The Swan at Ascott in the Oxfordshire Cotswolds
Cotswolds Hotel near Oxford with Bed & Breakfast, Pub and Restaurant
Aug 22, 2009
With its rolling countryside and pretty villages built of honey-coloured stone, the Cotswolds are a favourite destination for overseas visitors as well as British residents looking for a peaceful weekend break. The Swan at Ascott makes a perfect base for exploring this beautiful part of Middle England.
Historic Hotel in the Oxfordshire Cotswolds
The Swan at Ascott is a lovely four-star inn, set in the picturesque English village of Ascott-under-Wychwood. Though it feels tucked away in the rural landscape of the Oxfordshire Cotswolds, the city of Oxford is just over 20 miles away.
The Swan Inn has a long history of welcoming travellers. It has been the village pub for more than 400 years. Apart from the ancient parish church, it is the village's oldest building.
Landlord Richard Lait bought the inn in 2007 and spent nearly a year giving it an extensive refurbishment. Light-coloured walls and furnishings add a contemporary style to original character features such as timber beams and fireplaces.
Cotswolds Bed and Breakfast at The Swan Inn
The Swan at Ascott has five guest rooms, individually designed and decorated with stylish, modern decor. The four rooms in the main building have king-size beds. The Barn Room, located behind the pub, has twin beds and is on ground level with parking directly outside the room.
The Cocoon Room is a special, romantic hideaway tucked away at the top of the inn beneath the oak beams. An inviting, underlit bath fills one corner, while white and beige soft furnishings give the room an airy, country feel.
All rooms have free wi-fi, flat-screen TVs and tea and coffee-making facilities. There are rate reductions for two- and three-night stays.
A stay at the Swan Inn includes breakfast. Along with a hearty cooked English breakfast, the menu includes such delicious choices as Scottish smoked salmon and scrambled eggs, eggs Benedict or Florentine, pancakes with maple syrup and bacon or mixed berries, or a fruit platter.
Village Pub in the Oxfordshire Cotswolds
The Swan at Ascott continues its tradition as a welcoming village pub in the Cotswolds. Two large fireplaces at either end lend a cosy atmosphere, and the bar is a popular gathering place for locals and visitors alike. The beer garden is a pleasant spot on warm summer evenings.
Cask ales are the pub's hallmark. Locally brewed beers such as Hook Norton, Brakspeare and Wadworth's 6X are regularly served, and there is a changing selection of guest beers to try as well. Premium lager from the Oxfordshire-based Cotswold Brewing Company is also on tap, alongside a good range of lagers, ciders and spirits.
The wine list features European and New World wines. It ranges from affordable favourites available by the glass to more complex vintages to accompany a meal or for a special celebration.
Restaurant and Pub Dining at The Swan at Ascott
Richard Lait believes that a village hostelry should be good fun, and serve decent food at honest prices. A range of traditional pub classics are served in the bar, superbly prepared by the Swan's chefs.
There is also an intimate restaurant serving such mouth-watering dishes as pot roast lamb shank with red wine and honey glaze, or grilled sea bass with Parma ham. There are vegetarian dishes on the menu too. The full menu is available in both the restaurant and bar.
A veteran manager of London wine bars, Lait had long dreamed of running a fun and welcoming country pub. With the Swan at Ascott, he has already achieved a far-reaching reputation for great hospitality.
The Swan at Ascott Contact Details
The Swan at Ascott is located on Shipton Road in Ascott-under-Wychwood, in the Oxfordshire Cotswolds. It is open Tuesday through Sunday (accommodation available Monday through Sunday). For rates and further information, visit the Swan's website or tel: 01993 832332.
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Read the Ten Best Things to Do in the Cotswolds
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