Nestled in the heart of Woodstock, The Feathers has emerged as a standout destination following a multi-million-pound renovation earlier this year.

Reopened in July, this family-run hotel blends historic charm with contemporary sophistication, thanks to interiors crafted by the designers behind Battersea Power Station. With 23 luxurious rooms already available and five more on the way, it won’t be long before word gets out that this is a destination in and of itself. A brief closure in January promises even more improvements, including a courtyard transformation.

Our evening began in The Aviary, the hotel’s stylish bar.

It’s immaculate – the attention to detail in the interior design is almost beyond words. From the cozy sofas by a roaring fire to the thoughtfully curated décor, every element feels carefully considered. The cocktail menu is as inviting as the setting, with the option to enjoy alcohol-free versions of every drink without sacrificing complexity or flavor. Rachel’s non-alcoholic passionfruit martini was a vibrant and refreshing start, while Holly opted for the Opulent 17 (£17), a bold and indulgent signature cocktail made with rum, fermented black cherry, malic acid, sparkling pineapple, and apple. The barman, also a trained sommelier, later guided our wine choices in the restaurant – a testament to the expertise and passion of the staff. We’d thoroughly recommend a bottle of The Cloud Factory.

We then moved into The Nest, the hotel’s restaurant, headed up by Head Chef Luke Rawicki.

Dinner began with bread from Mark’s in Chipping Norton, served with gorgeous whipped butter and rock salt. It was lovely to see local touches and influences, like the still water sourced from Blenheim Palace, setting the tone for a meal steeped in quality and thoughtful details.

The chicken liver parfait (£11) was a silky-smooth delight, perfectly balanced with crispy fruit toast and toasted nuts that added sweetness and crunch. The confit turkey ravioli (£13) was equally impressive, bursting with festive flavours and elevated by crispy pancetta and sage. Each bite offered a harmonious blend of textures and taste, from the tender turkey to the delightful pops of crispy skin on top.

For mains, the fillet steak (£47) was a standout.

Cooked to a perfect medium rare, it was tender enough to cut like butter and accompanied by a light, homemade peppercorn sauce that let the meat shine. The fries, dusted with pepper, and a sweet, caramelised roasted onion were the perfect complements. Meanwhile, the winter squash pithivier (£23) was a vegetarian masterpiece, featuring crisp, golden pastry that gave way to tender squash. The accompanying curry sauce was bursting with flavor, while cashews and seeds added a delightful crunch to every bite.

The sides deserve special mention.

The crispy layered potato (£6), with truffle salt and Parmesan, was pure indulgence – buttery soft on the inside and perfectly crisp on the outside. The number of layers in these was super impressive. The Brussels sprouts (£6), served with chestnuts and pancetta, struck the ideal balance of sweet, salty, and earthy flavors, proving impossible to leave unfinished.

To round off the meal, we shared the spiced apple tarte tatin (£22). Poached apples nestled atop almond frangipane in a buttery, crisp pastry case, paired beautifully with a rich caramel sauce and stem ginger ice cream. It was a dessert that demanded attention – the kind you might struggle to share if enjoying at home in front of the TV.

The only disappointment of the whole evening? That we couldn’t stay the night!

From the warm ambiance of The Aviary to the thoughtful menu and impeccable service in The Nest, The Feathers delivers a dining experience that feels both luxurious and welcoming. While it’s on the pricier side for a meal out, we both agreed it was worth every penny.

We’d happily return for a special celebration – this is complete foodie heaven.

The Feathers
16-20 Market St, Woodstock OX20 1SX

Bitten were invited as guests, all views are our own