The Feathered Nest Inn is just the kind of restaurant to book when you want to experience the Cotswolds at its most charming; beautiful countryside, relaxed fine dining, and that quietly polished hospitality the region does so well. Set high on a hill in the Oxfordshire stretch of this ever-desirable area, the inn feels like a postcard made real: honeyed stone, rolling views and a sense of tranquillity that makes lunch or dinner here feel like a proper escape.
In the restaurant, known as The Nest Kitchen, Head Chef James Erasmus leads with a modern British approach rooted firmly in provenance. Locally sourced ingredients and long-standing relationships with suppliers shape a menu that celebrates the best of the region. It’s one of the reasons The Feathered Nest has earned a reputation as one of the Cotswolds’ standout places to eat.
Diners can choose between casual all-day plates, the à la carte menu or a six-course tasting menu that showcases the kitchen’s creativity. Dishes are elegant but comforting, seasonal but not fussy. As an example of what you can expect, the tasting menu might open with UK bluefin tuna tartare lifted by yoghurt, tarragon and Cape Malay chutney before moving to Somerset Saxon chicken terrine with hazelnut and quince. Sourdough-crusted Gilthead sea bream arrives with seaweed mustard and smoked potato butter, while Bathurst Estate fallow deer pavé is paired beautifully with celeriac, Jerusalem artichoke and wild plum. Desserts hit that sweet spot between nostalgic and refined with a yoghurt mousse with Westcote honey, or The Feathered Nest’s playful Ferrero Rocher slice with Frangelico and vanilla ice cream.
The à la carte menu is equally enticing: cuttlefish ragout with potato gnocchi and fennel, roasted pumpkin salad with pickled walnut and dukkha tuille, or pan-roasted Cornish cod with brown shrimp, capers and almond. Seasonal game such as red leg partridge rounds out the offering, perfect for autumn and winter visits.
Beyond the food, the inn’s character is irresistible. Once a 17th-century malt house, the bar retains its old-world charm with a cheery fire, real ales, a strong wine list and a warm welcome from Adam and the team. It’s the perfect spot to unwind after a countryside walk or before settling into dinner.