The Lion is a 18th century village pub which can be found located in Wendlebury, just outside of Bicester in Oxfordshire. This quaint pub has recently reopened following an extensive refurbishment, which aimed to bring the building up to date whilst retaining its original charm and features. We were very intrigued to visit and see how they had got on with the refurbishment, and we’re very pleased to say that it was most impressive.
The refurbishment has clearly been a huge success as we were happy to note that the building has indeed retained many of its original features, and everything from the traditional flooring to the exposed beams was in fantastic condition. Being part of the Brakspear group of pubs, The Lion emulates everything we have come to love about the Brakspear brand. The pub boasts 13 rooms in total, each with its own unique layout and design.
Our room was perfectly comfortable with a neutral country colour palette that instantly made us feel relaxed. The bed was large and made for a great nights’ sleep, complete with a warm blanket. The bathroom was well proportioned and functional, and had been finished to a high standard.
“We had a great night’s sleep, ate very well and felt completely relaxed throughout our time there.”
As well as their host of comfortable bedrooms, The Lion also has a great restaurant offering with a menu to please everyone from children to foodies. It also offers a fantastic outdoor terrace and garden area for the warmer months, with traditional pub dining in a warm and inviting atmosphere indoors for those colder days. The menu is a celebration of all things British, and embodies everything you could ask for of a traditional village pub.
We were pleased with the service throughout our stay, the staff were friendly and helpful yet not imposing, and they were always on hand to offer tips and recommendations for the local area. We would certainly recommend a trip to Bicester Village – the designer shopping outlet nearby – whilst you’re in the area.
Overall, we were very happy with our stay at The Lion and look forward to returning. We had a great night’s sleep, ate very well and felt completely relaxed throughout our time there. It was everything you could want from an escape from the city, and it comes highly recommended by us as a great destination for a country break.
The Bill: £110 per night
