The Harcourt Arms on the edge of the Cotswolds in has recently been taken over by brothers Will and Olly Oakley as general manager and head chef respectively. The brothers take the helm of the pub, which also has 10 rooms named after nearby villages; from Bladon and Bidbury double rooms to the Blenheim suite, housing a four-poster bed. Entering the Grade-II-listed building, you are brought into the heart of the 17th-century pub bursting with character and charm.
After settling into our seats by the flame log fire we flicked through menus, which were thoughtfully executed, while we enjoyed a drink from the stocked-up bar. Overseeing the food offering, head chef Olly has created individual menus each with its own distinct aim. This is realised through a menu of small and larger plates with Spanish inflexions threaded throughout which was brought back from Olly's time living and working in Catalonia.
Within the pub grub choices, which are perfect to enjoy if you are only popping in for a pint or so, see classic British fare reimagined in dishes like the scotch egg with curry sauce. The truffle cheese gougère also promises to delight the taste buds with its combination of earthy truffles and creamy cheese as well as amazingly marbled cured meats. If you are a cocktail fan make sure to try out one of the specially curated menus which includes the strawberry and black pepper daiquiri and rhubarb penicillin.
Both cocktails are must-tries for anyone seeking unique and flavourful drink experiences. Now through into the recently extended dining room, with the special boards having foods such as Maldon oysters seemingly matching the class the new space had. On to the dining room menu, where the Josper charcoal oven plays a central part in delivering flavour throughout.
Starters such as Smoked eel, potato and egg salad and Celeriac and apple soup with truffle butter croutons mix traditional flavours with modern technique, whilst larger dishes, including wild mushroom coal-fired rice, feel the influence of Olly’s Catalonian culinary training. A special board of beef chops chalked up daily, makes for a sharing centrepiece, with lighter options of gnocchi, pumpkin and smoked leek or chalk stream trout and chard. For our main course, we went for the chateaubriand, a premium cut of beef cooked perfectly and bursting with rich flavour.
It's a showpiece dish that epitomizes gourmet dining and fine culinary craftsmanship that was clear throughout the evening. It was complemented by sides that were both creative and comforting; triple-cooked pink firs were crispy on the outside with a fluffy interior and hispi cabbage offered a sophisticated twist on a classic vegetable side. Desserts continue the earlier theme of classic dishes with innovative twists.
A sticky toffee tiramisu merged two beloved desserts to feature the caramel notes of sticky toffee pudding with the creamy, coffee-infused layers of tiramisu. While, the peaches with almond custard brought a lighter, yet equally indulgent option to provide a sophisticated end to the meal. Make sure to speak to the knowledgeable team throughout your meal as they were able to provide great insight into all the food on offer and as well as point us in the direction of two amazing pairing dessert wines, which added another layer to an already top evening.
It was clear that as well as producing well-refined dishes in the kitchen, the team also knew their stuff when it came to behind the bar too. If you are looking to make your visit to the Harcourt Arms even more special, look at Blenheim Suite. The room was truly amazing, featuring a luxurious four-poster bed that and a standalone bath added a touch of elegance.
While spacious sofas provided a cosy seating area, and the large TV ensured entertainment was always at hand. The coffee machine was a great touch allowing for a morning brew and the bathroom was modern and well-appointed, with all the amenities you could need. The entire space was impeccably clean, contributing to a peaceful and refreshing night's sleep.
The pub forges an ideal base for anyone wishing to explore the Cotswolds AONB from the convenient location. Breakfast is also available with a wide range of options including homemade waffles, avocado and poached eggs, hot smoked trout and of course a full English. After our trip with full bellies and rested heads, we headed for a morning walk in the nearby fields and footpaths before heading to the Cotswolds Wildlife Park.
Overall, it was a perfect blend of comfort and luxury topped with incredible food, making for an unforgettable stay..
