The Castle at Edgehill is a restaurant, pub and rooms near Banbury on the Warks/Oxon border and has fabulous views across the surrounding countryside. For starters, yes this really is a castle – so that’s the kids, big kids and history buffs happy. It was built in the 18th Century and overlooks the site of the battle of Edgehill, the first major battle of the English Civil War (you can book a walking or car tour with lunch if you want to know more). Meanwhile, it also does a cracking roast and more…

There’s every occasion catered to – from the reading-the-paper-by-the-fire affair right up to a special occasion meal. The pub has a large bar area plus laid-back library area, dining room and light and airy glasshouse, or there’s the 4 AA star restaurant for a snazzier meal out.

The menu is seasonal with a slew of local suppliers on there including Carpenters Farm Shop for meat, Ridgway Ice Cream and Boulangerie Valentine, as well as the produce that comes from their own kitchen gardens. On the menu? I’ll start with the King Prawns, Chilli, Garlic, Sambuca (!) and Toasted Sourdough or maybe the Pressed Beetroot, Pickled Mushrooms, “Beets” Foam, followed by the Sea Bream, Herb Crushed New Potatoes and Pickled Cauliflowers or perhaps the Oxfordshire Trio of Beef, (Blade, Fillet & Cheek) Fondant Potato, Red Wine Jus and Buttered Greens. Perfection! There’s also afternoon tea on offer, a kids menu and comforting pub classics if you’re in that kind of mood.

Drinks include real ales and bottled beers from the nearby Hook Norton Brewery alongside a decent wine list and cocktails (Prince Rupert for me please – Tequila, Blue Curacao and Pineapple Juice!).

Want to live out your princess and knight fantasy? Stay the night in one of the five bedrooms – the Rupert and King’s rooms are in the main tower with stunning heritage-style windows and views, or there’s the possibility of connecting rooms for a family in the adjoining building.

This is so much more than a pub – lest I forget to mention the brand new Gin School in collaboration with Pinnock Distillery. Yup, that’s my kind of school – where you can book tastings or learn how to distil gin (do NOT try this at home) with your own unique recipe that can be reordered at a later date.

With all this on offer – the pub, restaurant, rooms, grounds and views – this could be just the place you’re looking for to host an event, wedding or party. Check out the website for all the details on the spaces for hire and catering options.

The Castle at Edgehill is part of the Free Spirit family of pubs that also has properties in Marsh Baldon and Hook Norton in Oxon; Hellidon, Northants and Ladbroke in Warks.