AN INSPECTOR CALLS

He pays his way... and tells it like it is

NO GETTING away from it. The Cotswolds in spring is a treat. And if you live near the village of Barford St Michael, near Banbury, you’ll pleased at what’s been going on at The George Inn.

In 2016, this 17th-century thatched boozer (which clearly didn’t have enough boozers to make it viable) was bought by a husband-and-wife team who have transformed it, with three rooms in the main building and six in the former stables at the back, which lead directly on to the terrace and garden.

Rather too directly, actually, especially in summer when people will be eating al fresco. And I can’t work out why the ‘garden rooms’ have clear glass in the doors at such a height that anyone can see in. Perhaps, it was a planning issue.

Speaking of heights, the TV on the wall is way too high and the same can be said about the wall lights. Minor quibbles.

We like the antique bed and bedside tables (but not the synthetic pillows), the two delicious chocolates waiting by the espresso machine, the big bottles of Blenheim Palace water and the brass coat rack like the ones you used to find in British Rail carriages.

We like the price, too: £110 B&B. But what we appreciate most are the food and the atmosphere in the flagstonefloor pub.

There’s a fancy a la carte menu, plus classics such as fish and chips, a posh hamburger and charcuterie to share.

My tuna ceviche is outstanding and so is the beef medallion with pickled shallots and salsify. I’m surprised there’s no cheese option with the desserts, but I can’t fault the vanilla creme brulee.

Staff are bright and enthusiastic, and somehow, the décor works. One wall features a cow, sheep and pig garlanded with flowers; another has framed LP covers: the Grateful Dead, The Beatles, Jimi Hendrix.

But this is no rock ’n’ roll pub — more a traditional refurb with twists, such as framed posters of blockbuster movies (Gone With The Wind, Chitty Chitty Bang Bang) and a row of red cinema seats by the loos.

You have to choose what you want for breakfast the night before, which never feels right. But my scrambled eggs with avocado on sourdough set me up for the day perfectly. As does an audience with two adorable, white Shetland ponies in the field behind the car park.

The George Inn Barford St Michael, Banbury OX15 0RH Tel: 01869 338160, thegeorgebarford.co.uk Doubles from £110 B&B HHHHI