Bucks &amp; Oxon


<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-pack-saddle-mapledurham-oxon"><a rel="noreferrer noopener" aria-label="The Pack Saddle (opens in a new tab)" href="https://bucksoxon.muddystilettos.co.uk/little-black-book/directory/the-pack-saddle-mapledurham/" target="_blank">The Pack Saddle</a>, Mapledurham, Oxon</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="666" src="https://bucksoxon.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2017/11/6.jpg" alt="The Pack Saddle" class="wp-image-122593" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2017/11/6.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2017/11/6-360x240.jpg 360w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2017/11/6-720x480.jpg 720w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2017/11/6-150x100.jpg 150w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2017/11/6-788x525.jpg 788w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>A recent addition to <a aria-label="Muddy's Little Black Book (opens in a new tab)" href="https://bucksoxon.muddystilettos.co.uk/little-black-book/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Muddy&#8217;s Little Black Book</a>, The Pack Saddle on the Berks border has had a proper glow up in the form of a new head chef and lip-smacking locally-sourced menu to match (think elevated British dishes and meat and fish cooked on an open fire pit). The scoff and quaff might be sophisticated, but this is still an unpretentious family pub at heart, and the roaring fire is the perfect place to curl up on cooler evenings. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-mason-arms-at-artist-residence-south-leigh-oxon"><a href="https://www.artistresidence.co.uk/masonarms/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener" aria-label="The Mason Arms (opens in a new tab)">The Mason Arms</a> at Artist Residence, South Leigh, Oxon </h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="667" src="https://bucksoxon.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2021/10/Artist-residence-.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-122628" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2021/10/Artist-residence-.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2021/10/Artist-residence--360x240.jpg 360w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2021/10/Artist-residence--720x480.jpg 720w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2021/10/Artist-residence--150x100.jpg 150w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2021/10/Artist-residence--787x525.jpg 787w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>The quiet, unassuming village of South Leigh, close to Witney in the Oxfordshire Cotswolds, is the lucky recipient of one of the coolest boutique hotels in the county &#8211; Artist Residence. The downstairs is a pub, The Mason’s Arms, is Instagram catnip with a  traditional/modern mash up of beautiful curved wood settles, heavy beams, fireplaces and William Morris wallpaper teamed with neon and modern art and humour.  It’s like&nbsp;the punk younger sister&nbsp;of Soho Farmhouse. Read the Muddy review <a href="https://bucksoxon.muddystilettos.co.uk/travel/hotels-inns/artist-residence-oxfordshire-review/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener" aria-label=" (opens in a new tab)">here</a>. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-falkland-arms-great-tew-oxon"><a rel="noreferrer noopener" aria-label="The Falkland Arms (opens in a new tab)" href="https://www.falklandarms.co.uk" target="_blank">The Falkland Arms</a>, Great Tew, Oxon</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="667" src="https://bucksoxon.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2021/10/Falkland-Arms.jpg" alt="The Falkland Arms, Great Tew" class="wp-image-122592" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2021/10/Falkland-Arms.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2021/10/Falkland-Arms-360x240.jpg 360w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2021/10/Falkland-Arms-720x480.jpg 720w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2021/10/Falkland-Arms-150x100.jpg 150w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2021/10/Falkland-Arms-787x525.jpg 787w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>This thatched roof, Cotswold stone beauty is so quaint feels like it&#8217;s been lifted straight out of a Richard Curtis movie. It may be within staggering distance of bougie Soho Farmhouse, but The Falkland Arms has a strong local vibe and mega cosy decor to boot &#8211; we love the various hanging mugs and tankards taking pride of place on the low beamed ceiling. Expect pub classics on the menu and a dog-friendly ethos.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-bear-inn-oxford"><a href="https://www.bearoxford.co.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener" aria-label="The Bear Inn (opens in a new tab)">The Bear Inn</a>, Oxford</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="667" src="https://bucksoxon.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2021/10/The-Bear-Oxford.jpg" alt="The Bear Inn, Oxford" class="wp-image-122601" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2021/10/The-Bear-Oxford.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2021/10/The-Bear-Oxford-360x240.jpg 360w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2021/10/The-Bear-Oxford-720x480.jpg 720w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2021/10/The-Bear-Oxford-150x100.jpg 150w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2021/10/The-Bear-Oxford-787x525.jpg 787w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>It might be a Fuller&#8217;s, but this city centre institution has character in spades. A hidden gem for locals since 1242 (and hidden is certainly the word &#8211; it&#8217;s tucked away in an unassuming location just off the high street), The Bear is famous for its kitsch collection of cut off ties from clubs around the county. You&#8217;ll have to be quick if you want to see it though, as the pub only seats two dozen inside. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-royal-oak-bovingdon-green-bucks"><a rel="noreferrer noopener" aria-label="The Royal Oak (opens in a new tab)" href="http://www.royaloakmarlow.co.uk" target="_blank">The Royal Oak</a>, Bovingdon Green, Bucks</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="750" src="https://bucksoxon.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2021/10/The-Royal-Oak.jpg" alt="The Royal Oak, Bovingdon Green, Bucks" class="wp-image-122599" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2021/10/The-Royal-Oak.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2021/10/The-Royal-Oak-360x270.jpg 360w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2021/10/The-Royal-Oak-667x500.jpg 667w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2021/10/The-Royal-Oak-150x113.jpg 150w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2021/10/The-Royal-Oak-700x525.jpg 700w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>A Muddy Awards Winner for Best Destination Pub 2021, The Royal Oak is a no-brainer for a cosy pub day. Just a five-minute drive from Marlow, this countryside hotspot is a respite for families and foodies &#8211; the seasonal, ever-changing menu is definitely worth a peruse, as its won the pub the Buckinghamshire Dining Pub of the Year award from <em>The Good Pub Guide</em> for eight consecutive years. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-crown-woodstock-oxon"><strong><a href="https://thecrownwoodstock.com/#" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener" aria-label="The Crown (opens in a new tab)">The Crown</a>, Woodstock</strong>, Oxon</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="663" src="https://bucksoxon.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2021/10/The-Crown.jpeg" alt="The Crown" class="wp-image-122602" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2021/10/The-Crown.jpeg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2021/10/The-Crown-360x239.jpeg 360w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2021/10/The-Crown-720x477.jpeg 720w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2021/10/The-Crown-150x99.jpeg 150w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2021/10/The-Crown-792x525.jpeg 792w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>If low-ceilinged rooms with patterned carpets and leather at every turn leave you feeling more claustrophobic than cosy, you&#8217;ll love the relaxed, scandi-meets-cottage feel of this stylish gastro-inn in the centre of Woodstock. There&#8217;s a light-filled orangerie area that&#8217;s perfect for a coffee or a light lunch, but we&#8217;re fans of the more chilled-out pubby section with lovely log fires, wide bar and great food. The bonus? There are five super chic en-suites with Cowshed toiletries, Apple TVs and Egyptian cotton sheets if you don&#8217;t fancy the walk home. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-bell-aston-clinton-bucks"><a href="https://www.thebellastonclinton.co.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener" aria-label="The Bell (opens in a new tab)">The Bell</a>, Aston Clinton, Bucks</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="598" src="https://bucksoxon.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2021/10/The-Bell-Aston-Clinton.jpg" alt="The Bell, Aston Clinton, Bucks" class="wp-image-122609" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2021/10/The-Bell-Aston-Clinton.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2021/10/The-Bell-Aston-Clinton-360x215.jpg 360w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2021/10/The-Bell-Aston-Clinton-720x431.jpg 720w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2021/10/The-Bell-Aston-Clinton-150x90.jpg 150w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2021/10/The-Bell-Aston-Clinton-878x525.jpg 878w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>More glamorous than your standard country boozer, The Bell is a sleek pub and restaurant slap bang in the centre of the pretty village of Aston Clinton. If you can drag yourself away from one of the many log fires, you&#8217;re perfectly situated to explore the Chiltern Hills before returning to collapse in one of the 11 hotel rooms. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-killingworth-castle-wootton-oxon"><strong><a href="https://www.thekillingworthcastle.com" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener" aria-label="The Killingworth Castle (opens in a new tab)">The Killingworth Castle</a>, Wootton</strong>, Oxon</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="999" src="https://bucksoxon.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2021/10/The-Killingworth-Castle.jpg" alt="The Killingworth Castle, Wootton, Oxon" class="wp-image-122610" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2021/10/The-Killingworth-Castle.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2021/10/The-Killingworth-Castle-300x300.jpg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2021/10/The-Killingworth-Castle-501x500.jpg 501w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2021/10/The-Killingworth-Castle-150x150.jpg 150w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2021/10/The-Killingworth-Castle-526x525.jpg 526w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2021/10/The-Killingworth-Castle-200x200.jpg 200w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>It might be cosier than a dormouse wearing a beanie hat, but the biggest draw of The Killingworth Castle is undoubtedly its foodie accolades. It boasts 2 AA Rosettes, recently won a Tripadvisor Travellers Choice Award 2021, and has previously been awarded a Michelin Bib Gourmand and an AA Rosette for culinary excellence. Extra brownie points are awarded for being dog-friendly and offering discounted tickets to nearby Blenheim Palace. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-swan-inn-denham"><strong><a href="https://bucksoxon.muddystilettos.co.uk/2015/06/22/muddy-eats-the-swan-inn-denham/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">The Swan Inn</a>, Denham</strong></h2>



<p>Hidden away in the picture postcard village of Denham in South Bucks, this pub hits the sweet spot of excellent food and local clientele. There&#8217;s a bar for perching on, fireplaces and a whole load of bonhomie. Plus, dogs are welcomed with open arms, and their sun trap garden is worth having on your list for when the nice weather makes a reappearance. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-royal-standard-of-england-forty-green-bucks"><a href="https://www.theoldestpub.com" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener" aria-label="The Royal Standard of England (opens in a new tab)">The Royal Standard of England</a>, Forty Green, Bucks</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="667" src="https://bucksoxon.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2021/10/McIlg-RoayalStandard-117-1920w-1.jpg" alt="The Royal Standard" class="wp-image-122617" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2021/10/McIlg-RoayalStandard-117-1920w-1.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2021/10/McIlg-RoayalStandard-117-1920w-1-360x240.jpg 360w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2021/10/McIlg-RoayalStandard-117-1920w-1-720x480.jpg 720w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2021/10/McIlg-RoayalStandard-117-1920w-1-150x100.jpg 150w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2021/10/McIlg-RoayalStandard-117-1920w-1-787x525.jpg 787w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>It doesn&#8217;t get much cosier than the 900-year-old Royal Standard in Forty Green near Beaconsfield. Replete with gnarled beams, log fires and taxidermy, this destination pub draws in visitors for miles around &#8211; but luckily there are plenty of nooks and crannies to hide in. Pack your elasticated waist trousers if you&#8217;re stopping for lunch, as the portions are huge. </p>


13 cosy pubs for chilly days

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