A stunning newly refurbished boutique hotel on the edge of the glorious Cotswolds
Now under new ownership the hotel, which exuding stye and presence, is set on the fringes of the picturesque village of Chesterton, Oxfordshire’
Overview
From the outside, this picturesque 16th-century farmhouse is every inch the traditional Cotswolds stone build. Inside, stunning new interiors seamlessly blend mid-century modern with urban industrial design elements in striking visual contrast to its classic ‘cottage core’ exterior.
In the informal grounds, a peaceful water garden, soft green meadows and coppices ensure tranquillity is woven through the Chesterton Hotel experience.
New owners, the Gill family, spear-headed by son, Kaven (32) acquired the property four years ago. No sooner had they completed its magnificent restoration from the tired bed & breakfast to chic boutique retreat, the dreaded lockdown set in. Only now, is the family able to throw open its doors to show off The Chesterton in all its glory.
Twenty-three bedrooms, a picturesque wedding venue for 260, smart tech features, an inviting brasserie serving excellent cocktails and classic brasserie fare, The Chesterton Hotel is a refreshingly modern addition to the UK’s country hotel scene.
Public Areas
Once inside, the public areas are comfortable and chic. A tasteful mix of smart leather, brass and touches of plush velvet to soften the effect are a draw for its fashion-forward clientele, many of whom check in for the designer shopping experience at nearby Bicester Village (2 miles away). The hotel provides the perfect post-shopping retreat with evenings of pre-dinner cocktails served in the bar, or in the luxurious lobby.
Dining, Bar and Brasserie
The hotel’s relaxed chic vibe continues in the elegant bar & brasserie which boasts on-trend black and white chequered flooring. Seating and banquettes are picked out in rich blues and greens set aglow with the use of gold and bronze accents in mirrors and fixtures. An original fireplace makes for a striking focal point and juxtaposition of old and new. Whether for an intimate dinner, convivial family celebration, Sunday lunch or a Champagne afternoon tea, the brasserie and its adjoining bar offer a smart setting to indulge in some exquisite food.
Menus
An evolving menu of simple but well-executed brasserie classics include stalwarts of bisques, steaks and terrines with desserts of chocolate, lemon and cheese all guaranteed to please.
Starters
Guests can expect attractively presented dishes including pan-fried Scottish scallops, pea puree, chorizo, cauliflower puree, black garlic mayo and crispy squid tapioca £12.5; classic beef tartare, sourdough bread & quail egg yolk £12; Lobster bisque £7.50; chicken terrine, chargrilled leek, fresh truffle shavings and pistachio crumb £9.
Main Courses
Alongside must-have steaks, burgers and hand-cut chips, there is sea bream, cauliflower puree, burnt shallots, kale, new potatoes and velouté sauce £18.50, corn-fed chicken roulade Madeira sauce, crispy potato tuile £18.50 served with sides of salad, gnocchi, seasonal greens from £4.
Desserts
Puds start at £4.50 with carefully executed classics: affogato; lemon tart; crème brulee, sticky toffee pudding and a cheese plate with chutney.
Wines
An eclectic list of old and new world wines starts from approximately £22 a bottle. All are available by the glass and both vegan and vegetarian options are offered.
Cocktails
A delicious selection of classic cocktails start from £10.50
Afternoon Tea
A comprehensive tea menu offers eternal favourites Earl Grey and Lapsang Souchong, there are fruit infusions like Blood Orange and Spicy Apple, and several intriguing choices, Double Happiness’ or ‘Coffee Truffle’. Teas and infusions are served with dainty finger sandwiches, scones with jam and clotted cream, and delectable pastries.
Rooms
Each individually styled room is carefully thought out to work in harmony with the downstairs look and feel. Simple and sophisticated, with all the creature comforts required to make for an effortless in-room experience, two room types are offered.
Deluxe
A private Juliet balcony overlooking peaceful garden views means guests can channel their inner zen. Soothing sounds from a water garden and the gentle rustle of the breeze in the trees add to the inherent sense of calm. Lush, textured wallpaper, the continuing theme of brass and gold, and soft carpet underfoot all ooze luxury. In the bathroom, tricked out in floor-to-ceiling black marble, the vibe is full-on glam, it has to be seen to be believed.
Superior
Ongoing garden views, tastefully designed spaces with plush carpet, king- or twin-sized beds, flat-screen TV, Nespresso machine all make for the perfect stay.
Rates
From £170
The Chesterton Shop & Drop Package for two – please enquire
Includes: Bed & breakfast, chauffeur driven car to and from Bicester Village, (2 miles away) cocktail and 3-course dinner.
There is access For Guests with Disabilities
What To Do, Out and About Around Chesterton
A thoroughfare since the Middle Ages, now all roads lead to Bicester Village (2 miles away) with its designer shopping experience.
Blenheim Palace, a world heritage site with over 300 years of history, is 10 miles away.
Chesterton is positioned on the fringes of the North Oxfordshire Cotswolds with its pretty villages, scenic drives and country walks in soft green open spaces perfect for lavender season in July and August.
Bookings
Enquiries@thechestertonhotel.com
+44 (0) 1869 326 550
The Chesterton Hotel, Chesterton, Bicester, Oxon, OX26 1UE