This English auberge has a cute rustic style and serves some seriously good food. It sits on the Hereford to Ledbury road and is owned by William and Kate Chase, farmers who turn their potatoes and apples into Chase vodka and gin. Not that this is the limit of their world. They also rear cattle and pigs and have a vineyard in the Lubéron. The Verzon exists to bring it all together – a gin and tonic on the terrace in summer, then a lovely dinner washed down by French wines. Most of the food is sourced within 30 miles, perhaps a hoppy Hereford rarebit, a perfect Chase steak, an ambrosial pecan tart with espresso mousse. Interiors mix old and new playfully, with timber frames and Union-Jack sofas in the bar, then a white marble fireplace in the theatrical dining room. Bedrooms have warm colours, crisp linen and robes in fine bathrooms. Two have baths in the room, those at the back have views over fields to the Malvern Hills. Local ales and a roaring fire wait in the bar, while the Chase distillery is up the road, with tours easily arranged. Don’t miss Hereford cathedral for the Mappa Mundi.
My partner and I always use Sawdays and our confidence was once again justified when we booked into the Verzon – a grand old country house which has been beautifully renovated. It is immaculately clean and comfortable with the little touches that make it special. The restaurant is traditional with a modern twist and the food was delicious. We're going to come back and stay at the Verzon again and carry on exploring this beautiful area. We congratulate the owners who have clearly put a lot of thought and effort into creating a lovely hotel.