Former head chef at the Newt in Somerset joins Cotswolds hotel

Boutique hotel and restaurant House of George has launched in the Cotswolds with head chef James Wilson, formerly head chef at the Newt in Somerset.

House of George occupies a restored 17th-century limestone building in Broadway, once home to a doctor’s surgery.

The property dates back to 1201 and has been transformed into a 10-bedroom retreat with a bar, snug, 30-cover fine dining restaurant Moda, and private dining room Il Fronte Della Casa.

The project was spearheaded by retail entrepreneur George Davies, who was behind Next, George at Asda and Per Una at Marks & Spencer, and his wife Arlene.

At Moda, Wilson serves a changing nine-course tasting menu currently featuring dishes such as Cornish lobster, potato, dill and lobster butter sauce; duck, boudin noir, spices and squash; and a sea buckthorn, Earl Grey and white chocolate dessert.

A nine-course vegan tasting menu is also available, showcasing the likes of Hispi cabbage, chanterelle, beer and onion; squash, buckwheat, smoked salmon and sorrel; and plum, fig leaf and woodruff. À la carte and set lunch offerings are available on weekdays.

Wilson has worked across the UK and Scandinavia, most notably at the Michelin-starred Gron in Helsinki and the two-Michelin-starred Oaxen Krog in Stockholm.

Each of the bedrooms have been adorned with Rapture & Wright’s hand-printed fabrics, Abraham Moon upholstery and joinery by Cotswood Fine Furniture and Cotswold Oak Joinery.

George said: “Since the start of my career, retailing has been one of the greatest challenges and rewards of my life. Much of the credit for those successes goes to the talented colleagues who worked alongside and supported me. That is, until now. It has been both a privilege and a joy to breathe new life into this remarkable building and create something truly special for Broadway.”

Arlene added: “From the very beginning, we wanted to create somewhere that feels connected to the soul of Broadway, a place where guests can relax, feel at home and experience something truly memorable. Every texture, tone and flavour has been chosen to celebrate this beautiful part of the Cotswolds.”

Wilson added: “I am excited and incredibly proud to be opening the House of George W Davies and Moda restaurant in the beautiful Cotswolds. I’m looking forward to bringing my cooking style to Broadway and to be working with the amazing local producers and makers we have here. Supported by ambitious owners George and Arlene Davies, and surrounded by a driven team, we are all full of excitement for what we can achieve together.”