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The i Paper listed the 30 best cosy pubs for cold winter days and included The Royal Oak at Ramsden in west Oxfordshire, a few miles from Witney.
The round-up said: “This charming village pub blends tradition with thoughtful updates, offering log fires, local ales, and a seasonal menu.
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“Spacious, individually designed bedrooms feature vintage furniture, eco-friendly toiletries and dog-friendly options.
“Explore Cotswold walks, or unwind in a cosy armchair.”
In the summer, the 17th century pub was nominated at the 2024 Great British Pub Awards.
“The Royal Oak continues to build on its reputation of providing travellers and locals with a warm welcome, great food and a wonderful pint or fine wine.
“Sympathetic to its history and to its story, the Grade II listed building was restored and refreshed throughout in 2020.
“Retaining the essence of a traditional, local village pub, the addition of our bright, spacious dining area, snugs for more intimate gatherings, extensive outside space and five boutique bedrooms, there really is a spot for everyone.”
The main part of the pub dates back to 1660, and rooms including The Attic, Wychwood and Akeman are accessed via an old spiral staircase.
Sunday lunch is is served from noon to 8pm on Sundays, and the menu includes Stuffed Shoulder of Old Spot Pork (£22), and Rosemary Cotswold Lamb Henry (£26).
There is also the option of the 40-day dry aged 7oz fillet steak.
Desserts include Bramley Apple and Plum Crumble, Spiced Almond Granola and Pear Sorbet.
The pub name and sign refers to the story of the original Royal Oak tree.
As legend has it, when King Charles II was on the run from the Roundheads in 1651, he disguised himself as a woodsman and hid up an old oak tree in Boscobel Wood, Shropshire.
As he perched on a branch, some parliamentarians on horseback approached, looking for him. But they passed on by underneath, without any clue that he was quietly sitting above.
Other pubs featured on the i Paper list include The Bell at Sapperton near Cirencester in Gloucestershire, and The Dabbling Duck at Great Massingham in Norfolk.
For further information about The Royal Oak in Ramsden visit the pub’s website royaloakramsden.com.
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About the author
Andy is the Trade and Tourism reporter for the Oxford Mail and you can sign up to his newsletters for free here.
He joined the team more than 20 years ago and he covers community news across Oxfordshire.
His Trade and Tourism newsletter is released every Saturday morning.
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