The Feathered Nest Inn

A fantastic old building, The Feathered Nest dates back some 350 years and spent time as a malthouse, before being converted to the village inn and eventually this delightful restaurant with rooms – there’s still a bar, though, if you fancy a pint. The mellow golden stone suits its wonderful Cotswold setting, looking over the Evenlode Valley on the border of Gloucestershire and Oxfordshire. There are beautiful rural views from the canopied terrace and garden, making a wonderful setting for alfresco dining. Inside, it’s just as picturesque, full of lovely details, like stone flagged floors, huge beams, chunky rustic tables, cosy candlelight and walls hung with interesting art. You can expect frequent changes and daily specials on the sharp, seasonal menu of modern British dishes – and the wine list is excellent. Take either the à la carte route or the tasting menu (there’s a veggie version too) – neither will disappoint. After all, you really can’t go wrong with a starter of barbecued wood pigeon and pear, cooked on the Konro grill. There’s great smoky depth to the bacon-crumbed, well-timed pigeon that is served with barbecued pear slices and smooth pear purée – the sweet macerated golden sultanas bring a nicely judged fruity contrast to the intense, reduced pigeon jus. A complex dish of roasted Skrei cod is seared top and bottom, with Jerusalem artichoke crisps and purée adding textural contrast while Japanese mushrooms and Exmoor caviar bring salty, umami bursts. Earthy spinach flavours, a bitter note from sea purslane, and a rich, reduced Shiraz and beef jus, all contribute to the impressive depth and clarity of flavours found in this dish. Round things off with a light and airy blood orange and bitter chocolate soufflé, with almond chocolate crémeux and blood orange ripple ice cream.

Awards, accolades & Welcome Schemes

3 Rosette Award for Culinary Excellence