The Lion at Wendlebury
The first thing that grabbed me as I entered my room was a spa-like aroma filling my nostrils the second I opened the door. The second thing was the bed – the enormous bed with fluffy cloud-like bedding – a bed that was calling me to crumble into it and leave the rest of the world far, far away.
In that moment I felt home, it was one of those “right time, right place” moments where you feel immediately at ease despite never having set foot in the place before.
I planned my trip to The Lion at Wendlebury some time ago, my partner and I were so excited to be getting out of the big smoke for a night. The pressure of Christmas had sneakily started to creep up on us and we needed to nip it in the bud. But things don’t always go as planned and as it happened, I found myself travelling solo.
I’ll be honest – I panicked. I’m not sure why, I do things by myself all the time. I see myself as independent, strong, tough. But the idea of a romantic break for one filled me with dread, and I had more than once questioned if I would see the weekend through on the journey up here.
But after some thinking and reasoning with myself, I realised how much I actually needed a relaxing weekend for myself. And I’m so glad I listened to that inner voice of mine.
The Lion at Wendlebury is an 18th century village inn, nestled in the picturesque village of Wendlebury in Oxfordshire, about two miles from Bicester Village Outlet shopping centre, and under an hour’s train journey from London Marylebone.
The venue has recently re-launched with 13 new rooms housed within a cottage adjacent to the main pub building.
Claire Lenkowiec, the newly appointed general manager told me she was excited to be welcoming a flurry of visitors to The Lion. “We are already a popular local, and the launch of the new rooms and the refurbishment only enhances what’s already here to create an even more comfortable and appealing place to drink, dine and stay,” she smiled.
Having enjoyed a house wine while reading today’s newspaper, my mind turned to daydreaming, imagining what life would be like should I ever relocate to a small countryside village.
The pub’s interior is modern while retaining original features including three fireplaces and a welcoming and cosy atmosphere.
After some time fantasising I finally forced myself up from the comfortable chair and headed to my room to relax in that cumulus-inspired bed.
As I wandered to through the open courtyard on my way to dinner several hours later, a roaring outdoor fireplace reminded me that we were indeed heading towards winter. Whatever the weather outside, though, the welcome is warm as you arrive for dinner at The Lion.
I was seated in a stunning barn-like dining room. Table for one – this was the big test for me and I had brought a book, just in case. The dining room was ornate and cosy, offering true countryside warmth. Bunches of dry lavender hung from big wooden beams supporting the ceiling, exposed Cotswolds stone walls decorated with different art pieces, soft lighting and tartan furniture.
I started with Pan-fried North Atlantic Scallops with pea veloute and nasturtium oil (sans pancetta crisps for me) and for mains, I opted for Cepe Mushroom and Truffle Risotto. Already full, I was persuaded to try the Warm Sticky Toffee Pudding, served with butterscotch sauce and milk ice-cream for dessert. Despite being unable to
move, I had no regrets. The whole experience was utterly divine.
I rolled myself back into my room and enjoyed a hot shower in my en-suite bathroom, which was equipped with a big walk-in rain shower and luxury Temple Spa toiletries.
I climbed into my big bed and turned on the TV. I settled in, feeling content and happy. Without an ounce of embarrassment, I don’t mind admitting I fell asleep just after 9.30pm.
The next morning, I made the most of my surroundings with a brisk walk through Wendlebury village before enjoying some home-cooked breakfast. I feasted on fresh pastries and a full veggie breakfast.
I had an amazingly relaxing stay at The Lion and I can’t wait to bring my partner back with me. And with the Bicester Shopping Village just a short drive away, there really isn’t a better excuse for a little weekend gateway.
- The Lion at Wendlebury, Wendlebury Road, Wendlebury, Bicester, Oxfordshire OX25 2PW. For more information and bookings, click here.
Trains depart from London Marylebone and take under one hour.
Rooms from £130 a night on a B&B basis; dogs are welcome for £20 supplement a night each.
