Artist Residence Oxfordshire

On the outside, it looks like a chocolate box stone thatched pub, but that belies the funky interior of this Cotswold outpost of Justin and Charlotte Salisbury’s portfolio of Artist Residence properties in Brighton and London (see main entries) and Penzance (see Shortlist entry). An original fireplace with flagstone floors is complemented by bold neon 
art and William Morris-influenced wallpaper. A previous landlord banned ‘children, mobile telephones, restaurant critics’ and, it is said, vegetarians. Now, come one, come all. Food, from local farms and the kitchen garden, is served all day in a beamed bar, as well as the restaurant. There are snacks and pub classics – perhaps grilled hake fillet with roast pepper, tomato and butterbean stew, chargrilled local steaks or classic fish and chips. Rustic-chic bedrooms, some in outbuildings and a shepherd’s hut, have vintage and upcycled furniture, a Roberts radio, coffee machine and Bramley toiletries. The Stables Suite, with pitched roof, super-king-size bed and in-room roll-top bath, has a log-burner and private terrace. Look in for a pint as Dylan Thomas used to do when he lived at the Manor House while writing Under Milk Wood. There is also now a BBQ shack serving chargrilled lobster, steaks and jerk halloumi and pineapple skewers in the beer garden or bohemian style marquee.