House of George
WORDS BY Cotswold Cloche
Celebrated retail entrepreneur George Davies – the creative force behind NEXT, George at ASDA, and Per Una at Marks & Spencer – has turned his eye for design and detail to a new realm: hospitality.
Celebrated retail entrepreneur George Davies – the creative force behind NEXT, George at ASDA, and Per Una at Marks & Spencer – has turned his eye for design and detail to a new realm: hospitality. Together with his wife, Arlene, he has transformed one of Broadway's most historic buildings into House of George, an elegant boutique hotel and restaurant that blends timeless character with contemporary refinement.
Set in the picturesque Cotswold village of Broadway, House of George is a beautifully restored 17th-century limestone building that embodies period charm while embracing modern craftsmanship. Once home to the local doctor's surgery, the property dates back to 1201 and has been reimagined as an intimate ten-bedroom retreat. The interiors fuse warm natural textures, bespoke British furnishings, and jewel, coloured tones inspired by the surrounding landscape. The hotel's restaurant and bar champion seasonal, locally sourced ingredients, offering a refined dining experience that celebrates the best of Cotswold and British produce.
This commitment to culinary excellence has already earned the House of George significant recognition, including being named the Good Hotel Guide Cesar Winner 2026 for Best Hotel for Foodies.
For George, the opening of House of George marks a new chapter in a career defined by innovation and reinvention. Known for building some of Britain's most successful fashion brands, George's creative instinct now finds expression in the world of hospitality.
"Since the start of my career, retailing has been one of the greatest challenges and rewards of my life," George reflects. "Much of the credit for those successes goes to the talented colleagues who worked alongside and supported me. That is, until now. It has been both a privilege and a joy to breathe new life into this remarkable building and create something truly special for Broadway."
House of George embodies the same principles that shaped George's retail legacy – attention to detail, a commitment to quality, and an understanding of what makes people feel special. Here, those values translate into hospitality that feels personal and elevated, grounded in the beauty and warmth of the Cotswolds.
"We're immensely proud of the team who have brought this vision to life," adds George. "As we open our doors, we look forward to welcoming our guests and learning from them as the next part of our journey unfolds."
"From the very beginning, we wanted to create somewhere that feels connected to the soul of Broadway, a place where guests can relax, feel at home, and experience something truly memorable," says Arlene. "Every texture, tone, and flavour has been chosen to celebrate this beautiful part of the Cotswolds."
The design of House of George is a testament to thoughtful restoration and enduring British craftsmanship. Having admired the building for over a decade, George and Arlene were determined to preserve its architectural integrity while breathing new life into every space. Arlene, who completed a diploma at the National Design Academy, guided the aesthetic vision alongside Laura Cole, founder of interior design agency The Cole Collective.
Each room showcases bespoke pieces from British makers and artisans – from Rapture & Wright's hand-printed fabrics and Abraham Moon upholstery to bespoke joinery by Cotswood Fine Furniture and Cotswold Oak Joinery. Artwork from The Stratford Gallery and glassware by Carrie-Anne Funnell add finishing touches that balance tradition and modernity.
At the heart of House of George lies Moda, a 30-cover fine dining restaurant led by Head Chef James Wilson, formerly of the Michelin three-starred Keys Hotel, The Newt in Somerset. Drawing inspiration from his time in acclaimed kitchens across Scandinavia and the UK – including one-starred Gron and two-starred Palace in Helsinki, and Oaxen Krog in Stockholm – James brings an elegant, ingredient-led approach to Broadway. His cooking balances artistry and restraint, celebrating the best seasonal produce the Cotswolds has to offer.
For Moda, James has crafted a nine-course tasting menu, alongside an a la carte selection, and vegan tasting menu, that highlights his signature style. Dishes include Cornish Lobster, Potato, Dill & Lobster Butter Sauce; and Sea Buckthorn, Earl Grey & White Chocolate. Sunday lunch is also a highlight, showcasing roasts such as Dry-Aged Longhorn Beef with Root Vegetables, Greens, Roast Potatoes, Cauliflower Cheese and Yorkshire Puddings.
On the opening of Moda, James says: "I am excited and incredibly proud to be opening The House of George W. Davies and Moda restaurant in the beautiful Cotswolds. I'm looking forward to bringing my cooking style to Broadway and to be working with the amazing local producers and makers we have here. Supported by ambitious owners George and Arlene Davies, and surrounded by a driven team, we are all full of excitement for what we can achieve together."
True to the Davies' belief in celebrating local excellence, Moda works closely with neighbouring artisans and suppliers. Notable names include Martins Meats in Toddington for dry-aged Longhorn beef and Gloucester Old Spot pork, and Worcester Produce, an 800-acre farm in the Vale of Evesham supplying seasonal vegetables and fruit year-round.
Since opening in August 2025, House of George has set a new benchmark for boutique luxury in the Cotswolds: an intimate escape where history, design and hospitality come together in perfect harmony.
"House of George isn't just about luxury," says Arlene. "It's about connection – to our guests, our neighbours, and this extraordinary village we're so proud to call home."
House of George 38-40 High St, Broadway WR12 7DT 01386 240 261
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