There is something quietly special about a product that captures not just flavour, but a sense of place. Spirit of Ilmington Apple Brandy does exactly that, and it is now gaining the recognition it so clearly deserves.

Gold for the Apple Brandy

In the prestigious Farm Shop & Deli Product Awards 2026, the brandy has been awarded Gold, an accolade that places it firmly among the very best artisan food and drink products in the UK. With a record number of entries judged by a panel of industry experts, competition was exceptionally strong this year, making the achievement all the more meaningful. To be singled out at this level is a clear sign that something truly distinctive is being created.

Silver in London

That success is echoed on the international stage too. At the London Spirits Competition, Spirit of Ilmington Apple Brandy was awarded an impressive 94 points, securing a Silver Medal and falling just one point short of Gold. Judged on taste, appearance and value for money, the scoring reflects a beautifully balanced spirit that delivers on every level.

Crisp apple and green grape

The tasting notes paint a vivid picture. Crisp apple and green grape notes lead on the nose, followed by a palate that is clean and gently sweet, with hints of pear and melon. The finish is fresh and bright, leaving a soft, lingering fruit character that invites another sip. It is a profile that feels both refined and deeply rooted in the orchard.

Soft and mellow

Even Fortnum & Mason has praised the spirit, describing it as “a soft, mellow brandy with a surprisingly fresh cider nose, warming and refreshing on the palate with a lingering aftertaste of apple.” High praise from one of the country’s most respected names in fine food and drink.

The connection to the land

What makes this brandy particularly special is its connection to the land. Crafted using locally grown apples, it reflects the richness of the surrounding countryside and the care taken at every stage, from fruit to bottle. It is a reminder that some of the most exciting drinks being produced today are not mass-made, but thoughtfully created in small batches with real provenance.

The flavours of the Cotswolds

Spirit of Ilmington Apple Brandy stands as a perfect example of what the region does so well. Honest ingredients, skilled craftsmanship, and a genuine sense of place. For those looking to explore the flavours of the Cotswolds in a glass, this is one to seek out.

∙ SHOP FOR SPIRIT OF ILMINGTON HERE ∙

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.