L'amuse-Bouche The Cotford Hotel, Great Malvern

We were a large party for their smallish dining room, but very well accommodated and served. All courses arrived promptly and perfectly timed. Decor and presentation of food superb, attention and service friendly and efficient. I loved my smoked salmon starter, and tarte citron pudding. I had another starter for mains, (my choice as I liked the sound of it) the tiger prawns which were all right but not cooked from raw/fresh and lacked flavour. I also sampled the trout mousse and vegetarian tart of cranberry and brie with pear, both of which were fabulous. Everything else was superbly cooked, vegetables perfect and in individual portions. We were given a tiny cup of tomato and basil consomme as an amuse bouche before starters, excellent, as were the breads.

The wine list was well chosen for all tastes and priced sensibly.

The little bar area is cosy with a modern rustic feel, pre-meal drinks and well chosen nibbles. Dining room soothing, attractive, well lit and with comfortable seating. Background music was well chosen and enhancing rather than obtrusive.

Coffee is served in the comfortable but small lounge on a help-yourself basis, with petit fours included in the set menu price. a 2 or 3 course set menu operates. My share of the bill for two people with pre-meal drink and a bottle of wine was around £76 and I considered it a fair price for the meal and the evening.

The grounds outside the hotel are well kept and pretty, perfect for a stroll before or after dinner.

A really good sign was the hush of silence as we tucked in, especially the puddings, for which sighs of bliss ensued!

In all, I would definitely recommend.