There is no doubt that Oxfordshire is home to several wonderful hotels from historic buildings to modern conversions.
Last time out I was lucky enough to review one of the oldest hotels in Oxford, The Randolph, but this time we have moved from the hustle and bustle of the city to quieter pastures.
Minster Mill in Minster Lovell just outside Witney was the choice with its stunning countryside views and lakeside placement creating a special serenity from start to finish.
Arriving in the afternoon of a crisp Autumn day, my partner Jordyn and I were taken aback by just how picturesque the hotel was with water flowing and wild garden strolls.
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The hotel is housed in a converted mill house on the banks of the River Windrush and underwent a major £4.5m refurbishment in 2019 but it retains its heritage while embracing modernity.
We checked in and entered a generously sized room where a bucket with a couple of Jeremy Clarkson’s Hawkstone beers in ice was waiting for us.
Quite the local welcome given the former Top Gear host’s pub, The Farmer’s Dog, was just a five-minute drive away in Asthall.
The room was homely and simplistic in a welcoming way, opting for space which helped add to the relaxed feel that ran throughout the grounds.
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An ensuite bathroom featured a large bath as well as a spacious shower and two sinks ensuring we could get ready on time for once.
We popped out and explored the grounds while also checking out the Archimedes Screw which remarkably supplies electricity to all of the Minster Mill buildings from the river’s power.
In doing this and installing such a marvellous bit of green kit, the Cotswolds retreat became the first hotel in the country to install a hydropower turbine.
Having a dinner reservation for 7pm, we had just enough time to grab a pint in the nearby pub, The Old Swan, which was a charm in itself.
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There was no great surprise to see Hawkstone on tap inside but it was the old architecture inside which really made it a drink to remember and in truth, we could have stayed in there a lot longer.
We reluctantly left our table and returned to the room to get ready for dinner at Minster Mill’s Michelin Guide restaurant, Wilding.
Sat next to the open log fire it well and truly completed the countryside residence vibe which was completed with wooden beams overhead and a beautifully high ceiling.
Our waiter brought us a bottle of 2021 Syrah from the Andrew Murray Vineyard accompanied by some locally sourced and baked Oxfordshire sourdough bread.
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A new initiative taken by the Wilding kitchen sees smaller and larger plates offered on the menu and cooked as and when offering a freer approach to service reminiscent of Spanish tapas.
Mushroom choux buns and cured monkfish were our picks for the smaller plates while we opted for meat-based dishes for the larger plates.
Jordyn went for the sirloin steak, medium rare, while I went for the most local option I could find which was the Hawkstone Cider pork cheek.
After making my selection featuring Clarkson’s cider, we were informed that the man himself frequents the venue from time to time enjoying a meal or a drink here and there.
Having taken the first bite of my main, it was not hard to see why.
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Tender pork was full of flavour which then combined with the sage polenta, onions and, of course, Hawkstone, made for an explosion of taste.
With just enough room for dessert, our faithful waiter served up one last magic trick courtesy of the kitchen with a chocolate tofu mousse and a banoffee pie.
The latter’s cream top was impressively light but the pièce de résistance was the cream being banana flavoured while the bottom of the cup was where the toffee came in.
We retired for a nightcap at the upstairs bar which overhangs the restaurant and takes the warm feeling from downstairs but adds a calmer and quieter tone to reflect on a sublime meal.
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The next morning I awoke having had one of the best night’s sleep thanks to the bed and definitely the booze.
Breakfast was served in the hall of Wilding and instead of going for the usual full English we went somewhat rogue and opted for the French toast.
Served with syrup and smoky bacon this was expertly done and without a doubt, the best I have had in my life but my only criticism was that it was only the one small slice.
Checking out we were once again greeted by the fantastic staff who were genuinely friendly and welcoming throughout our entire stay.
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We were both taken aback at just how sweet each and every member of staff was which stands as a real testament to the great work going on at the hotel.
As the latest addition to the Andrew Brownsword Hotel collection, Minster Mill provides everything needed for the perfect escape to the country.
It isn’t puzzling to see why Jeremy Clarkson likes it here and this was easily our own Grandest Tour in Oxfordshire so far.
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