The Wheatsheaf Inn

The pisco sour to start in the bar, followed by the three cheese and wholegrain mustard soufflé are the height of indulgence, all whilst sat next to the roaring fire on a cold winter’s evening.

Arriving in Northleach is literally a breath of fresh air. You can immediately feel life moving at a slower pace, residents are friendlier and the air feels green - that is if you’re arriving after a hectic week working in London, which is exactly what we did. Driving through the Cotswolds itself is such a pleasurable start to the trip, with tiny villages offering so much charm and character.

Arriving in Northleach feels like you’re going back in time, with a population of under 2,000 its serene atmosphere is hard not to appreciate. On first impressions, the Wheatsheaf very much has the feel of an Inn and is clearly the heart of social gatherings in the village. There was a warm greeting from the landlord as he showed us to our room - a charming barn that housed one of just 14 rooms in The Wheatsheaf. For country retreats I always think the room you’re staying in is of great importance as realistically you’re going to spend a lot of time there indulging in long baths, relaxing with a good book and needed lie-ins. This particular room certainly didn’t disappoint. With the bathroom being a definite highlight, the stand-alone bath and waterfall shower was exactly what you want from a trip like this.

The atmosphere in the pub was lively and buzzing on a Saturday night. Supper is everything you would want and expect from a pub in the countryside - hearty warm pies, delicious locally reared steak and the best sticky date pudding you could ask for, and all paired with an exceptionally good bottle of red. Special credit needs to be given to the extensive wine list at The Wheatsheaf and the knowledge the staff have of this. Their can-do attitude is really what puts the Wheatsheaf in another league, making the experience as friendly and welcoming as possible.