PUBS

The Bell at Charlbury, a look inside a newly opened pub by Daylesford Stays

The Bell at Charlbury opened September 2023 and joined the newly formed Daylesford Stays; a collection of beautifully restored venues that combine the sanctuary of a friendly pub with the luxury of being looked after. The Bell joins The Wild Rabbit, The Fox, The Three Horseshoes and The Cottages as part of Daylesford Stays. A fourth pub, The Three Horseshoes near Burford, will be refurbished and reopen later this year.

BY ARCHIE CAWTHRA

7 March 2024

The Bell is a 17th century pub sitting in the idyllic market town of Charlbury, The Bell has always been a place for locals to gather and a well-loved coaching inn in which to dine and stable your horse for the night. To continue its legacy as a meeting place for locals and a peaceful bolthole getaway, a sustainable restoration has created 12 beautiful bedrooms; several snug areas; an additional dining room in The Barn; and a quintessential English garden. With great transport links and direct trains between London Paddington and Charlbury, it is the perfect weekend getaway for guests seeking a country escape. 

The characterful bedrooms sit above the pub and The Barn, including a two-bedroom family suite, all of which take design inspiration from the neighbouring ancient woodland with names such as Beech, Oak and Meadowsweet. The bedroom interiors combine comfort with intricate details, ranging from hand blocked wallpaper made in Oxfordshire, to carefully restored crewelwork embroidery and fourposter beds built from Daylesford Estate wood. The design was heavily inspired by the history of The Bell itself. Original materials have been sympathetically restored, and local and recycled materials were introduced during construction to minimise the impact on the environment, with the bar crafted using ash also from Daylesford Estate. Fabrics from Nila, a charitable organisation dedicated to honouring and preserving natural dye and handloom traditions of rural India, have been used throughout the interiors.

The walled orchard garden is over an acre in size. Dotted with apple trees, the grassy banks gently roll down to a stream which trickles along the end of the idyllic outdoor space. Complete with a bar, two terraces seating up to 70 people and outdoor games, it makes for the perfect spot to enjoy a refreshing evening drink or a delicious sharing platter with family or friends.

The Bell serves seasonal dishes made with local produce from Daylesford Organic across the 45-cover pub which is composed of several intimate nooks and small rooms, providing guests with a cosy atmosphere. Meanwhile, in The Barn; a 40 cover open-plan dining room has been designed with gatherings in mind. Sharing platters and relaxed dining are the order of the day. Sunday roasts will be perfectly primed over the slow cooked fire, whilst the daily specials range from spit roast chicken to whole Cornish lobster. Whether it is friends and family dining at the weekend or hiring the space for a gathering, The Barn acts as a home- from-home dining space at the centre of the community where guests can relax over a delicious meal without the fuss. Drinks will range from simple cocktails and a delicious yet accessible wine list whilst local breweries such as Hooky and Hawkstone will be on offer at the bar.