The Ultimate Cotswolds Getaway at The Feathered Nest Inn

So, when an invitation to the Cotswolds pops up in your inbox, it was that weeks’ easiest ever ‘yes, please’. The Feathered Nest in Nether Westcote is a charming country inn, pub and restaurant overlooking stunning Everlode Valley.

The Pheasant Nest…

The inn features four beautifully styled guest rooms, and an adjoining luxury cottage, which is perfectly designed for a larger party. The venue retains an air of cosy exclusivity with some delightful personal touches throughout.

We were staying in the ‘The Pheasant Nest’, a generously roomy en-suite with views over the pretty front courtyard. I immediately homed in on the jar of homemade biscuits which was such a comforting and thoughtful idea to have in the room, especially after a long car drive. The Peanut Butter cookies and Apricot and Pecan rusks were demolished almost immediately.

The King room has all the amenities a high-maintenance Londoner might need: Smart TV, bottled water, toiletries from Wildsmith (big, yes!) and mercifully, a Nespresso machine. It’s those little touches that gives that weekend away a feeling of a home away from home.

I was also impressed by the en-suite with a walk-in drench shower and free-standing bath, with those big fluffy robes which is always a pleasing sign.

After the cookies and coffee, an explore of the inn was the first port of call…and a little trip to the bar, of course. This is the quintessential cosy, Cotswold pub where you’ll likely see the locals (replete with their gorgeous dogs) enjoying a local ale or two. You’ll quite literally ‘saddle up’ at the bar with the comfiest bar stools – no horse-riding experience necessary!

You’ll also spot the temptingly good bar menu, which had piqued the appetite. And as we had arrived on a beautiful day – with exceptionally good weather – we decided to have our afternoon snacks on the terrace.

What I loved about the food is that the classic ‘snack’ dishes are beloved English favourites with a creative, modern twist. The Cheese and Toast had a lovely spin on it, made with toasted brioche, onion marmalade and topped with a decadently creamy Lincolnshire Poacher cheese custard. I also loved the Chicken Liver Parfait with the crunchy Thyme hobnob – the richness of the parfait with that crumbly, savoury biscuit was a delight.

Cocktails and dinner…

After retiring for an afternoon nap – requisite on a weekend away – it was soon time for pre-dinner drinks.

Each cosy outdoor sofa is directly overlooking the picturesque Everlode Valley with its views for miles. It’s a great atmosphere too, busy with the delightful chatter of locals and weekend visitors alike enjoying a beer or pitcher of Pimm’s.

I ordered the fragrant sounding Lychee Martini, which was beautifully smooth, refreshing and perfectly potent. Ice-cold, too. And I have to say, this wasn’t the only martini consumed that evening.

One of the thrills of visiting a renowned country inn is the promise of a really good meal. In this case, with Head Chef, James Erasmus, at the helm, holding an impressive 3 AA Rosette, this was something that I was going to savour.

After cocktails, we convened once again on the terrace, which was a flurry of guests, and Friday night frivolity. Quite possibly, one of the most joyous spots in the Cotswolds at that moment.

The starters of Cornish Crab Muffin and Somerset Saxon Chicken were two incredibly thought through starters. The muffin lending itself to the sweet, creamy crab with the toasty base adding great texture; and the Somerset Saxon Chicken was a visual delight with sweet notes of blackcurrant and a meaty, perfectly seasoned chicken terrine.

The main courses were equally as visually pleasing and beautifully thought through: Grilled Cornish Monkfish with red and green mojo sauce was such a creative take; the fish with its flaky, milky texture melted together with the sweet tang of the mojo sauce.

The meatier offering of the Paddock Farm Tamworth Pork was a clever and well thought through dish, combining grilled pork fillet, braised collar, morteau sausage, with the richness of black pudding and hazelnut. Each component showed a huge amount of care and thought and came out as one of our favourite dishes of the night.

Although sated by the savoury offerings, the dessert menu showed too much promise to pass up. The Baked Alaska immediately piqued my interest, made with blackcurrant and Westcote honey, almond and lemon and thyme cake. I ordered for just myself, yet an extra spoon managed to make their way in!

After a truly delicious dinner – and full to brim I might add – it was time to reconvene to our lovely room for one of the quietest and restful sleeps. The beauty of the Cotswolds is that no ear buds are ever required. It’s a far cry from the sirens and sounds of London life.

Eggs before home time…

The thought of heading home after being swaddled in the comfort of countryside life was not a pleasing thought…just one more day, I kept saying. Fortunately, we had a beautiful breakfast to keep the Cotswolds fantasy going a little longer.

In the main dining room, a tempting spread of granola, jams, pastries await before settling into our seats and presented with a menu of hot cooked breakfasts to choose from. It was a simple decision: the Full English and Eggs Benedict with crispy bacon.

A velvety, creamy hollandaise, with perfectly poached eggs is one of my favourites and this didn’t disappoint. The Full English was generous, with each individual item perfectly cooked and the quality of ingredients was truly excellent.

I could have lingered over the papers all morning…but all good things must come to an end. As we drove down the quiet country lane, I was already back in planning mode: “So, when can we visit again?”.

Where to find The Feathered Nest?

Nether Westcote
Chipping Norton