The Place
The most low-key out of Sebastian and Lana Snow’s three Costwold pubs (a stones-throw from the more party-centric Five Alls and The Bull), The Plough is a quintessentially cosy country inn, aptly situated in the idyllic village of Filkins. The decoration of its diminutive interior is wisely understated, letting the 17thC features speak for themselves: low beamed ceilings, flagstone floors, and antique wooden settles in the the toasty embrace of a wood-burning stove. A few small but effective flourishes give it the shabby-chic stamp of the Snow pubs, such as a pair of oversized pheasant-feather lamp shades mounted on old wheels, casting a warm dappled glow on the dining area.
If the interior is understated, the food packs a punch. Sebastian, who’s worked as a chef for 30 years, has devised a menu that’s both earthy and sophisticated. We enjoyed chicken liver pate with spiced plum chutney and toasted brioche, followed by succulent partridge, savoy cabbage and a red wine jus: boisterous, rich and gamey, and lip-smackingly good.
Upstairs, eight cosy bedrooms have been decorated by Sebastian’s interior designer sister Miranda. They’re proper country affairs, with plaid throws and views over Cotswold-stone houses. They’re also well-equipped, and, in this out of the way location, you couldn’t hope for a more peaceful sleep. An ideal base for exploring nearby Kelmscott House, and one of the best places to stay for a quiet break in the Cotswolds.