The Bottle & Glass Inn Hotel

Oxfordshire

Bottle Glass Inn exterior

At the end of a single-track lane in the unspoilt Oxfordshire countryside stands the Grade II listed, thatched Bottle and Glass Inn. Presenting as a traditional rural pub, an emphasis on live fire cooking as well ample game pickings sets this Henley-on- Thames taproom apart.

Quality is to be expected when co-owners David Holliday and Alex Sergeant’s CVs are taken into account. Both former general managers of the Michelinstarred Harwood Arms, they’ve transformed this rustic space into an upscale eatery. The addition of three bedrooms – soft, blue tones and deep porcelain bath tubs – means you won’t have to miss out on last orders, either.

A crackling fire pit takes pride of place in the barn, offering fired-up feasts. Keep an eye on the specials: fire-roasted cauliflower on flatbreads with lashings of romesco sauce, perhaps, or flame-grilled fallow steaks, local lamb asadostyle and flambé pineapple to finish. Otherwise, you’ll find woodfired pizzas and mighty, sky-high burgers. Kids will love the s’mores kit and adults might favour a pint of Rebellion IPA or Siren craft beer.

Over at the main restaurant, fallow venison is served with pickled blackberries in a red wine jus, with other tempting mainstays including half grilled lobster, roasted heritage carrots with a truffle, goat’s cheese and hazelnut dressing, and Paddock Farm steaks aged for 32 days. Being in an area of outstanding beauty, you’ll find plenty of walking routes the next day – wellies essential.

Doubles from £142.50. 01491 412625, bottleandglassinn.com

Words by Megan Dickson.

This review was taken from the October 2022 issue of Food and Travel. To subscribe today, click here.

Bottle Glass Inn exterior

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