have long hankered for. So yesterday, in the late afternoon sun, I reclined there with my book, starling several guests who climbed up the stairs. Rob even made me a cup of tea and brought it down (we are on the second floor, again tucked under the roofline).

But what I particularly loved was the series of rooms, all with fireplaces and comfy furniture, to just sit and relax - read, chat or whatever. There were various newspapers, books and magazines available for guests.





The is a small bar, just to the left of the main entry foyer, which is open to the public, as are two eating areas, the more relaxed bistro and the restaurant, where we had breakfast, sitting in the window to watch village life outside.
The fireplace in the bistro was discovered during recent renovations and dates back seven hundred years.




Food preparation was of a high standard. When I ordered scrambled eggs with smoked salmon for breakfast, the eggs are encased within the round ball of salmon.


And here is me, looking a little doubtful, with my kippers another morning, which actually proves quite tasty.


The halls and lounge areas are full of corners with lamps on various chests and tables.




There was meant to be a resident "grey lady" ghost, which I kept a wary eye out for on any nocturnal bathroom visits, but was pleased nothing was seen.




This is hotel accommodation which would be wonderful to experience more.