The Lamb Inn Hotel

Cotswolds

Amber leaves sprinkled across the woodlands make the Cotswolds even more picturesque come autumn, and The Lamb Inn is the ideal base to set out from. Nestled in the elegant village of Shipton-under-Wychwood – an hour’s drive from Oxford or Cheltenham – this 16th-century country lodge with pretty stone exterior comes with roaring fires and 10 rustic-chic rooms. Launched in June, culinary credentials come from new owners Tom Noest and Pete Creed, who also have The Bell Inn at Langford under their belt. Don’t expect foams or purées here; the menu is centred around upmarket pub classics with seasonality and locality at the forefront. Escargot and frogs’ legs sit next to British favourites from Sunday roasts to sticky toffee pudding. There’s no shortage of hearty options: garlic, parsley and bone marrow flat bread; devilled kidneys on toast; and calf’s liver with mash and onion gravy are among our picks.

The moody colour scheme complements a backdrop of quirky monochrome artwork, mounted deer antlers and framed insect taxidermy. After a day spent walking, clay pigeon shooting or exploring the Cotswold Wildlife Park, make sure to stock up on pickles, cheeses and smoked meat at the local delis.

Doubles from £99. 01993 832116, thelambshipton.com

Words by Megan Dickson.

This review was taken from the October 2021 issue of Food and Travel. To subscribe today, click here.