The Greyhound Inn, Oxfordshire

Overview

Nestled within the pretty village of Letcombe Regis, The Greyhound Inn is a real community hub. A vibrant village local, its impressive array of beers and modern British pub foods means that it's a sought-after dining destination too, popular with walkers and foodies alike. With a rambling bar and series of cosy dining rooms, the inn boasts a vast inglenook fireplace and a wood-burner, the latter fronted by deep leather armchairs. Its status as a picture-perfect country pub has been recognised, winning the White Horse CAMRA Country Pub of the Year in 2017.

This is a great option for equestrians, as the inn partners with local stables to offer overnight accommodation for up to three horses - perfect for exploring the Ridgeway on horseback. For those wishing to while away the afternoon outdoors, settle down at one of the picnic benches in the cosy rear garden. Bordered by climbing roses and dotted with colourful pots, it's a sheltered sun-trap on summer days. Sunday night means quiz night with occasional live music, and come June, the inn screens Wimbledon from the Barn, a calming room with stone floor slabs and timber cladding that opens out onto the garden.

Rooms from

Doubles and twins: £90

Good to know

Amex not accepted, Visa / Mastercard / Maestro all accepted
Disabled access
Parking available
Private and alfresco dining

Family favourite
Little ones allowed throughout the pub, with their own menu and a number of kid-friendly rooms

Dog-friendly

Dog biscuits at the bar and two dog friendly rooms kitted out with dog bed, bowl, treats and towel

Outdoor adventures

The ancient Ridgeway path is a couple of miles from the Greyhound, making the pub a perfect stopover for walkers or cyclists following this trail.

Rooms

Using local interior designers and carpenters, the eight individually furnished rooms - each named after an important local spot - have been simply yet stylishly kitted out. All feature calming heritage hues with splashes of bold colour, rich fabrics and tartan upholstered headboards. There's an intriguing mix of antique dark wood and pine painted furniture, and a number of rooms keeping their original timbers and eaves.

Enjoy Oxford Company Coffee and homemade shortbread, as well as dog treats for furry friends. Plan your day over a relaxing breakfast, comprising of pastries and croissants, smoked haddock and poached eggs or a range of delicious local jams and freshly baked bread.

Restaurant & bar

At the Greyhound, mouth-watering British cooking and imaginative daily menus brim with quality local and seasonal ingredients. There's spork from Dew Meadow Farm in nearby Hanney, game from local estate shoots and fresh range Cotswold reared chicken. Don't miss their signature starter dish - twice-baked cheddar soufflé with braised leeks, spinach and smoked haddock cream - but make sure to save room for one of their delectable desserts. Every Wednesday evening the 'Midweek Fix' is a great value 2-course fixed menu at £12, and Sundays boast a stellar roast - pick from Cornish leg of lamb, Dews Meadow Farm pork loin or Aberdeen Angus beef sirloin.

After a long walk, feast on warming soup & sandwiches at the bar. With a focus on nearby micro-breweries, there's a huge range of local ale on offer. Wines on the carefully selected wine list come from the Oxford Wine Company, with 12 offered by the glass, as well as a few vintage ports to accompany dessert or the artisan cheese board.

Private dining

A private dining room, The Wessex Room, with teal and grey décor and a large communal dining table, comfortably accommodates fourteen people for a relaxed party or meeting.

Things to do

Situated in a converted piggery on a working farm, Saddleback Farm Shop & Cafe is owned by the Whidbourne family since the 1940s. This thriving farm shop has a butchery selling farm-reared beef, wild venison and game, a deli and an excellent tearoom, where you can tuck in fresh Aga-baked scones.

Built for the Queen of Bohemia in the 17th century and remotely situated in windswept downland country near Lambourn in Berkshire, the National Trust property of Ashdown House looks like an elegant dolls' house. With an intimate feel and striking staircase hung with fine 17th-century paintings, Ashdown is a great option for those seeking a little local culture.

About 2km along the Ridgeway from the Uffington White Horse, Wayland's Smithy is a brilliantly atmospheric Neolithic chambered tomb. Its name comes from the story that the Saxon smith god, Wayland, lived there and would shoe any horse left with a coin overnight. Constructed between 3,460 and 3,400 BC and with dramatic entrance stones, it's well worth a visit when exploring part of the 87-mile Ridgeway, which passes through ancient landscapes and has been used since prehistoric times by travellers, soldiers and herdsmen.