Last week Bitten ventured (are you sitting down?) beyond the ring road, to visit The George Inn, a country pub that’s just undergone a refurbishment under new management.

While us townies might be unfamiliar with the concept of leaving our ‘hoods on a regular basis, the drive out to The George was a pleasant one, out the other side of Kidlington and past Duns Tew on country roads, while nosing and some lovely country piles.

The inn is opening up nine newly furnished and converted en-suite rooms – all designed to a similar spec but all slightly different, bringing personality into the rooms while maintaining consistency of quality. Most of the rooms are part of a block of garden rooms at the rear of the pub, while the others are situated above the bar.

The cosy and stylish bar and restaurant features a bar sourced from a single elm tree, felled in the 1970’s before Dutch elm disease disseminated elms in the UK. Apparently, it’s from the same tree, called Benjamin, as the previous bar. They have 4 real ales taps which change monthly in addition to traditional ciders and contemporary lagers – currently including Stowford Press from Westons Ciders; Camden Pale Ale; Amstel Bier; Cotswold Pale, Sundial and Hooky from Hook Norton Brewery; and Trelawny from St Austell.

Michael Regan, who is also the owner of The White Horse in Duns Tew, has taken a 25-year lease from local businessman and his wife, Louis and Laura Holtzhausen, for the Inn, which comprises of a bar, restaurant with terrace and the 9 en-suite bedrooms. Room rates are yet to be announced, but judging by the style and plush furnishings, they won’t come cheap.

Regan commented:

“We are thrilled to be able to add The George Inn to our portfolio. The refurbishment looks amazing and we are sure that the inn will prove to be a popular destination.”

Head Chef Alex hopes to have created dishes which offer variety and choice, from pub classics to sandwiches and à la carte. We didn’t get to try anything from the menu on the night, but you can take a look at it here.

The bedrooms do indeed look great, and Bitten will be venturing back for a review of the food soon! If the food is as good as the rooms look, this could be a great place for meet-ups with friends and family, and no one has to be designated driver with rooms a mere stumble away.

The George Inn
Lower St, Barford. St Michael, Banbury, OX15 0RH
thegeorgebarford.co.uk
Phone: 01869 338160
Email: contact@thegeorgebarford.co.uk