HOTEL OF THE WEEK
BEAR & RAGGED STAFF
Cumnor, Oxfordshire
WHERE AND WHY
This gastropub is brilliantly located for a staycation, five miles from Oxford. The Grade II listed building, built in the Cotswolds stone fashion, has kept many traditional features but is modern and comfortable.
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.
My room itself was gently scented 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.
Well-behaved doggy guests are welcome to stay here too.
Inviting: The restaurant WHAT’S ON THE MENU
The inviting restaurant has big booth tables for large parties contrasted with smaller intimate settings.
The food 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 includes everything from a full English and American pancakes to shakshuka. I had the Severn and Wye smoked salmon with scrambled egg and sourdough. A fine way to start the day.
WHILE YOU’RE THERE
There are lots of countryside walks on your doorstep or catch the bus from outside the pub to Oxford, with its world-class museums and colleges, as well as punting, bustling food scene and ghost and history tours.
WAKE UP CALL
B&B from £120 a night. bearandraggedstaff.com