If you like homely pubs, plentiful portions and escaping the city, then you’ll struggle to do better than a trip to The Feathered Nest. This easy-going establishment in the heart of the Cotswolds offers modern fine dining in the homeliest of surroundings.
If like me you’ve never been to the Cotswolds, let me tell you what you see on The Holiday is what you get. Chocolate box village after chocolate box village, tiny high streets lined with uniform thatched houses and manicured lawns. Oh and pubs. Lots and lots of pubs. We sampled several, but it was The Feathered Nest which stood out for us.
I was there with my boyfriend Sam on a snowy December day, and with two weeks to go until Christmas, the scent of pines lingered in the air, the décor was festive and the vibes merry. Our mood when leaving was similar.
The kitchen is headed up by Michelin-star chef Matt Weedon and his menu is designed to celebrate local, seasonal produce. Those adjectives don’t sound particularly innovative, but Matt’s menu really is.
Hunters crepe for starter anyone? Packed with partridge, venison, pigeon and bacon, the flavours were bold, deep and rich. But tangy too, thanks to the sauerkraut and game jus.
To balance out the meat, we also tried the sea bream ceviche; a lively plate of flaked fish, packed with flavours of lime, rose harissa and coriander, as well as small dollops of avocado and smoked mayonnaise. It was heaven on a plate.
All of this washed down with a stunning bottle of Joseph Drouhin Montagny Blanc, a white wine carefully recommended by the Feathered Nest’s very friendly sommelier. This buttery French white from Bourgogne had hints of golden apple and complemented both the meat and fish dishes beautifully.
For mains we opted for the stone bass and fillet of Devon beef. The plate of bass was a little dive into the ocean, overflowing with generous portions of bass and fried crab. The white fish was delicately cooked, flaky and with a crispy skin which mopped up the bouillabaisse sauce nicely. The crab provided crunch, and the samphire and shellfish oil completed the ocean flavours.
The fillet of red ruby Devon beef was succulent, salted to perfection and melted in the mouth. You’d be forgiven for assuming the beef would be the standout, but the smoked mash loaded with crispy onions and chunks of juicy beef came out top. Rich, hearty and unmistakably tasty. The Feathered Nest sits in the middle of farmland and this dish and accompanying vegetables felt like a celebration of the surrounding area.
Located in the village of Nether Westcote not far from Lower Slaughter, the pub is the perfect base from which to explore the Cotswolds. Although the establishment is a pub before anything else, they also offer accommodation too. It’s family and dog-friendly, and, if our taxi driver is to be believed, a celebrity hot spot too.
Although we didn’t spot any A-listers on our trip, we did sample The Feathered Nest’s star dessert; a sticky toffee pudding, accompanied with a generous portion of earl grey sauce. It was indulgent and naughty, exactly what a sticky toffee pudding should be.
In a nutshell
The Feathered Nest is a quintessentially British pub in the most British of locations, from the interiors to the warm welcome, to the local inspired menu and hearty portions. It’s for that reason, it’s a must visit when holidaying in the Cotswolds.
Factbox
Address: Nether Westcote OX7 6SD
Phone: 01993 833030
Website: thefeatherednestinn.co.uk
