One of the more positive hospitality trends of late has been the resurgence of the traditional British rural pub, perhaps fuelled by nostalgia for cosy country locals of years gone by.
The Greyhound in Letcombe Regis, south Oxfordshire, is an 18th century inn, bought and renovated in 2015 by enthusiastic village locals, Catriona Galbraith and Martyn Reed.
A historic, cosy village inn, the property now boasts eight luxurious bedrooms and inviting dining spaces. In the kitchen, its award-winning head chef, Phil Currie, uses the very best locally-sourced produce to create stunning seasonal menus of top notch modern British dishes with innovative twists.
Last week we visited to sample the highly-regarded cuisine firstly, which didn’t disappoint. Locals were interspersed with well-heeled foodie tourists at the bar, the latter keen to try their share of its fayre.
My Plaice fillet, spätzle and cauliflower puree with truffle and hazelnut pesto was cooked to perfection. And my other half’s roast venison haunch, potato and bacon terrine, red cabbage puree, red kale and sauce au poivre looked eye-wateringly delicious. We were waited on keenly too, as we relaxed in the main dining space, by a grand open fire.
We then stayed the night in the Oxford Suite – a beamed set of three adjoining spaces, with a beautifully styled bedroom, relaxing lounge area (also perfect for children to bed down in) and white art deco style bathroom, complete with freestanding rolltop bath. We enjoyed our most peaceful night’s sleep in a long time.
Breakfast was a late affair. We took full advantage of the lazy Sunday hours with our papers and a healthy buffet selection with fresh juices to begin. Then tucked into a perfectly prepared eggs benedict.
The Oxfordshire village inn lately received two prestigious awards, ‘New Pub of the Year Runners Up ‘Best of the Best’ in The Good Pub Guide Awards 2019. It is also was one of the winners of The Good Hotel Guide 2019 ‘Editor’s Choice’ Awards in the ‘Pub-with-Rooms’ category and was awarded a Michelin ‘Plate’ Award in the 2019 Michelin Red Guide.
Letcombe Regis with its beautifully-preserved, half-timbered thatched, Georgian and Victorian cottages and St Andrews’, a 15th century church with a 13th century tower, lies close to the ancient and historic track, the Ridgeway, (described as Britain’s oldest road) and the rolling scenery of the North Wessex Downs. Oxford is 18 miles away, and the famous National Trusts’ White Horse Hill is six miles away. A perfect rural retreat.
The Lazy Sunday offer is available from October 7th 2018 until the end of March 2019.
Full details: Bed and breakfast, a welcome drink, a Sunday newspaper of your choice, a three-course Sunday lunch and a two-course supper on Sunday night for two people. This offer is available to guests wanting to stay on after a Saturday night stay or for a Sunday night-only booking. On some Sundays The Greyhound hosts a Live Music and Pizza night, so guests should check before booking. Prices start from £150.
Address: Main St, Letcombe Regis, Wantage OX12 9JL
Phone: 01235 771969
Website: thegreyhoundletcombe.co.uk
