The Place
We revisited for the new edition of our printed guide and were struck afresh with how naturally the building dovetails into its classic Cotswold village location. At the edge of a large unspoiled green, intersected by streams, with swings for the children and bench-tables close by, a set designer couldn’t have done better.
Inside, its rustic character has been faithfully preserved, a warren of cosy eating and drinking areas encircling the central bar. Maybe it would be even better if there was a space for flopping on sofas and armchairs.
It’s the only pub in the village, so it can be itself without straining to please both locals and overnight visitors – they co-exist comfortably. The menu, with nine starters and thirteen mains has more choice than many a gastropub. The devilled lamb’s kidneys are a major draw, but don’t overlook the somewhat unusual offerings such as ribollita soup; baked Vacherin with roast garlic; split pea, lentil and coconut dal; shin of beef with swede mash. The drinks menu takes care of drivers: among ten choices is Zingi bear, a no-alcohol ginger ale which thirsty farmers used to slurp at work, then afterwards spike with spirits.
Six bedrooms in the pub and six around a courtyard are unpretentious, comfortable enough and fairly priced. As we went to press, owners Nicola and Archie Orr-Ewing had maintained standards here for 25 years, offering a friendly welcome and overseeing contented, motivated staff.
A well-designed leaflet describes three circular walks from the pub, 2, 4 and 6 miles.