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Scottish Sun
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Scottish Sun
The hilltop hotel overlooking the Cotswolds that hosted Margaret Thatcher and inspired Narnia
This hilltop retreat has dramatic landscape views and Malvern's only 3x AA Rosette restaurant. HILLTOP HAVEN The hilltop hotel overlooking the Cotswolds that hosted Margaret Thatcher and inspired Narnia SET in the rolling hills of Malvern and overlooking the Cotswolds, The Cottage in the Wood is a sanctuary found in acres of forest. Here's everything you need to know about the hotel, from how much rooms cost to what to eat at the restaurant. Advertisement 9 The 32 rooms each have their own unique design Credit: The Cottage in the Wood 9 The Cottage in the Wood overlooks the Severn Valley and Cotswolds Credit: The Cottage in the Wood Where is the hotel? Found on top of a hill, this independent hotel in Malvern, Worcestershire is, a rural escape from the day to day. Set above eight acres of woodland, providing gorgeous views of the green landscapes. It is located just a 7 minute drive from Great Malvern railway station. What is the hotel like? Nestled on the edge of the Malvern Hills, this four star boutique hotel has been a local institution since it opened over 100 years ago. Advertisement It's played host to a variety of famous people ranging from Rolling Stones' Charlie Watts to Margaret Thatcher. What are the rooms like? The 32 rooms are split into categories with many of the rooms offer a stunning view of the Severn Valley below. Some have unique touches including a record player and vinyls, including the works of composer Edward Elgar, who lived nearby. Homemade cookies are served on arrival, with rooms having exclusive Bramley toiletries. Advertisement There are also two self-catered guest houses: The Chapel and The Studio, each with plenty of space and stunning views. A cosy room for two adults is available starting at £139 per night. For more information click here. 9 Many of the rooms have patios to enjoy the sweeping natural views Credit: The Cottage in the Wood 9 'The Chapel' has been converted into luxurious private accommodation for groups Credit: The Cottage in the Wood Advertisement I visited the 'most magical town in England What is there to eat and drink there? The food at the hotel's beautiful 1919 Bar and Restaurant, as listed in the Michelin Guide is a must. Whether it's the standard menu or the seven-course tasting menu including a delicious spiced beetroot salad with venison, the team pride themselves on using locally sourced ingredients. There is also a traditional afternoon tea available to book. 9 You'll find beautifully plated food in the 3x AA Rosette awarded restaurant Credit: The Cottage in the Wood Advertisement 9 The Cottage in the Wood originally opened as tea rooms in 1919 Credit: The Cottage in the Wood Additionally, the hotel boasts a wine list of over 100 options, many of the choices sourced from local vineyards too. With the 3 AA Rosette Restaurant, alongside the Terrace and Lounge Bar, there is a spot for every occasion, be it formal, friendly, or completely relaxed. What else is there to do at the hotel? Keep an eye out for the lampposts that appear in the venue's logo and in the grounds. Advertisement They inspired CS. Lewis, who lived nearby in his youth, to include the famous lamppost in 'The Lion, The Witch and the Wardrobe.' A walk down to the town of Malvern or into the Malvern Hills is essential. There are many tracks leading from the hotel and up to the peaks where you'll find more breathtaking views. There are also plenty of local vineyards to discover within proximity to the hotel, as well as the Friday Beer Company Brewery, based in Malvern. Advertisement 9 The nearby gin school at Piston Distillery lets you create your very own gin Credit: Paul Ligas Is the hotel family friendly? Yes, the hotel is family friendly, with family rooms available upon request. Additionally, the Cottage in the Wood is a dog-friendly hotel, offering specific pet-friendly rooms. Bare in mind there is a restriction of pets in the restaurant, bar and lounge. Advertisement Is there access for guests with disabilities? Yes, the hotel has accessible rooms. The Coach House specifically has designated parking and ramp access. Contact The Cottage in the Wood to discuss any accessibility requests. Looking for a place to stay? For more hotel inspiration click here. Advertisement 9 There are plenty of local hiking trails to explore with your four-legged friend Credit: The Cottage in the Wood
The Irish Sun
3 days ago
- The Irish Sun
The hilltop hotel overlooking the Cotswolds that hosted Margaret Thatcher and inspired Narnia
SET in the rolling hills of Malvern and overlooking the Cotswolds, The Cottage in the Wood is a sanctuary found in acres of forest. Here's everything you need to know about the hotel, from how much rooms cost to what to eat at the restaurant. 9 The 32 rooms each have their own unique design Credit: The Cottage in the Wood 9 The Cottage in the Wood overlooks the Severn Valley and Cotswolds Credit: The Cottage in the Wood Where is the hotel? Found on top of a hill, this independent hotel in Malvern, Worcestershire is, a rural escape from the day to day. Set above eight acres of woodland, providing gorgeous views of the green landscapes. It is located just a 7 minute drive from Great Malvern railway station. What is the hotel like? Nestled on the edge of the Malvern Hills, this four star Read more on hotel reviews It's played host to a variety of famous people ranging from Rolling Stones' Charlie Watts to Margaret Thatcher. What are the rooms like? The 32 rooms are split into categories with many of the rooms offer a stunning view of the Severn Valley below. Some have unique touches including a record player and vinyls, including the works of composer Edward Elgar, who lived nearby. Homemade Most read in News Travel There are also two self-catered guest houses: The Chapel and The Studio, each with plenty of space and stunning views. A cosy room for two adults is available starting at £139 per night. For more information 9 Many of the rooms have patios to enjoy the sweeping natural views Credit: The Cottage in the Wood 9 'The Chapel' has been converted into luxurious private accommodation for groups Credit: The Cottage in the Wood I visited the 'most magical town in England What is there to eat and drink there? The food at the hotel's beautiful 1919 Bar and Restaurant, as listed in the Michelin Guide is a must. Whether it's the standard menu or the seven-course tasting menu including a delicious spiced beetroot salad with venison, the team pride themselves on using locally sourced ingredients. There is also a traditional 9 You'll find beautifully plated food in the 3x AA Rosette awarded restaurant Credit: The Cottage in the Wood 9 The Cottage in the Wood originally opened as tea rooms in 1919 Credit: The Cottage in the Wood Additionally, the hotel boasts a wine list of over 100 options, many of the choices sourced from local vineyards too. With the 3 AA Rosette Restaurant, alongside the Terrace and Lounge Bar, there is a spot for every occasion, be it formal, friendly, or completely relaxed. What else is there to do at the hotel? Keep an eye out for the lampposts that appear in the venue's logo and in the grounds. They inspired CS. Lewis, who lived nearby in his youth, to include the famous lamppost in 'The Lion, The Witch and the Wardrobe.' A walk down to the town of There are many tracks leading from the hotel and up to the peaks where you'll find more breathtaking views. There are also plenty of local 9 The nearby gin school at Piston Distillery lets you create your very own gin Credit: Paul Ligas Is the hotel family friendly? Yes, the hotel is family friendly, with family rooms available upon request. Additionally, the Cottage in the Wood is a dog-friendly hotel, offering specific pet-friendly rooms. Bare in mind there is a restriction of pets in the Is there access for guests with disabilities? Yes, the hotel has accessible rooms. The Coach House specifically has designated parking and ramp access. Contact The Cottage in the Wood to discuss any accessibility requests. Looking for a place to stay? For more hotel inspiration click here. 9 There are plenty of local hiking trails to explore with your four-legged friend Credit: The Cottage in the Wood 9 The Cottage in the Wood overlooks breathtaking natural views Credit: The Cottage in the Wood
Egypt Independent
03-07-2025
- Politics
- Egypt Independent
Prophecy, not politics, may also shape America's clash with Iran
When most people contemplate the future of America's conflict with Iran, they hunt for clues in grainy satellite photos, statements from military analysts and President Trump's social media posts. But when scholar Diana Butler Bass considers what could happen next, her thoughts turn toward another group she says is now thinking more about prophecy than politics. She recalls warnings from her childhood about the rise of an Antichrist, stories about weeping mothers clutching their empty blankets after their babies were suddenly 'Raptured' to heaven and paintings of an angry Jesus leading armies of angels to an Armageddon-like, final battle in modern-day Israel. Those stories terrified and thrilled Bass when she heard them growing up in a White evangelical church in the 1970s. It was a time when the end always seemed near, and books like the bestseller 'The Late Great Planet Earth' warned Christians to gird their loins for a period of Great Tribulation and prepare for Jesus' triumphant return to Jerusalem. Bass, a prominent, progressive religious author who hosts a popular Substack newsletter called 'The Cottage,' no longer believes those stories. Yet when she considers why the US struck three nuclear facilities in Iran this month and what could happen next, she now offers a prophecy of her own: Bombing Iran will reinforce Trump's status as God's 'Chosen One' and Israel as His chosen nation among many of the President's White evangelical supporters. Many of these supporters dismiss the dangers of a larger war, she tells CNN, because such a clash would mean the world is approaching the 'end times' — a series of cataclysmic events ushering in the Second Coming of Christ and the rise of Israel as the fulfillment of biblical prophecies. 'There's almost a kind of spiritual eagerness for a war in the Middle East,' says Bass, describing attitudes among some White evangelicals. 'They believe a war is going to set off a series of events that will result in Jesus returning.' Trump's decision to bomb Iran has so far been examined almost exclusively through the lens of politics or military strategy. Yet there is a religious dimension to his decision – and what could happen next – that's been underexplored. President Donald Trump speaks from the East Room of the White House on June 21, 2025, after the U.S. military struck three Iranian nuclear and military sites, directly joining Israel's effort to decapitate the country's nuclear program. Joining him are Vice President JD Vance, Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth. Carlos Barria/AP America's approach to Iran and Israel may not just be driven by sober assessment of geopolitics. Bass and other religious scholars say US policy in the Middle East is also influenced by the controversial teachings of a pugnacious 19th century Anglo-Irish clergyman and a series of lurid, 'Left Behind' doomsday Christian books and films. This is dangerous, says Jemar Tisby, a historian and best-selling author of 'Stories of the Spirit of Justice.' 'Trump's action underscores how these theological beliefs are not abstract; they have direct, dangerous, and deadly consequences,' Tisby wrote recently in his 'Footnotes' newsletter. He elaborated in an interview this week with CNN, saying that that apocalyptic visions from the Bible should not influence America's policy in Israel or Iran in any way. 'You layer on this prophecy about the rise of Israel and now all of a sudden you have this very literalistic interpretation of the Bible informing US foreign policy,' he says. Are Christians obligated to support Israel? White evangelicals who see America's conflict with Iran as primarily a spiritual battle instead of a political one tend to be motivated by several beliefs. One belief is that Trump is God's 'chosen one,' saved from assassination last year to do God's work and protect Israel. He is, to borrow from the parlance of evangelical subculture, called 'for such a time as this.' This belief is reflected in a text message to Trump from Mike Huckabee, the prominent evangelical and former Arkansas governor who was appointed by Trump to be US ambassador to Israel. Mike Huckabee, US ambassador to Israel, has been a staunch defender of the country for years and has led tours there of biblical the text, which was shared by Trump, Huckabee alluded to the two assassination attempts Trump survived last year in saying that God spared him 'to be the most consequential President in a century—maybe ever.' He added, 'I trust your instincts,' because 'I believe you hear from heaven,' and that 'You did not seek this moment. This moment sought YOU!' Huckabee's ambassadorship to Israel is not surprising. Many White evangelicals believe the church is obligated by the Bible to provide unwavering support to Israel. They view the ancient Israel described in the Bible as the same as the modern nation-state of Israel, which was created in 1948. Trump reinforced this view during his first term when he broke from decades of American policy to move the US embassy in Israel from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem and recognize Jerusalem as the Israeli capital. The move thrilled many White evangelical leaders, two of whom attended a ceremony marking the occasion. There is a long history of White evangelical leaders urging American presidents and politicians to treat Israel as a divinely favored nation. Many White evangelicals believe Israel's existence is a fulfillment of biblical prophecies that would usher in Jesus' return. Some cite a scripture from Genesis 12:3, which recounts God saying, 'I will bless those who bless you, and him who dishonors you, I will curse.' That passage depicts God addressing Abraham, the Jewish patriarch and 'father of all nations.' But some White evangelicals say that passage also refers to Israel — both then and now. Republican Sen. Ted Cruz alluded to that scripture when he defended his support of Israel's war with Iran in a recent interview. 'Growing up in Sunday School, I was taught from the Bible that those who bless Israel will be blessed and those who curse Israel will be cursed,' he said. Other evangelical leaders have made similar claims. Pastor John Hagee, a prominent evangelical leader, has said that supporting Israel is not a political issue — it's a biblical one. Hagee is the founder and chairman of Christians United for Israel, which boasts 10 million members and bills itself as the largest pro-Israel organization in the US. 'It is not possible to say, 'I believe in the Bible' and not support Israel and the Jewish people,' he once declared. Trump won the support of about 8 out of 10 White evangelical Christian voters in the 2024 presidential election. And in a CNN poll after the airstrikes on Iran, 87% of Republicans said they trust Trump to make the right decisions about US' use of force against the country. Franklin Graham, son of the late evangelical leader Billy Graham, said on X after the bombing of Iran 'that the world is in a much safer place.' The Rev. Robert Jeffress, a prominent evangelical leader, suggested last week that opposition to Israel is rebellion against God. While delivering a Sunday sermon praising Trump's decision, Jeffress sermon was interrupted by applause and a standing ovation from his congregation. President Donald Trump visits the Western Wall, the holiest site where Jews can pray, in Jerusalem's Old City on May 22, 2017. Ronen Zvulun/Pool/AFP/Getty Images 'Those who oppose Israel are always on the wrong side of history, and most importantly, they are on the wrong side of God,' Jeffress said. 'And I thank God we finally have a president who understands that truth in Donald Trump.' Such unconditional support of Israel might make spiritual sense to evangelicals. But some scholars say it's a risky stance for a multiracial and multireligious democracy like the US to take. Americans' support for Israel had dropped to historic lows before the US' use of force in Iran. Tisby, the religious historian, tells CNN that the Israel depicted in the Bible is not the same as the modern-day country. 'If you conflate the two, you end up supporting all kinds of actions that hurt people in the name of politics,' Tisby says. 'It leads to the reluctance to recognize the rights of Palestinians. It blinds us to the human rights and justice issues that are at stake in the Middle East.' A controversial form of Christianity drives evangelical views on the Middle East Tisby and other religion scholars say America's bombing of Iran is also influenced by another source: a form of Christianity pioneered in the 19th century by John Nelson Darby, an Anglo-Irish pastor. Darby looked at certain passages in the Bible's book of Revelations and devised the concept of 'dispensationalism.' It divides history into distinct 'dispensations,' or periods through which God interacts with humanity differently. Many adherents to this tradition believe in a fiery apocalypse and the 'Rapture' — a moment when Christians are suddenly lifted to heaven before a period of tribulation on Earth. Darby's views were amplified a century later by the popular 'Left Behind' novels and films of the 1990s and 2000s, which reached millions of evangelicals with apocalyptic visions of the end times. The book series, inspired by Rapture theology and gory scenes in the Book of Revelation, has sold more than 65 million copies. Cassi Thomson in 'Left Behind,' a 2014 film based on theories of the Rapture and which depicts the world plunging into chaos after millions of people suddenly disappear. Stoney Lake/Gonella Productions/Kobal/Shutterstock The 'Left Behind' books were marketed as fiction, but they were treated as biblical truth by many evangelicals. Views of dispensationalism were taught in many evangelical churches, youth camps and Sunday schools, bringing them into the mainstream. Central to dispensationalism is the role of Israel in the last days. Its adherents believe that the establishment of the modern state of Israel marks the beginning of the end times — heralding the Second Coming of Christ. Israel's geopolitical success and security are seen as necessary preconditions for Christ's return, Tisby says. Dispensationalism has permeated White evangelical culture so much that many evangelicals today have adopted its tenets without being familiar with the term, Tisby says. 'Just because you don't have the name doesn't mean you're not actually adhering to the beliefs,' he says. 'It's so common now that it doesn't need to be named anymore.' She calls the Rapture a 'completely invented theology' Prophecies about angelic armies battling demonic armies in an apocalyptic Middle East sound implausible to many, but such beliefs gripped many of the White evangelical pastors and families she grew up with, says Bass, author of 'Freeing Jesus.' She recalls evangelical pastors preaching that whenever Israel gained more territory, it was God's will. Some pastors condemned Iran as evil. Jews, they said, would finally accept Jesus as their savior. But Jesus' return would be preceded by a series of cataclysmic events like the sudden disappearance of God's faithful and those 'left behind' — the non-believers who didn't accept Jesus. The belief that Christians could be teleported to heaven in the twinkle of an eye traumatized many young people at the time, she says. 'I had friends who would literally wake up in the middle of the night. And if their house was really quiet they would get very frightened and they'd sneak into their parents' bedroom to make sure their parents were still in their house,' she says. A paradegoer holds a sign at the Israel Day Parade celebrating the nation's 64th birthday on June 3, 2012, in New York. Anthony Behar/Sipa Most mainstream biblical scholars say the word 'rapture' does not appear in most translations of the Bible or the Book of Revelation. Many mainstream Biblical scholars say the Book of Revelation does not depict the literal end of the world: It's an anti-Roman tract that used coded language to tell Christians that God would destroy Rome's evil empire. Bass calls belief in the Rapture a 'completely invented theology' and 'one of the most wildly successful heresies in the history of Christianity.' A belief system that says God will end the world through violence offers no incentive for a political or religious leader to avoid war — or backtrack when events spiral out of control, she says. 'In the framework of this 'end times' theology, destruction is always a sign that God is working and is about to return,' Bass says. 'In this theology, the worse things become, the closer it is to the end. There is no motivation to do good, care for the poor, make sure that wars don't happen, and care for the planet.' Why prophecy and politics don't mix Apocalyptic visions about the end of the world are common in many religions. And it's not unusual for a political leader to invoke God before going to war. But when citizens in a democracy believe political leaders are divinely appointed and driven by prophecies, it leaves no room for debate, Tisby says. 'There's a sort of fundamentalism to it all,' he says. 'It's unbending, unchanging and it can't be critiqued because its divine. Who are we to question? 'Any uncritical, unyielding support of a political actor, no matter what the conflict, is dangerous,' he says. If this is part of the dynamic that guides the US' future actions in the Middle East, it could lead to another final question. Many critics of Iran say it is a theocracy led by someone who reduces the world to a clash between good and evil and whose foreign policy is driven by apocalyptic religious myths. What if America's clash with Iran is driven in part by some of the same religious forces? John Blake is a CNN senior writer and author of the award-winning memoir, 'More Than I Imagined: What a Black Man Discovered About the White Mother He Never Knew.'
Yahoo
08-06-2025
- Climate
- Yahoo
Owensboro Strawberry Festival canceled due to hazardous conditions
HENDERSON, Ky (WEHT) – Due to conditions of parking fields and walking paths along with vast amounts of mud, The Cottage in Owensboro has decided to cancel the Strawberry Festival for this year. Organizers made the announcement on social media. Organizers also hope to see everyone at the upcoming Pumpkin & Pickle Festival in October. 'We are deeply saddened at this unfortunate set of circumstances and hope to see everyone at our Pumpkin & Pickle Festival, October 25 & 26, 2025 in drier conditions,' they said. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Edinburgh Live
12-05-2025
- Business
- Edinburgh Live
West Lothian family breathing new life into restaurant with 'bold' bistro
Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. More info A West Lothian restaurant is set to reopen, with a family bistro launching. Illume will open up on Engine Place in Bathgate, promising 'fresh produce and a changing menu'. With a grand opening on May 25, the eatery is said to 'embrace bold experimentation'. On their website, owners say: "Our restaurant celebrates the rhythm of the seasons by serving dishes crafted from the freshest local produce, seafood, and meats available. "With a menu that changes frequently, we embrace bold experimentation to surprise and delight your palate. Each visit offers a new opportunity to savour innovative, ever-evolving flavours . "At our restaurant, we proudly use locally sourced, fresh ingredients to ensure the highest quality in every dish. We care deeply about crafting vibrant flavours that shine as brilliantly as our elegant presentation. Sign up for Edinburgh Live newsletters for more headlines straight to your inbox "Your dining experience is designed to delight all of your senses." The restaurant is opening up in the unit formerly occupied by The Cottage, which closed down back in 2022. Join Edinburgh Live's Whatsapp Community here and get the latest news sentstraight to your messages. Illume was due to open up back in March, though this didn't happen due to 'reasons beyond their control'. They said at the time: "We are doing everything in our power to open our doors for you as soon as possible." The new spot will be open Wednesday through Sunday.
