The Oxenham Arms

Friendly, helpful bar staff, a warming open fire, and a lovely pint of ale served in a handle glass. This pub and hotel has plenty of history and ghost stories. Just don’t ask management for cheese on your chips!

Google led us to the Oxenham Arms when we stopped near the A30 for a local pub. It turned out to be a lovely find. We had curried parsnip soup with crusty bread, and enjoyed the historical character of the place. Friendly staff, a good choice of local ales, and zero alcohol options too.

Lunch was a lovely experience, especially the sage and squash ravioli. It was delicious, full of different flavours, and needed no extra seasoning. My fellow diner chose the same main and also enjoyed a lemon mousse. The menu was delightful, and the staff were personable, professional, and clearly well trained, handling a busy lunchtime alone across the bar, snug, and kitchen. The public areas, toilets, bar, and snug were spotless. Even the wall lights had no dust, which says a lot in such an old, fully furnished building. I noticed that while standing by the stone in the snug. We weren’t staying, so I can’t comment on the rooms. It was a sunny November day, but a fire in the bar would have been welcome since the stone walls and window sills kept the winter sun from warming the room. The village car park directions could also be clearer. We only noticed the rather obscure entrance as we were leaving after lunch. Credit to the bar and waiting staff, and especially the chef, who handled the lunch shift solo.

The Inn’s history is astounding, and I loved seeing its original standing stone intact. We came for dinner with a tour group and had the best meal of our whole three week trip. We didn’t stay overnight, though I wish we had. My husband and I want to come back, stay a few days, explore the area, and eat more of that excellent food.