The Sherborne Arms Hotel

UK

Sometimes you just want a proper, hearty feed to ease the chills of wintry days spent taking bracing hikes in the countryside. The Cotswolds can be at its most spectacular in the winter, especially on a day when the sun breaks through to counter the icy chill and frosted fields of the season. And when you come in from the cold, looking to one of its ancient villages or towns for respite, The Sherborne Arms in Northleach could be what you’re after. It’s not flashy, or fine, but it does what it does very well. They’ve got the inside track on local game and farmers, they’ve got a good butcher and fishmonger and, with all that, they put a focus on pub classics and British food. Game and offal hero too: Cotswold rarebit with pickles and soldiers, or devilled kidneys on toast for starters; roast partridge with lentils, bacon and salad or Cornbury Park venison sausages, mash and onion gravy for mains – or just the simple pleasures of beer-battered fish with mushy peas, fries and tartar or 10oz Hereford ribeye. Just reading the words from a menu that ties with the season in every sense is enough to warm you.

Then, after apple and plum crumble and custard, one of three comfortable rooms await: bare brick walls in keeping with the pub’s heritage, stylish roll-top freestanding baths, super-king size beds, Austin Austin toiletries, and a price that starts under £100. AM. Doubles from £99. 01451 828186, thesherbornenorthleach.com

Words by Alex Mead