This October, The Feathers, in the heart of historic Woodstock, reopens following a multi-million pound renovation. Interiors have been reimagined, providing a contemporary twist on the Grade II listed building while maintaining the building’s captivating charm. The reopening brings with it The Nest; a distinguished new brasserie and The Aviary Bar; poised to become a local hotspot with an impressive wine list and cocktail menu.
Located just moments from Blenheim Palace – a World Heritage Site and birthplace of Sir Winston Churchill – The Feathers boasts an idyllic location in the heart of Woodstock with a selection of independent restaurants, boutiques and artisan bakeries on the hotel’s doorstep, while providing the perfect base for those wanting to discover the Cotswolds. Maintaining its namesake, The Feathers pays homage to hotelier Gordon Campbell Gray, who first named the property in 1980 after his collection of preserved birds, a theme that continues to inspire the property today.
Each of the 23 rooms and suites, restaurant, bar and lobby have been reimagined by the world renowned AGC BTR. Breathing new life into the building, originally conceptualised in the 1960s, inspiration has been taken from the surrounding landscape for the hotel’s colour palette including hues of natural stone, unique to Woodstock and the Cotswolds, as well as shades inspired by the expansive green spaces that encapsulate Oxfordshire to create bright and modern spaces.
Blending newness with the properties storied past, much of the building’s original structure remains alongside historical design features including beams and old fireplaces adding character to each of the rooms. Three feature suites; the Robin Suite, Goldcrest Suite and Nightingale Suite each boast large living spaces and carefully considered furniture including feature bed drapes in the Robin Suite, thoughtfully placed accent lighting and curated art from local artists to create a home away from home. In keeping with their B Corp certification, AGC BTR have favoured local suppliers and chosen Cotswold made furniture, including the fitted banquette seating and the upholstered lounge chairs throughout the hotel.
Downstairs and occupying the ground floor, the reopening welcomes The Nest – a new relaxed brasserie that extends out onto an expansive terrace. Inviting hotel guests, locals and visitors alike, The Nest is set to become a bustling hub in the heart of Woodstock’s charming market town. Under the expert guidance of Head Chef Luke Rawicki, here the finest local produce, traditional British fare and unexpected flavour combinations come together in one inviting space. Open all day for breakfast, lunch and dinner, guests can indulge in a new menu that showcases the best in season, including a daily selection of local steak.
Favouring homegrown ingredients and seasonal produce, hero dishes include a Beetroot Gnocchi with Goats cheese, anise honey and tender stem, Stuffed saddle of South West Lamb served with peas, mint salsa verde and jersey royals alongside a Pan Roasted Hallibut with sweetcorn, prosciutto and pak choi. For dessert, Set Tonka Bean Custard is blended with English strawberries, Cotswolds elderflower and lemon. Welcoming guests of all ages, the littlest of eaters can expect family favourites including tomato basil pasta, steak burger and to finish, banana split.
Those celebrating an intimate occasion, The Nest’s elegant semi-private dining area accommodates up to 12 guests in an exclusive setting. For the summer months, the hotel’s expansive terrace houses an Argentinian BBQ, serving a selection of meat and fish including pork chop with charred aubergine and apple, half lobster with new potatoes and salsa verde or charred spring greens with za’atar, coconut labneh and a savoury granola.
For a pre or post dinner tipple, or a leisurely pit-stop in Woodstock, The Aviary Bar at The Feathers opens with a refreshing new cocktail menu featuring an innovative selection of unique concoctions alongside beloved classics. Each cocktail is made with a deep sense of place, drawing inspiration from the local area and incorporating a homemade ingredient; Garden Party blends homemade Birch and Almond Syrup while The Feathers of Woodstock blends Elderberry and Earl Grey Cordial with a Hibiscus Sparkling Wine, both made on site.
Guests can also expect a selection of locally sourced spirits and ciders including Hawkstone Pils from nearby Cotswold Brew Co and the brainchild of Jeremy Clarkson alongside Cotswold cider, gin and cream liqueur. The impressive wine list features a number of varieties, favouring the best from each region including English sparkling wine Nyetimber and Henners Gardner Street Rosé from Herstmonceux vineyard in East Sussex.
A space for local artists to showcase their work, the gallery wall within the hotel’s study displays artwork from Caroline Parkes and Louisa Foster while in the restaurant and bar, paintings from Morgan Jackson and Katie-Lark Ratcliffe are displayed.
The article Woodstock welcomes a new cultural destination: The Feathers reimagined first appeared in TravelDailyNews International.
