HOTEL OF THE WEEK

Bear & Ragged Staff, Cumnor, Oxfordshire

WHERE AND WHY

This gastropub is built in the Cotswolds stone fashion and is brilliantly located for a staycation, five miles from Oxford.

The Grade II listed building has kept many traditional features but is modern and comfortable where it counts.

My room was up a flight of winding wooden stairs behind the bar.

The gorgeous bathroom was spacious, with his and hers sinks, heavy fluffy bath towels, a rain shower and a large tub, which was great for soaking the journey away.

Extra brownie points to the Bear and Ragged Staff for using larger refillable bottles instead of the smaller plastic ones.

My room was gently scented too with Green Fig and Walnut reeds by Lilly and Grace.

There were plenty of storage spaces, a sofa to chill out on and a wall-mounted TV – or keep it switched off and leaf through the selection of books left out on the table.

I had no problems sleeping in the bed, under its cloud-like duvet.

Well-behaved doggy guests are welcome to stay here too.

WHAT’S ON THE MENU

The inviting restaurant has big booth tables for large parties contrasted with smaller intimate settings. Expect stone floors, cosy blankets, a roaring log fire in the bar area and a big welcome from the attentive staff.

The food here is fresh, locally sourced where possible, dished up in generous portions and, most importantly, delicious.

Starters from £7, mains from £15 and desserts from £6.

The breakfast menu is as long as your arm with everything from a full English and American pancakes to shakshuka. I had the Severn and Wye smoked salmon with scrambled egg and sourdough, which was a fine way to start the day.

WHILE YOU’RE THERE

There are lots of easy countryside walks on your doorstep – follow the public signs or ask staff for a map.

There is a bus stop outside the pub where you can catch a bus into Oxford, with its worldclass museums and colleges, plus the punting, bustling food scene and ghost and history tours. Parking in Oxford is pricy and congested so this is a good option.

WAKE UP CALL

B&B from £120 a night. bearandraggedstaff.com