Monday 31 December 2018

Foxcote House, Ilmington, Warwickshire

A Grade II-listed early-eighteenth century mansion, Foxcote House is now owned by Victoria's Secret founder American billionaire Les Wexner. Although the owner is reputed to value his privacy, a public footpath runs close to this grand house on the edge of the Cotswolds.

Lunch at the Ebrington Arms, Ebrington, Chipping Campden, Gloucestershire

An unspoilt Cotswolds pub, the Ebrington Arms serves decent food at punchy prices in convivial surroundings. The menu can be aspirational (duck breast, pommes anna, carrot & star anise puree & Russian kale for £24), but there are also some cheaper staples, such as fish and chips with mushy peas (£15), and beef burger and chips (£17). The portions are fairly generous and the food is hearty fare with plenty of flavour. There are also some smooth ales, such as Yubby, on draught. The service is pretty attentive and chirpy, but some of the rooms can get smoky when the open fires are going strong. 7/10