A truly remote hotel pub, set in the North Wessex Downs (a spot recognised as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty), the Pheasant is a genuinely stunning property. Located at the crossroads between the south coast and the Cotswolds – easily accessible off the M4 – this place might make you totally reconsider your preconceptions about Young’s, the chain of pubs and hotels. Generic this certainly is not.
The staff affectionately refer to the area as the Valley of the Racers, due to its horsey heritage. Inside, walls are adorned with black-and-white photos of local horse trainers, the bathroom corridors are full of framed flamboyant racer jackets, and countless (often huge) equestrian paintings hang throughout the property. I’m a bit of a stickler for decent hotel décor (I’ve lost many hours scrolling through booking sites, unable to confirm somewhere to stay because the furnishings are too weird, too tired or too dated) and I enjoyed all of the horse paraphernalia. It’s got a theme but it’s not tacky. There’s robust farmhouse furniture, wicker baskets, gigantic glass candle holders and oversized ceramic lamps emitting fuzzy glows that compliment the open fireplace.
The rooms feature plush headboards, heavy black-out Lewis and Wood-designed curtains to induce that high quality shut-eye that every parent craves, plus a deep-pile mattress (perfect for kids that like to bounce) and what felt like 1,000-thread count Egyptian cotton sheets. And of course, it was also kitted out with the ubiquitous Roberts radio alarm that you’ll obviously not need if you’re travelling with kids. The tiled bathroom with a wet-room shower was super clean (stocked with Bramley body location, a hack alternative to your spenny Aesop). There’s a thoughtful Borrow Box for kids too, with hot chocolate, Smarties to take away and some great activities to keep them busy without an iPad.
The food ought to get a special mention. The roast here is really good, the gravy boat pours the good stuff and fluffy Yorkshires are as big as your head. Kids burgers are real filler-uppers too. This is a nice, relaxed pub vibe, not a stiff mediocre hotel bar. The staff are easy going, friendly and – crucially – very good with children. After a single night’s stay my kids proclaimed they wanted to stay for a year. You probably won’t get a more honest review than that.
Nearby
Hungerford is a cutsie historical town, with plenty of ye olde tea rooms and antique shops. The Rose of Hungerford canal boat runs trips along the Kennet and Avon branch of the waterway, from Easter to October. And if you want to experience the real Downton Abbey, it’s just 20 minutes away. Highclere Castle is a popular local landmark whose fame went global when it appeared as the titular mansion in the period drama TV series. Then, a mere 13 miles away, lies the historic market town of Marlborough and its red brick college, where our very own Princess of Wales and siblings are alumni.
Top Tip
The Pheasant is also a dog-friendly place: pay a little extra for the ‘Scrampers and Hampers Package’ and your pooch will get to stay with treats they’ll love.