The King’s Head Inn Hotel

The Green, Bledington, Oxon, OX7 6XQ

A village green with a wooden footbridge over a warbling brook; Bledington is absurdly picturesque, and The King’s Head Inn is at the heart of this charming Cotswolds community. Farmers rub shoulders with London lovelies as they sip local ales by the fire, while a sign reminds well-spoken staff to ‘lock up the bantams’ and people pad around in woolly socks as their wellies dry in the porch. The menu evolves daily based on what head chef Giles Lee has sourced from surrounding farms, and the quality of the ingredients is superb. Our visit falls on a wintery night, so we choose the comforting flavours of pheasant in vegetable consommé, earthy mushrooms on garlic toast and blackcurrant crème brûlée. All 12 bedrooms are elegantly furnished in country-house style, avoiding the chintz trap through stylish features such as statement fabrics and contemporary four-poster beds. The inn’s rooms are full of character, while those overlooking the courtyard are quieter and a tad more luxurious. Throw in a full English followed by a bracing walk and you have a thoroughly reviving weekend away. IL. Doubles from £100, http://www.thekingsheadinn.net