Breakfast

Breakfast is usually served at 8.30 a.m. in the kitchen - a little later at weekends. There is a selection of fresh fruits, compotes, yoghurt and cereals and a full cooked breakfast with organic bread and homemade organic marmalade.

Dining Out

This particular area of the Cotswolds is wonderfully served by some very good quality gastro-pubs and restaurants.  Some of the better ones within reasonable distance of Wren House (with websites, and postcodes for those with Sat Nav!) are detailed below with personal comments where they have been tested (*) by Kiloran. 

You are strongly advised to book well ahead, particularly for Friday and Saturday nights, even in the winter months.

THE BETTER PUBS, RESTAURANTS & CAFES

• *The Fox Inn, Lower Oddington, GL56 OUR (3 miles) 01451-870555:  This pretty pub has a good atmosphere with a crackling fire in winter and an attractive eating out area in summer.  The food is good but not especially exciting, though the specials board fish dish is often worth investigating.  Always a busy venue, this can be a little “jolly” at the busier times if you want something quiet.  But for the full atmosphere and style, ask for a table in the bar area.  7 days.  Lunch 12-2, Dinner 6.30-10.  Sunday lunch 12-3.30.  Sunday evening 7-9.   www.foxinn.net

• *The Plough, Kingham, OX7 6YD (5 miles) 01608-658327:  Newly opened and getting rave reviews.  The food is “foodie” with some imaginative, well-presented combinations and is relatively reasonably priced.  The atmosphere – there are a series of different rooms and a good long bar – is of rustic sophistication and the service has not been faulted. Don’t be late, last orders are taken quite early. 7 days  -  Lunch 12-1.45, Dinner 7-8.45 www.thekinghamplough.co.uk

• *The Horse and Groom, Bourton-on-the-Hill, GL56 9AQ (4 miles) 01386-700413:  Great atmosphere and plain but stylish interior.  Worth a drink at the bar – watching the comings and goings – while ordering.  Will and Tom Greenstock’s parents run the Howard Arms in Ilmington and the guys have achieved one of the highest standards of food in the area; their game dishes are high on my list.  New garden area for al-fresco dining.  Lunch 12-2, Dinner Mon-Sat 7-9, closed Sun eve.  www.horseandgroom.info

• *The Old Butcher’s Restaurant, Park Street, Stow-on-the-Wold, GL54 1AB  (2 miles) 01451-831700:  Peter and Louise Robinson ran the King’s Arms in Stow for a long time getting rave reviews.  They have transferred their skills to a more restaurant-style bistro, and the food is better than ever.  Not the cheapest, but worth it.  Lunch:  12-2.15.  Dinner:  Mon-Thur 6-9.15, Fri & Sat 6-9.45, Sun (summer only) 7-9.15 p.m.  www.theoldbutchers.com

• *The King’s Head, Bledington, OX7 6XQ (5 miles)  01608-658365:  The bar area is far and away the more atmospheric place to eat, the restaurant is OK but could be anywhere.   The food, however, rates good to very good on the Richter scale. Lunch: 12-2 (2.30 Sat and Sun), Dinner:  Sun-Thu 7-9, Fri & Sat 7-9.30.  www.kingsheadinn.net

• *Daylesford Organic Farm Shop Café Restaurant, GL56 0YG (4 miles) 01608-731700:  Opened in 2003 and expanding in various venues in London, this is the brainchild of Carole Bamford, wife of the head of the JCB empire, who is bringing organics-with-style to the market.  Beautifully housed and laid out in a traditional Cotswold stone barn, it is more reminiscent of a London store Food Hall than a Farm Shop.  The restaurant overlooks the food hall and it is delightful place for an excellent mid morning coffee or delectable “good-for-you” – or not! - lunch.  It expands by the day and now includes a flower shop, clothes and an excellent spa.  www.daylesfordorganic.com

• *The Howard Arms, Ilmington, CV36 4LT (9 miles) 01608-682226:  This gets very booked but the food is good and Sunday lunch is a pleasant experience. Lunch:  7 days - Mon-Thur 12-2.30, Fri-Sun 12-3.  Dinner:  Mon-Thur 6.30-9.30, Fri & Sat 6.30-10., Sun 6.30-9. www.howardarms.com

• The Hollow Bottom, Guiting Power, GL54 5UX (8 miles) 01451-850392:  Gorgeous village and a pub serving snack food all day every day with a bigger menu at lunch and dinner.  Not tested, but has some good comments.  Lunch:  12-2.  Dinner:  6-9. www.hollowbottom.com

• The Talbot, The Square, Stow-on-the-Wold, GL54 1BQ (2 miles) 01451-870934:  Recently refurbished and a stylish place for a snack style lunch or dinner.  Some specials look promising.  Good location in the centre of Stow and good also for a  coffee and cake!  Lunch: 7 days – 12-2, Dinner: 6.30-9 except Sun and Mon.

RESTAURANTS

• No 5 (North Street), Winchcombe, GL54 5LH (10 miles) 01242-604566:  Because of the distance – almost to Cheltenham - and windy journey, this restaurant probably should be tied in with a taxi booking!  Not yet tried, but everyone who has gurgles with its delights. Lunch: Wed-Sun 12-2.30, Dinner:  Tues-Sat 7-9.30.  Closed Sun eve, Mon and Tues lunch.

• Lords of the Manor, Lower Slaughter, GL54 2JD (6 miles) 01451-820243:  The place for a special occasion with white table cloths and similar trappings.  Glorious village and pretty approach.  Modern European style. Lunch:  7 days 12-2 (2.30 Fri & Sat), Dinner: 7-9.30 (10 Fri & Sat). Closed Mon eve. www.lordsofthemanor.com

• Mulberry Restaurant and The Brasserie, Manor House Hotel, Moreton-in-Marsh, GL56 0LJ (3 miles) 01608-650501:  Re-opened in May 2008 after the floods of July 2007, this has yet to be tested again.  The refurbishment has been extensive and the new Brasserie sounds a promising, stylish stop for shopping in Moreton.  7 days.  Lunch: 12-2.30.  Dinner: 7-9.30. www.cotswold-inns-hotel.co.uk/manor/

• The Great Hall, Lygon Arms, Broadway, WR12 7DU (10 miles) 01386-852255.  Chef:  Chris Lelliot, ex Waterside, Bray – Lunch: 12-2.  Dinner: 7-9.30 7 days but tricky on Fri and Sat evenings as preference is given to residents.  www.thelygonarms.co.uk

• Julilana’s & Hick’s Brasserie at The Cotswold House Hotel, Chipping Campden, GL55 6AN (10 miles) 01386-840330.  Chef:  Steve Love.  7 days Dinner: 7-9.30, Sun lunch: 12-2.30, lunch daily in Hick’s Brasserie 12.30-2.  www.cotswoldhouse.com

• The Dormy House, Broadway, WR12 7LF (10 miles) 01386-852711 7 days Dinner: 7-9.30 (9 on Sun). Sun lunch: 12-2.  Mon-Fri – lunch in Barn Owl Bar.  www.dormyhouse.co.uk

• The Langton, Charlton Kings, Cheltenham, GL52 6HT (15 miles) 01242-258941:  This seems to have good write-ups as a pub/restaurant, and worth a go if you want something nice on the Cotswold edge of Cheltenham.  Lunch: Mon-Sat 12-2.30 (Sun to 4.30). Dinner: Mon-Sat: 6-9.30.  Closed Sun eve.  www.thelangton.co.uk

• Russell’s, Broadway, WR12 7DT (10 miles) - 01386-853535:   Looks interesting but yet to be tested.  Lunch:  7 days 12-2.30.  Dinner: Mon-Sat 6-9.30. Closed Sun eve. www.russellsofbroadway.com

OTHER PUBS AND RESTAURANTS WHICH HAVE BEEN VISITED OR RECOMMENDED BY GUESTS
(+ those within walking distance, drinking and basic pub food
D – Pubs owned by Donnington Brewery selling their ale)

• The Churchill, Paxford, GL55 6XH (8 miles) 01386-594000.  7 days.  Lunch 12-2, Dinner 7-9. No bookings taken. www.thechurchillarms.com
• The King's Arms, Stow, Gl54 1AF (2 miles) 01451-830364.  7 days.  Lunch 12-2.30, Dinner 6-9.30.  www.thekingsarmsstow.co.uk
• The Chequers, Churchill, OX7 6NJ (6 miles) 01608-659393: Mon-Sat 12-2 & 7-9.30, Sun 12-3 & 7-9.
• The Fox and Hounds, Great Wolford, CV36 5NQ (6 miles) 01608-674220 – Tue-Sat 12-2 & 6.30-9, Sun lunch 12-2, Closed Sun eve & Mon.
• +DThe Coach and Horses, Ganborough (2 miles country walk) 01451-830208
• +DThe Coach and Horse, Longborough (2 miles country walk) 01451-830325
• The Farriers Arms, Todenham, GL56 9PF (6 miles)  01608-650901.  Recently given a good review by a guest for home cooked food of a classic pub-style nature.
• The Westcote, Church Westcote, OX7 6SD (6 miles) 01993-830888 – 7 days lunch and dinner.  www.westcoteinn.co.uk
• The Horse and Groom, Upper Oddington (5 miles)  01451-830584:  Lunch: 12-2.  Dinner:  Mon-Sat 6.30-9 p.m., Sun 7-9.  www.horseandgroom.uk.com
• The Plough, Ford, GL54 5RU (7 miles) 01386-584215 – Food 7 days 12-9. www.theploughinnatford.co.uk
• Halfway House, Kineton, nr. Guiting Power, GL54 5BJ (7 miles) 01242-602423.
• The Eagle and Child, Stow-on-the-Wold, GL54 1BN (2 miles) 01451
• +The Talbot, Stow-on-the-Wold, GL54 1BQ (2 miles country and pavement walk) 01451-830631
• Three Ways House Hotel and Pudding Club, Mickleton, near Chipping Campden (& Hidcote), GL55 6SB (12 miles) 01386-438429:  7 days 7-9.30, Sun lunch 12-2.30.  www.puddingclub.com
• Quad, The Old Bank building, Oxford, OX1 4BN (30 miles) 01865-799599 –excellent bistro in centre of Oxford.
• D+The Fox Inn, Broadwell (1 mile road walk downhill) 01451-870909
• Ask Pizza and Pasta, High Street, Moreton-in-Marsh, GL56 0AX – 01608-651119
• Hassan Balti, High Street, Moreton-in-Marsh (3 miles) 01608-650798
• Prince of India, Park Street, Stow-on-the-Wold (2 miles) 01451-831198
• Siam Cottage Thai Restaurant, Oxford Street, Moreton-in-Marsh (3 miles) 01608-654080
• Beijing Gourmet, 3 Market Street, Chipping Norton (9 miles) 01608-642613

Dining In - for pre-arranged groups of 4 or more

By prior arrangement (at least 48 hours), Kiloran can provide what she describes as a “candlelit kitchen dinner” of three courses for groups of four or more (around £25 per person depending on the menu). Menus are uncomplicated and, where possible, ingredients - many organic - are sourced locally. Seasonable vegetables may well come from one of the small vegetable patches in the garden!

Wren House is not licensed but you are welcome to bring your own drinks.

Local Wine Merchants:

Stow-on-the-Wold (*recommended):

* Haynes, Hanson & Clark, Sheep Street - 01451-870808 - www.hhandc.co.uk (Monday to Friday 9 a.m. - 6 p.m., Saturday 9 a.m. - 5.30 p.m.)

Tesco (8 a.m. - 11 p.m., Sunday 10 - 4) - (01451) 807400

Moreton-in-Marsh:

Thresher Wine Shop (10 a.m. - 9 p.m., Sunday 12 Noon - 9 p.m.) - 01608-651679

Budgens (8 a.m. - 10 p.m., Sunday 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.) - 01608-651854