This historical wisteria-clad building abutting the abbey dates from the 13th century, but inside, it’s far from fusty. Colourful and funky: its luxe country house meets a seriously cool restaurant & bar, in the way of the best private members clubs.

There’s stacks of humour and personality, too: Giant giraffes in the lobby, reclaimed religious relics everywhere, extravagant flowers and quirky wallpapers, mixed in with the more trad antiques and velvet sofas. Texan co-owner, Kim Hanks is clearly the source of this playfulness – she brings a fresh, warm enthusiasm to the place and a passion for Malmesbury – both place and people – that lifts the whole operation. You get a sense of her willingness to get stuck-in and her talent for hospitality.

There’s so much space here – the large dining room at their Abbey Row restaurant with its ceiling of hand-painted gold stars is just perfect for a celebration; three lounges and as many outside terraces, complete with pretty folly and view. Cocktail-wise, Tyger Bar has a relaxing, tropical vibe and is a fabulous space to enjoy cocktails and food in all weathers – in cooler seasons, they pop sides on, add heaters and luxury blankets and serve ‘Winter Warmers’ (Spicy Winter Margaritas, Brown Butter Spiced Rum Carre and Ginger Lychee Martinis to name a few).

They’re passionate about their place in the community and source from local suppliers whenever possible, from the artwork (including a stunning stained-glass window behind reception and an original piece of art by local artist Philip Kingsbury in the Garden room) to the kitchen. The Abbey Row restaurant, which had a shiny refurb at the start of 2023, serves a tempting menu of modern British dishes. Indeed, in the way of the best hotels, they seem to do pretty much everything well, from their award-winning breakfast to indulgent afternoon teas.

Accommodation equally wows, with 34 bright, airy bedrooms cleverly named after local historical figures and previous owners. Décor, much like the rest of the hotel, is sophisticated, with eccentric decorative touches collected by the owners during their world travels.

They seem to have reached a brilliant balance: service is attentive yet not stiff, and the atmosphere grand but not intimidating. We love it, can you tell? We’ll be booking the next girls’ lunch here, for sure. Maybe we should stay over while we’re there….