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I agree with grubhead. I have eaten with my parents and boyfriend at The Village Pub in Barnsley and the food was excellent. Lovely cosy atmosphere and great variety of food and wine. You can search for their website and have a look to see both Barnsley House and the pub.

I have just read this thread and would like to add that we went to a little place called Barnsley - It was The Barnsley House Hotel. We stayed in the Village Pub that is part of the Hotel but much cosier. We did eat in the main hotel but found we liked the atmosphere far more in the Village Pub. If your parents like small and quaint it may be worth trying here. It is not far from Oxford. Hope this helps.

Thank you both so much

Orchard House is fully booked
I won't bother with Cliveden - especially as they want £300 per night and it's not so good
I will try all the others you have recommended

Mum and Dad both love Small & Quaint the problem we always have is dad is 6'7 and not too skinny so it's finding a bed long/wide enough

Once again thank you

Lisa

I agree with Gaye, Clivedon has had some terrible review recently. Not stayed at the Compleat Angler but eaten there a couple of times and the food is superb. Macdonald Hotels is a good chain to look at as they own quite a few hotels in Oxfordshire and Oxford centre itself.

With regard to country houses, you could have a look at these links but I can't give you any personal recommendations as have not been lucky enough to stay in these sort of hotels locally!

[link]

Lord of the Manor in Bourton on the Water looks lovely as does Heythrop Park near Chipping Norton.

[link]

There are some nice places in the Wychwoods, Burford and Woodstock but might be too small and quaint for what your parents are looking for?

Forgot to add, The Compleat Angler comes under Macdonald Hotels. Look for an advertisement for them usually in Times or Telegraph, they have an offer code. Quote this when booking and you can get rooms much cheaper this way, if you should like the look of this hotel.

Hi Lisa,
If you want to be as far away from Oxford as Clivedon (which has recently had dreadful reviews, but used to be good) there are some a fraction nearer which are excellent. The Compleat Angler, Marlow, my first choice but get a weir room view, Danesfield House, Medmenham, brilliant food but pricey or Monkey Island, Bray, neighbouring The Waterside Inn.

I love the Compleat Angler and it is near the motorway to go to Oxford, but Georgie may know some nearer for you.

Hi Georgie,
Mum & Dad will be travelling by car so it doesn't matter too much about where it is, however my mothers proviso is luxury but not pomp and hates anything like Novotels/new build hotels etc - she loves 'Olde Worlde' and anything with history

I looked into Lotte's demo for me but it was sold out weeks ago I'll look at the hotel though and see if they have anything that weekend

They've been to Le Manoir before and loved it but you don't tend to relax and spend your time listening to name dropping and people trying to out do eachother
They have the budget but don't flaunt it and hate being round people who feel they have to!

The other I looked at was Cliveden - any ideas?

All help gratefully received
Lisa

If you have a large budget it must be Raymond Blanc's Le Manoir aux Quatre saisons.

Hi Lisa, I live close to Oxford so can think of a few in the centre and also outside. Are you travelling by car? Do you need to stay in the centre of Oxford? Obviously it is more expensive to stay in the centre. What is your budget?

I know that Lotte Duncan had organised a foodie break with accommodation being provided at: [link]

It looks very nice and is walking distance from Oxford centre - see what you think.