The Wheatsheaf Inn

The personal touch

Sam and Georgina Pearman’s creeper-covered Wheatsheaf Inn, situated in the market town of Northleach, cuts a dash, with the smart, country-style good looks of the bar and dining areas matched by 14 glamorous bedrooms. There’s lots of character inside and out, with a spacious dining area, cosy snug and a game bar where if there’s a game on, it’s game on (Sam’s passions are food and rugby, not necessarily in that order). With well-chosen artworks, leather armchairs and open fireplaces, the Wheatsheaf Inn is the kind of place you can squirrel yourself away and spend all day (there’s even a treatment room on-site if you really want to be pampered). Staff are fresh-faced, super-cheerful and, most importantly of all, know their business. There’s a contemporary quality here, too, with dining that is both rustic and modern, and the sort of all-round attention to detail that elevates this inn above the opposition (check out the art on the walls).

Sticky fingers

The children’s menu has been designed by experts – the children from Northleach Primary School! In the bedrooms, cots, Z beds and baby monitors smooth the way, and there’s a babysitting service.

Muddy paws

Well-behaved dogs on leads are welcome in the main front bar and the game bar (deep-fried pigs’ ears and water bowls available). Three of the bedrooms are dog friendly.

Alfresco

The outside areas consist of several split-level terraces. The first is the smartest with hardwood furniture, attractive planters, pots and borders, plus outside heaters to extend the season. The next level up sees wooden tables on a neat lawn, before the top terrace with its long bench tables. The whole space is surrounded by a Cotswold-stone wall, with rows of pruned trees and country flower borders, and in summertime there’s a Wendy house to occupy young children.

What’s on?

The annual summer party is a regular event with live music from local musicians, plus a BBQ (2014 had a Wimbledon theme). Summer BBQs are a consistent feature, too, with a Farmers’ Feast to raise money for the Duchenne charity. During Cheltenham race week, there’s a pre-race evening called Mark the Card, with people like National Hunt trainer Kim Bailey and broadcaster Nick Luck talking about Gold Cup week, plus a few top tips of course (advance booking required). Steak night is a feature in the Game Bar, and there’s also a film club with a children’s film on a Sunday.

Book a room at this inn

David Hancock says

The Best Bits

Chic Cotswold bolthole
Smart country-style good looks abound
Daily menus, great cooking, robust flavours
Bedrooms – glamorous and affordable
Stunning terraced garden - alfresco heaven
Great, cheery and knowledgeable staff

Attention to detail on all levels

What’s the Damage?

14 doubles: £140-£180 (inclusive of continental breakfast). Cooked breakfast £11.

What Else?

All credit cards taken
Private dining facilities
Alfresco dining
Disabled access to restaurant and 3 rooms

Parking

Gongs

Waitrose Good Food Guide

The Wheatsheaf Inn

Do not disturb

The 14 double rooms are a classy bunch with a mix of shapes and sizes and each decorated in a stylish and contemporary manner. The colours are fashionably muted, save for some splashes of colour from artworks and designer fabrics and wallpaper, with sturdy and well-chosen furniture such as hand-crafted beds ensuring a high quality feel throughout. The bathrooms really up the glam stakes with some rooms featuring roll-top baths, others with trendy modern showers and all stocked with handmade toiletries. There are three rooms on the ground floor with direct access to the garden areas, while wheelchair access is achieved with only a little assistance required.

Creature comforts

Egyptian cotton duvets and pillows; Hypnos beds; 100 Acres bathroom products; room service in restaurant hours

Gadgets

Bang & Olufsen TVs; Sky TV; Free Wi-Fi

Pampering

Treatments such as holistic Swedish massage, waxes, manicures and make-up lessons are available at the in-house 100 Acres Treatment Room. Booking is required www.100acres.com

What’s for Breakfast?

Green juice: apple, fennel & cucumber; purple juice: beetroot & carrot; porridge with Cotswolds’ honey; pancakes with blueberries and crème fraîche; Burford Brown egg and soldiers; grilled kipper with butter; smoked haddock, poached egg; bacon & egg sandwich; eggs Benedict; The Wheatsheaf Inn full English breakfast (£11)

What’s the damage?

Rooms: £140-£180 (inclusive of continental breakfast).

Book a room at this inn

David Hancock says

The Best Bits

Attention to detail on all levels

What’s the Damage?

14 doubles: £140-£180 (inclusive of continental breakfast). Cooked breakfast £11.

What Else?

All credit cards taken
Private dining facilities
Alfresco dining
Disabled access to restaurant and 3 rooms

Parking

Gongs

Waitrose Good Food Guide

The Wheatsheaf Inn

Mastering the menu

The daily-changing menu is focused on seasonal British ingredients and delivers robust and hearty flavours with a bit of refinement that wouldn’t look out of place in a slick metropolitan brasserie. Head chef Ethan Rogers’ kitchen turns out everything from a breakfast of French toast with streaky bacon (served from 8am) to evening main courses of grilled sea bass with salsa verde or a pie filled with ox cheek, bacon and mushrooms. If you book the private dining room the feast menu awaits, with the likes of a whole suckling pig served on large platter for sharing (live like Henry VIII for a day at least). The children’s menu delivers proper stuff such as mini shepherd’s pie.

On the menu

Devilled kidneys on toast £6

Twice-baked Cheddar soufflé with spinach & grain mustard £7.50

Ox cheek, bacon & mushroom pie with creamed potato & heritage carrots £17

Pan-fried stone bass with confit fennel, spinach & bourguignon sauce £19

Rhubarb & orange tart with pastry cream £6

Sunday Roasts

Always three meats on offer

Foodie Extras

Summer BBQs are a warm-weather highlight, with alfresco dining a good option whether or not they’ve fired up the charcoal. Breakfast is available to residents and non-residents alike, turning out everything from pancakes with maple syrup and bacon to a full English breakfast.

Time to Eat

Breakfast: 8am - 10am

Lunch: 12 noon - 3pm (3:30pm Sunday)

Dinner: 6pm - 9pm (10pm Friday & Saturday)

Local, local, local

New Wave Seafood (www.new-wave.co.uk) / The Really Interesting Crab Company (www.thereallyinterestingcrabcompany.co.uk)

Cheese – Neal’s Yard Dairy (www.nealsyarddairy.co.uk)

Organic Meat – Macaroni Farm, Eastleach (www.macaronifarm.co.uk)

Charcuterie – Trealy Farm Charcuterie (www.trealy.co.uk)

Poultry – Great Farm, Fairford (www.greatfarm.co.uk)

Bread – Hobbs House Bakery, Chipping Sodbury (www.hobbshousebakery.co.uk)

Vegetables – Mise en Place, Cirencester

Game – local shoots and farms

Real Ales – Cotswold Brewering Company, Cheltenham (www.cotswoldbrewing.com)/Bath Ales (www.bathales.com)

Behind the bar

There’s a good crew of three draught ales on board including the likes of Sharp’s seasonal Red Ale, Barnsey from Bath Ales, and a pale ale such as Monterey from the Beerd Brewery. They also have their own Bobby Brew, a premium lager, and over a dozen bottled beers and ciders from around the world. The wine list is a cracker, with over 300 bins to choose from and 15 available by the glass in two measures. There’s an excellent global spread, with the French big-hitters sitting alongside interesting options from Italy, the USA and just about everywhere else. There are plenty of sparklers, too, including some English stuff from Nyetimber. If you fancy something a little stronger, take a look at the cocktail list (with a page dedicated to gin cocktails), or stick to the neat stuff and try one (or two) of the 20 types of malt whisky (including rye and bourbon). They stock cigars if you intend going the whole hog.

Bar snacks

Olives & nuts

Charcuterie

Pan-fried nuts in a chilli coating

Time at the bar

11am - 11pm

Book a room at this inn

David Hancock says

The Best Bits

Attention to detail on all levels

What’s the Damage?

14 doubles: £140-£180 (inclusive of continental breakfast). Cooked breakfast £11.

What Else?

All credit cards taken
Private dining facilities
Alfresco dining
Disabled access to restaurant and 3 rooms

Parking

Gongs

Waitrose Good Food Guide

Inn Location

Shopping

Activities

Places to Visit

WALKING

www.nationaltrail.co.uk/cotswold-way
www.escapetothecotswolds.org.uk/walking
The 100-mile Cotswold Way begins at Chipping Campden and is a great way to discover this lovely region. An assortment of walks websites and local guidebooks provides a multitude of long-distance trails and circular half-day routes, too.

Inn Location - The Wheatsheaf Inn

Activities

Cotswold Archery, Batsford GL56 9AD
Deep in the Cotswold countryside, at Batsford Arboretum near Moreton-in-Marsh, is this dedicated archery range. There’s a good choice of bows and expert professional tuition.

Ian Coley Sporting (Shooting), Andoversford GL54 4AX
Not far from Northleach are several country estates and shooting schools where clay pigeon shooting regularly takes place, including Ian Coley’s at Andoversford. With advice and guidance, this activity is perfect, whether you are an experienced shot or just a beginner.

Off Roading, Cotswold Water Park GL7 5GF
The Cotswold Off Road Driving School offers guidance from 4x4 competitors and instructors. The spectacular and challenging course is based at the Cotswold Water Park near Cirencester and is suitably scenic and picturesque.

Fishing, Coln St Aldwyns GL7 5AN
There’s a choice of fishing on offer, including dry fly, nymph and chalk stream. The nearby River Coln, one of the prettiest in the Cotswolds, is a popular fishing destination.

Burnt Ash Farm Riding Stables, Minchinhampton GL6 8PD
About one mile from Minchinhampton, between Cirencester and Stroud, is where you can take to the saddle and enjoy the pleasures of horse riding.

Places to Visit

Sezincote, Moreton-in-Marsh GL56 9AW
The distinctive dome at Sezincote is supposed to have given the Prince Regent the idea for Brighton Pavilion. The house, begun in 1805, was built by Sir Charles Cockerell, who made his fortune with the East India Company. The gardens are equally stunning.

Chedworth Roman Villa GL54 3LJ
Situated in a secluded part of the Coln valley, the Roman villa at Chedworth dates from around AD 120 and is open daily from mid-February to the end of November and was originally believed to have been a farmhouse.

Cotswold Falconry Centre, Batsford, Moreton-in-Marsh GL56 9AB
Falcons, eagles, vultures and other birds of prey are your companions here as they swoop above you – the flying displays are breathtaking. You can even pose for photographs with an owl on your arm.

Bourton-on-the-Water GL54 2AQ
With its picturesque stone buildings and pretty river Windrush running through the main street, it’s easy to see why this spacious Cotswold village is so popular. Nearby at Lower Slaughter is the Old Mill Museum, which explains the history of this former flourmill, a key industrial landmark in the Cotswolds.

Batsford Arboretum, Moreton-in-Marsh GL56 9AD
There are now more than a thousand varieties of trees on display with colours particularly spectacular in spring and autumn. Expect to find azaleas, cherries and rhododendrons among the species.

Court Barn Museum, Chipping Campden GL55 6JE
Just yards from Chipping Campden’s glorious wool church lies Court Barn Museum, which illustrates the story of the Arts and Craft Movement from the beginning of the 20th century to the present day.

The Gloucestershire & Warwickshire Steam Railway, Toddington GL54 5DT
Though no longer part of the national railway network, these wonderful old steam trains have made a welcome comeback and are a great way to discover the delights of the Cotswold countryside.

Sudeley Castle, Winchcombe GL54 5JD
Originally built in the 15th century and restored several hundred years later, Sudeley Castle is famous for its ruined but impressive Banqueting Hall. Catherine Parr, the sixth wife of Henry VIII, lived here and is buried in the nearby church.

Snowshill Manor WR12 7JU
A handsome Tudor building with later additions, standing in glorious terraced gardens, includes an impressive collection of items amassed by Charles Wade, its former owner, who gave the house to the National Trust in 1951.

Shopping

Cotswold Cheese Company, Moreton-in-Marsh GL56 0AH
This is where you’ll find everything from artisan and farmhouse cheeses to local Cotswold produce. Cakes and hampers are also available and made to order.

The Promenade, Cheltenham GL50 1NW
One of the region’s most stylish shopping boulevards and home to some of the country’s leading fashion houses, shoe shops and booksellers.

The Borzoi Bookshop, Stow-on-the-Wold GL54 1BB
Stow’s well-established independent bookseller stocks a vast range of books, including most of the classics. Out-of-print books, striking greeting cards and wrapping paper are also available.

Jungle Boutique, Brewery Court, Cirencester GL7 1JH
Among a host of prominent retailers at the heart of Cirencester is the Jungle Boutique, with a range of unique clothes, and accessories. French, Spanish and Italian designer ranges with an eclectic mix of striking jewelry and bags to reflect the latest fashions and trends.

Cox's Architectural Salvage Yard, Moreton-in-Marsh, GL56 9NQ
This specialist supplier of architectural salvage is one of Britain’s oldest established reclamation yards. Called upcycling these days, expect to find an amazing assortment of items here – everything from Belfast sinks to stained glass.

Reviews

This property has no reviews.

Book a room at this inn

David Hancock says

The Best Bits

Attention to detail on all levels

What’s the Damage?

14 doubles: £140-£180 (inclusive of continental breakfast). Cooked breakfast £11.

What Else?

All credit cards taken
Private dining facilities
Alfresco dining
Disabled access to restaurant and 3 rooms

Parking

Gongs

Waitrose Good Food Guide

Rates & Booking

Start from:
2016
Good	120.00	120.00	120.00	120.00	120.00	120.00	120.00
VeryGood	150.00	150.00	170.00	170.00	150.00	150.00	150.00
Excellent	180.00	180.00	200.00	200.00	180.00	180.00	180.00

Book this inn From £120

Check In

Nights

Location, Location, Location

Leave A40 at junction with A429 and find inn on the high street in village

Book a room at this inn

David Hancock says

The Best Bits

Attention to detail on all levels

What’s the Damage?

14 doubles: £140-£180 (inclusive of continental breakfast). Cooked breakfast £11.

What Else?

All credit cards taken
Private dining facilities
Alfresco dining
Disabled access to restaurant and 3 rooms

Parking

Gongs

Waitrose Good Food Guide

Food Trail

Take it back home - tour the brewery that brewed your favourite pint, visit the shop on the farm that reared your delicious Sunday roast beef, and seek out the roadside stalls selling the local crab and samphire on the inn’s menu, the Food Trail features the local artisan producers and suppliers where you can buy to enjoy at home.

Change of scenery - looking for a pub for lunch following a country walk, a different venue for dinner, or a good café for coffee, light lunch or afternoon tea, then the best in the area are listed below. If you find a new and exciting eatery in the area that’s worthy of a mention on the Food Trail, then please to do let us know – [email protected].

Inn Location - The Wheatsheaf Inn

The Tavern, Cheltenham GL50 3DN
Sibling to The Wheatsheaf, this bar and restaurant is a short walk from Cheltenham’s Promenade and serves a range of craft ales, wines and cocktails to accompany a modern British menu with American and Asian influences.

The Woolpack Inn, Slad GL6 7QA
In the heart of the beautiful Slad Valley, this timeless 16th century inn is one of the most iconic Cotswold pubs and has long-enjoyed its association with Cider With Rosie author Laurie Lee, who was a regular here. The pub is still packed with Lee memorabilia but the excellent food and local ales are reason enough to pop in.

The Chequers, Churchill OX7 6NJ
Another sibling to The Wheatsheaf, this excellent gastropub serves some fantastic modern British food from regularly changing blackboard menus. The beers are good, too, but you can also try a glass of wine from the very good menu or maybe a cocktail. The steak and chips is first class.

Butts Farm, South Cerney GL7 5QE
Master butcher Gary Wallace opened this award-winning farm shop in 2003 and now sells his rare-breed meats to many top restaurants in the UK, as well as via the shop located at the heart of this working farm. The shops sells fresh fruit and veg from the Vale of Evesham as well as local farm eggs, chutneys and condiments. The farm-reared dry-cured and oak-smoked bacon is to die for.

Cats Brewing Co, Shenington OX15 6HW
This new cask ale microbrewery run by friends Chris and Tom produces three excellent beers, including the ‘unconventional amber ale’ Tabby, which are sold in selected Cotswold pubs. Give them 48 hours notice and you can stop off at their brewery shop and buy it in bottles or boxes to take home.

Jolly Nice, Frampton Mansell GL6 8HZ
Located at the old White Horse filling station between Stroud and Cirencester, this farm shop and diner is run by local ice cream maker Harriet Wilson, whose award-winning frozen delights are available alongside local organic veg, milk, rare-breed meat and artisan bread. As well as the ice cream, stop at the cafe for excellent coffee, sourdough toasties, bacon rolls and burgers made from local beef.

The Swan Inn, Swinbrook OX18 4DY
(see Inn Places entry)

New Wave Fish Shop, 40 Dyer Street, Cirencester GL7 2PF
Being in landlocked Gloucestershire is no excuse to miss out on the best and freshest fish and seafood and New Wave fishmongers stocks a fantastic selection sourced directly from Devon, Cornwall and Shetland. The shop also sells a range of local and seasonal produce, such as Cotswold game, Wye Valley asparagus, and wild mushrooms.

The Feathered Nest Inn, Nether Westcote OX7 6SD
(see Inn Places entry)

Made By Bob, Market Place, Cirencester GL7 2NY
In the heart of Cirencester located in the former Roman Corn Hall building, this exceptional restaurant and deli attracts discerning foodies from all over the Cotswolds. Owner/chef Bob Parkinson previously worked under the great Simon Hopkinson at Bibendum restaurant in London and is regarded as one of the best chefs in the region.

Dolcetti Ice Cream Parlour, Love Lane, Cirencester GL7 1YG
If you’ve tasted the wonderful Dolcetti ice cream on the menu at The Wheatsheaf, why not pop into the factory’s ‘parlour’, which serves 24 different flavours of gelato, sorbets and yoghurt ice cream, all handmade on the premises using milk from local pedigree Holstein cows.

The Organic Farm Shop, Cirencester GL7 5HF
Two miles from Cirencester on the B4425, and only 15 minutes from The Wheatsheaf, this award-winning organic farm specialises in grass-fed beef, which is sold in the farm shop along with organic veg, local dairy products and much more. A daily-changing menu in the cafe includes lots of veggie options, with ‘meat as a treat’ Sunday lunches featuring beef from the farm.

Adam Henson's Cotswold Farm Park, Guiting Power GL54 5UG
Established in 1971 by the father of BBC Countryfile presenter Adam Henson, this popular farm park is home to over 50 rare breeds, many of which you can see if you take the “safari" tour of the farm. Children can feed the chickens and pigs while grown-ups can listen to some of the talks about animal husbandry and general conservation.

The Wheatsheaf Inn

Northleach, Gloucestershire GL54 3EZ

The Wheatsheaf Inn

The personal touch

Sticky fingers

Muddy paws

Alfresco

What’s on?

David Hancock says

The Best Bits

What’s the Damage?

What Else?

Gongs

The Wheatsheaf Inn

Do not disturb

Creature comforts

Gadgets

Pampering

What’s for Breakfast?

What’s the damage?

David Hancock says

The Best Bits

What’s the Damage?

What Else?

Gongs

The Wheatsheaf Inn

Mastering the menu

On the menu

Sunday Roasts

Foodie Extras

Time to Eat

Local, local, local

Behind the bar

Bar snacks

Time at the bar

David Hancock says

The Best Bits

What’s the Damage?

What Else?

Gongs

WALKING

Activities

Places to Visit

Shopping

Reviews

David Hancock says

The Best Bits

What’s the Damage?

What Else?

Gongs

Rates & Booking

Book this inn From £120

Location, Location, Location

David Hancock says

The Best Bits

What’s the Damage?

What Else?

Gongs

Food Trail

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