Lunch at The Fish recently reminded us why this special place, and indeed the entire Farncombe Estate, has built such a loyal following. As always, when we enter one of the beautifully styled spaces across the Estate, the welcome was warm and effortless, the kind of genuine hospitality that immediately puts you at ease.

The Bar & Lounge at The Fish has a wonderfully relaxed atmosphere, with cosy corners and inviting fireplaces creating a laidback space that feels both stylish and comfortable. It has that easy vibe of a place where people settle in, feel right at home, and just enjoy.

That rare genuine service

Service at The Fish is second to none, not only in the Cotswolds but far beyond. Once again, the team delivered with that rare blend of professionalism and genuine warmth. The staff are attentive, friendly and instinctively helpful, and as we ordered from the new bar menu, they catered beautifully to my vegan requests as well as my partner’s vegetarian choices, making thoughtful suggestions and ensuring everything was just right.

As if served in a little Italian pizzeria

We had come to try the new pizzas from the Bar & Lounge menu, and they were exceptional. Light, perfectly crisp bases topped with vibrant ingredients and cooked just right. In fact, if someone had quietly told us they had come straight from a small neighbourhood pizzeria tucked away down a cobbled street in Italy, we would have believed them. The balance of flavour, the quality of the toppings and the perfect crust made every bite pure pleasure.

Linger over lunch

The whole experience captured what makes The Fish so appealing and what makes us come back again and again and again. It is relaxed but refined, welcoming yet polished, with food that feels thoughtful and elevated without being pretentious. It is the sort of place where you can happily linger over lunch, with a drink in hand, enjoying the atmosphere and the sense that you are free to put your feet up and truly relax.

Go, just go

Now, do yourself a favour: Go and take on that space, go and enjoy the vibe, and most importantly, go and try those pizzas for yourself.

∙ BOOK YOURSELF IN AND CHECK THE MENU HERE ∙

Refined country house dining takes on a bold new dimension at The Wood Norton, where Michelin-starred chef Glynn Purnell brings his unmistakable flair to one of the region’s most elegant culinary destinations. As Culinary Director, the celebrated “Yummy Brummie” has thoughtfully reimagined the hotel’s dining experience across both its signature restaurant, Fleur de Lys, and the more relaxed Lounge & Terrace menus, introducing a distinctive culinary identity that balances heritage and innovation.

At the heart of his approach is a respect for classic brasserie tradition, elevated through his signature modern British style; bold flavours, playful contrasts and a keen sense of seasonality. Carefully sourced ingredients from Worcestershire and the surrounding counties sit alongside refined technique and a lightness of touch that makes each dish feel both luxurious and approachable. The result is dining that feels perfectly attuned to The Wood Norton itself: historic yet fresh, sophisticated yet welcoming.

Within the grandeur of the hotel’s country house setting, Purnell’s menus invite guests to move effortlessly between refined evening dining and relaxed daytime indulgence, whether lingering over a multi-course dinner or sharing plates on the terrace with views across the gardens. His presence has ushered in a confident new culinary chapter for The Wood Norton, positioning it firmly as a destination for discerning diners seeking character, creativity and a true sense of place in the Worcestershire countryside.

French culinary heritage marries seasonal British

At Fleur de Lys, Purnell’s sophisticated Brasserie dinner menu marries French culinary heritage with seasonal British produce and inventive twists. Dishes such as scallops in squid bouillabaisse, masala monkfish and venison with bordelaise showcase his hallmark bold flavours, while his award-winning dessert, The Egg, brings theatrical finesse to the table. Served within the Wood Norton’s grand, historic surroundings, the experience is designed for leisurely, indulgent evenings.

Modern and sociable

For a more relaxed yet equally flavour-driven approach, Purnell’s Lounge & Terrace sharing plates offer modern, sociable dining inspired by his belief that great food is best enjoyed together. Seasonal small plates and light bites bring his signature touch to daytime dining, perfectly suited to long lunches or informal gatherings in the Worcestershire countryside.

Glynn & Tonic ∙ Gin Tasting and Dinner Experience

Adding a further layer of culinary theatre, the Wood Norton also hosts exclusive experiences such as the intimate Glynn & Tonic, an exceptional evening of flavour, craft and conversation. Glynn & Tonic, an intimate dining experience hosted by Glynn Purnell on Saturday 28 February, this exclusive event brings together Purnell’s inventive modern British cooking with the characterful, small-batch spirits of local producer Hentony Gin of Evesham.

Limited to just 20 guests, the evening has been thoughtfully designed to feel relaxed, personal and immersive. It begins in the elegant Terrace Lounge, where guests will enjoy a guided tasting of Hentony’s artisan gins, exploring their distinctive botanicals, provenance and flavour profiles. From there, the experience moves to the intimate setting of the Boardroom for dinner, where Glynn Purnell presents a specially curated menu inspired by the very gins tasted earlier in the evening. Each dish is created to echo, complement or contrast the botanicals and notes within the spirits, resulting in a cohesive and memorable gastronomic journey.

Blending local collaboration, seasonal ingredients and culinary creativity, Glynn & Tonic offers a rare opportunity to experience the chef’s food in an intimate setting, with stories, insights and flavours woven throughout the evening.

∙ BOOK YOUR TICKETS TO GLYNN & TONIC HERE ∙

Purnell’s rural retreat

Set against sweeping views of formal gardens and the Bredon Hills, The Wood Norton has become Purnell’s rural retreat, a place where heritage, landscape and contemporary gastronomy meet. Whether for refined evening dining, relaxed sharing plates or immersive culinary events, his presence ensures this historic Worcestershire hotel continues to shine as a destination for memorable food experiences.

The day we met Glynn Purnell

29 June 2025 ∙ “We were delighted to be invited to experience the launch of Glynn Purnell’s new Lounge & Terrace menu at The Wood Norton, and it turned into a truly memorable summer afternoon. Bathed in sunshine, the terrace offered an idyllic setting against the elegant backdrop of the hotel, with glasses of fizz in hand and gentle music drifting through the warm air. Glynn Purnell, affectionately known as the ‘Yummy Brummie’, was every bit as charming as expected, and his dishes were exceptional”, ~ Mette, Cotswolds Concierge.

In a region known for its rolling countryside, creative makers, and strong sense of community, Anna and Aga of Hentony Gin stands out as shining examples of what independent, locally rooted businesses and people can achieve. Crafted with care and attention to detail by the inspirational women who are both originally from Poland and now live in the Vale of Evesham, Hentony Gin reflects the spirit of the Cotswolds: thoughtful, refined and deeply connected to its surroundings.

Small-batch production

At the heart of the brand is a commitment to quality and authenticity. From carefully selected botanicals to small-batch production, every bottle is made with intention. Rather than following trends, Hentony Gin focuses on creating a balanced, elegant gin that speaks for itself; one that can be enjoyed simply, shared with friends, or paired beautifully with food. It’s this dedication to craftsmanship that has earned the brand a loyal following among locals and visitors alike.

Relationships matter

Supporting independent businesses is central to the ethos of this business. By working closely with regional partners, venues and producers, the brand plays an active role in strengthening the local economy and championing Cotswolds creativity. In a world of mass production, Hentony Gin represents a slower, more meaningful approach where relationships matter and quality always comes first.

Glynn and Tonic ∙ Craft and flavour at The Wood Norton

This commitment to collaboration and creativity is perfectly reflected in Glynn and Tonic, an exclusive evening hosted by Anna & Aga on Saturday 28 February. Limited to just 20 guests, the event begins with a guided tasting of Hentony Gin, exploring its signature botanicals and refined flavours.

The evening continues with a specially curated dining experience by Glynn Purnell, Culinary Director at The Wood Norton and one of the UK’s most respected chefs, known for his Michelin-starred career and appearances on Great British Menu and Saturday Kitchen. Guests will enjoy dishes inspired by the character and botanicals of Hentony Gin, bringing together spirits and cuisine in a truly memorable way. The event is a celebration of craftsmanship, flavour and understated elegance, and a testament to what can happen when talented local businesses come together. To book, email katiebutterworth@thewoodnorton.com.

A proud part of the Cotswolds community

Beyond its award-worthy flavour and beautifully presented bottles, Hentony Gin represents something deeper: pride in place, passion for independent enterprise, and belief in doing things well. Whether found behind the bar of a local pub, served at a special event, or enjoyed at home, each glass carries a story of collaboration, creativity and care.

In supporting Hentony Gin, customers are also supporting the wider network of small businesses, makers and venues that make the Cotswolds such a vibrant and distinctive place. It’s proof that when local businesses are nurtured, everyone benefits, from producers and partners to the communities they serve.

Hentony Gin is more than a drink; it’s a celebration of local talent, independent spirit and the enduring value of doing things properly, one bottle at a time.

∙ SHOP WITH HENTONY GIN HERE ∙