London & South East Premier Hospitality

Recognition for The Wild Rabbit

Wild Rabbit, Cotswold, Oxfordshire
Written by Roma Publications

Wild Rabbit, Cotswold, Oxfordshire

The Wild Rabbit, situated in the heart of the Cotswold’s, has recently been nominated in The Outstanding New Hotel of the Year Awards 2014.

The Wild Rabbit, a beautifully renovated 18th century pub and hotel, is up against The Chiltern Firehouse, Ham Yard, The Lord Crewe Arms, No 131 and The Pig on the Beach in Dorset. All of the shortlisted candidates will find out the results on the 21st October.

Premier Hospitality caught up with Graham Williams, from The Wild Rabbit, to find out more about the venue. Graham commented:

“The pub was previously trading as The Tollgate Inn operating a small hotel inside the venue as well. The venue was in need of some kind of renovation and Lady Carole Bamford, wife of JCB chairman Sir Anthony Bamford, saw the venue had potential and so purchased it when it appeared on the market.

Wild Rabbit, Cotswold, Oxfordshire

“The Wild Rabbit’s Chef; Adam Caisley, has worked for Lady Bamford previously as well as working at Michael Roux Junior’s Michelin starred Le Gavroche in London. The venue opened on the 5th September last year and has been immensely popular since then, with the restaurant, bar and rooms being extremely busy, both in the week and at weekends.”

Graham added:

“We are extremely excited to be nominated in the Outstanding New Hotel of the Year 2014 Awards. We are a relatively small team here and it is nice to see some form of recognition for our hard work. We never envisaged that the business would be this popular; it has exceeded our expectations.

“We are booking rooms and dining reservations well into next year now and we have received a lot of good reviews.”

Wild Rabbit, Cotswold, Oxfordshire

Trimble Builders acted as the main contractor during the project which now boasts 12 luxurious bedrooms complete with honest creature comforts such as great mattresses, pure linen sheets and beautifully presented bathrooms.  Those staying at the venue can relax in The Wild Rabbits gorgeously renovated pub comprising stripped back walls, open fires and simple, hand crafted furniture. Those wanting a simple meal or snack can peruse the Bar and Terrace Menu and those seeking something more refined can enjoy the a la carte Menu served in the Dining Room.

There is also a smaller Private Dining Room for gatherings wanting a more intimate dining experience. Named The Chicken Shed the self contained outbuilding is ideal for private dinners or parties and comes with its own wood fired oven and team of dedicated staff.

Wild Rabbit, Cotswold, Oxfordshire

The Wild Rabbit’s menu supports British farmers and artisan producers by using seasonal produce from local suppliers. The venue also serves a mix of artisan beers alongside more familiar ales, as well as an extensive wine list, bringing together wines from small independent vineyards.

Head Chef Adam Caisley works in tandem with the seasons to create a constantly changing menu that uses natural ingredients in their prime, as well as game throughout the autumn. Where possible organic ingredients from The Wild Rabbits garden are used; picked fresh each morning and delivered straight to the kitchen.

When asked about expanding The Wild Rabbit brand Graham answered:

“Currently we are focusing on enhancing what we have here at this site in terms of the food and the service. However if there was another site of interest I think we would definitely branch out.”

Wild Rabbit, Cotswold, Oxfordshire

Trimble Builders

Trimble Builders specialise in undertaking construction works on Grade II Listed buildings. The firm has been in operation for 32 years the firm has carried out an array of projects including the completion of Melbridge Court wedding venue in Farnham, Surrey.

We caught up with Colin Singh, Director of Trimble Builders, to find out more about the firms latest involvement with The Wild Rabbit. Colin commented:

“Trimble acted as the main contractor on the project and I acted as the Senior Project Manager overseeing the scheme with my business partner Graham Trimble. It was important to be involved with this project as it included top quality finishes as well as a high profile client.

Wild Rabbit, Cotswold, Oxfordshire

“We pride ourselves in providing quality services on time and within the budget.”

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Roma Publications