Grade II listed pub near Bicester reopens with new name

Known as The Bell in the 19th century, and after that The Long Dog, the pub has been renamed The Bow in tribute to its older sister establishment in the village, the Five Arrows Hotel, which is just a short walk away.

The building first opened as a public house in 1863 after it housed the bell room for the adjacent 800-year-old St Michael’s and All Angels church.

In the heart of Waddesdon, Buckinghamshire, The Bow has been reborn as a "lively, welcoming pub", offering a "fresh take on the classic village experience" after being acquired by the Rothschild Foundation. 

The Rothschild Foundation is a charity supporting arts and heritage, the environment and social welfare by awarding grants, fostering dialogue and debate, and through its support of Waddesdon Manor.

The pub has undergone and witnessed much change in the past two centuries and is on the doorstep of Waddesdon Manor, a French Renaissance-style château featuring an art collection, landscaped gardens, an aviary and a woodland playground.

Head Chef Anthony Skeats, formerly of The Punter, Oxford and with over 25 years of culinary experience, has created an "inventive, seasonal menu", with meat from nearby farms and vegetables from the surrounding Waddesdon Estate, Eythrope Walled Garden and local farms.

Offering breakfast, lunch and dinner, the Bow won’t be serving its own beer –  it says it will be supporting local producers, such as the Boobytrap microbrewery based a couple of miles away in Westcott.

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Staff at The Bow (Image: Ben Crowther) The pub is offering an exclusive membership programme with access to the pub’s upstairs rooms which offers "quiet, comfortable, collaborative spaces" with desks, free WiFi, and seating, which the business says is "perfect" for remote workers, freelancers, or anyone seeking a change of scenery.

For social or business meetings, there is also a private dining room available for members’ parties of up to twelve guests.

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Holly Saunders, director of hospitality, said: “Whether you’re meeting with friends or dialling into a work call, The Bow will be your go-to spot for both social and virtual connections.

"We’re so excited to be bringing this lovely pub back where it belongs to the heart of this vibrant community and are dedicated to offering delicious food, quality drinks, and a space where everyone feels at home—all at reasonable prices.

"Join us for our grand opening week and discover why The Bow is set to become the new local favourite. We can’t wait to welcome you."