Fox and Hounds

Today was the perfect day to spend in an old English pub. It was tipping down outside and the temperature was around 6 degrees. Our choice was the 16th century 'Fox and Hounds' in the tiny Warwickshire village of Great Wolford. The closest big town is Moreton-in-Marsh. It was a very good choice indeed, and Martin's favourite pub to date. The atmosphere was snug and warm with hunting prints and photos on the old walls and dried hops hanging from the black beams. James and I liked the photo of a puppy and a fox cub having a snuggle! He also liked the 'DOG' bowl by the door for hungry and thirsty canine visitors (and told his Doggy all about it when he got home). We were impressed by the fireplace which was so big it had its own bread oven on one side. The chef here makes his own bread from local organic flour. The meals were delicious - James and Martin had the usual roast and yorkies! We like to choose pubs where the chefs take great care with their food, sourcing it locally and preparing it simply. The service was a little slow as by 1pm the bar and tables in both rooms were full and the kitchen was flat out, enough time for us to decide we really needed pudding and coffee.

We ran for the car as the rain continued and headed in a mostly southerly direction, taking the time in some villages to meander about and dawdle through their little one-way streets and lanes. I loved the honey-coloured buildings, the same sandstone used in the nearby Cotswolds. James with his big round tummy fell asleep and I was feeling very snoozy as we drove through Chipping Norton, Milton-under-Wychwood and Burford. All in the pouring rain down narrow, winding roads - Martin did a good job! It was getting dark and the charming old houses cast golden light from inside as we drove through Little Faringdon and my favourite, the gorgeous Lechlade.

Now it really was too dark to see anything so home we went. After dinner James and Martin put up our new flashing, coloured Christmas lights. James ran around and around - he was so happy! It must be nearly Christmas...

Photos are here.