TheFeathered Nest

Gloucestershire is very much a county of horse lovers and equestrian enthusiasts. Throughout the year ‘the hills come alive with the sound of’ hooves thundering across the land in various different sporting events. During spring and summer, children squeal with joy as they win rosettes at the local pony club gymkhana, as event rivals William Fox-Pitt and Andrew Nicholson continue to battle it out for the championship title at Badminton Horse Trials. Nearby, spectators sip on Pimms as they bask in the sun whilst watching Princes William and Harry demonstrate a little brotherly competitiveness in a charity polo match at Cirencester Park Polo Club. As the trees begin to shed their golden leaves, we welcome the return of jump racing at Cheltenham Racecourse, whilst elsewhere across the county, local hunts gather to ride off another season of British tradition.

So whether it’s spring or summer, autumn or winter, following an active day in the field, what better way to round it up than with a ‘G & T’ and a good feed in a cosy country pub that bestows both the theme and ambiance of the day’s events?

The Feathered Nest in the village of Nether Westcote is the place to go. As I stepped through the door, I suddenly felt like I was walking into a scene in the stable block at Downton Abbey. The 17^th century cobbled stone floor stood beneath my feet with the high wooden carved walls of the historic stable enclosed around me and a collection of antique riding boots sat by the entrance. The bar stood before us, although for a split second I felt I had left the stable and stepped into the tack room with bridles and various bits hanging from the walls and saddled bar stools lining the bar. Ah yes, horse lovers will feel right at home here as they mount into the saddle to enjoy a drink, a feeling of reunited comfort all round. Although one tipple too many and customers have been known to lean forward in search of the horse’s head. Luckily for them, the stability of the bar saved them from a rather undignified dismount. For country folk and passing visitors, the homely interiors at The Feathered Nest should be admired for their uniqueness as well as their provision of comfort and warmth. The enticing glow of the roaring fire in the snug-like sitting room, inhabiting a collection of cosy armchairs located invitingly around the fire, offers an intimate alternative to being ‘saddled up’ at the bar.

We took our seats in the dining room which exhibited a vast array of interesting features to attract the eye. The historic beams that support the building still line the ceiling, which alongside the tartan fabric wallpaper brings out the country feel to the place overall. Cabinets containing antique cork screws are just a few of the unique yet homely touches in place.

As we inspected the menu of The Feathered Nest’s culinary offerings, we were presented with a selection of delicious canapés followed by an amuse bouche of leek and potato soup to whet our appetites for the forthcoming feed. The latter may sound rather ordinary, however the buttery leek foam with small chunks of creamy potato took what would normally be a humble soup and turned it into a decadent example of fine dining. The menu at The Feathered Nest is simplistic in its presentation and elegant in its content. Each dish bares a single worded title of the key ingredient it embodies making it straightforward for those scrolling through to find the meat, fish or vegetarian option they so desire. 

Dishes contain seasonal offerings of meat, fish, game and vegetarian, alongside steaks from the charcoal grill, giving us plenty to choose from. The unique nature of the place as a whole is also reflected in its menu - this is not your average pub grub. For starters, there are dishes such as monkfish cured in smoked paprika, avocado, fennel and mango salad, chili, avruga caviar; or hare loin and agnolotti (a type of ravioli), truffle, trompettes (a type of wild mushroom), salsify, sprout leaves and game consommé, which alongside other options range from £11.50 to £14.95. 

To follow, grouse with celeriac pudding, cabbage and bacon, chicory, damson jam, blackberry sauce is a real seasonal treat. Or alternatively, a good juicy steak from a local farm served with a simple béarnaise sauce and skinny chips, never seizes to disappoint. Priced between £19.50 to £27.95, this is a fair amount more than what we would normally pay down the local, but then the food here is in a different league to the average country haunt. 

Just from glancing at the menu, it’s apparent that this is the place to come for something little more special than a wholesome pie and mash. From the moment the dishes  were presented before us, it became evident from the exquisite presentation of ingredients reflected in the fresh, vibrant flavours combined, that the food served at The Feathered Nest presents a mark of distinguished skill. And just to seal the deal that this is a place that’s worth visiting, I advise you pay close attention to the dessert menu. The apple and blackberry pie soufflé with clotted cream ice-cream is every dessert lover’s dream. A mixture of a classic pud and fine dining speciality, this dessert is a real seasonal triumph.

The Feathered Nest is definitely worth a look in, whether it’s for a pint of local ale, a ‘G&T’ saddled up at the bar, or an indulging feed in the restaurant; the place overall is a novelty of unique excellence throughout. So leave your riding hats and crops at home, even health and safety don’t advise them here, and tally ho down to The Feathered Nest in Nether Westcote.

TheFeathered Nest

A: Nether Westcote, Oxfordshire. OX7 6SD

T: 01993 833030

W: www.thefeatherednestinn.co.uk

The Score

                Food: 5*               

The food here is exceptional; seasonal and locally sourced, the presentation and flavour of each dish is faultless. The use of seasonal ingredients should be applauded, which alongside the distinguished skills of the chefs, produce a vast display of top quality dishes.

  Menu: 5*

The menu at The Feathered Nest comes highly recommended with its distinguished choice of unique dishes that presents something a little more upmarket to traditional pub grub. It provides a choice of seasonal ingredients with dishes to satisfy a variety of palates. The prices might be slightly higher than what you’d normally expect to pay at a pub, however, they definitely match the quality of the dishes served which embody decadent and inspiring twists to the comfort food we know and love. 

   Wine List: 5*

The wine cellar at The Feathered Nest is one to be admired, offering an extensive selection of classics, alongside carefully selected wines from all over the world. There’s an exemplary choice that provides variety and quality to those dining in the restaurant, or enjoying a drink at the bar with friends, priced accordingly with options available to accommodate all budgets.

Service: 5*

The team of staff at The Feathered Nest were marvellous, offering a warm welcome on arrival; they were consistent with friendliness and attentiveness in providing a good service throughout. They paired good knowledge of the wine list with the dishes on the menu, enabling them to make good recommendations for each course. On our departure, the manager stood by the fire warming our coats preparing us as best he could for the cold breeze outside.

   Atmosphere: 5*

There is a warming, relaxed and intimate ambiance that runs throughout The Feathered Nest. Whether you’re here to enjoy a cosy drink with friends snuggled up by the roaring fire, or an intimate meal amongst loved ones, it makes for the perfect evening.