We’d forgotten how idyllic Mr Hanbury’s Mason Arms actually is, having reviewed it when it first re-opened in all its glory as part of the Artist Residence portfolio. A complete retreat and sanctuary, hidden away in South Leigh near Witney, its welcoming atmosphere embraces you from the moment you step through the doors.
With further branches in London, Bristol, Brighton and Penzance, this is certainly their most rural location, and that’s the beauty of it, its entire ethos based around relaxing, kicking back and taking time out to remember what life’s all about.
For us it was about two old friends catching up, and there’s nowhere better than Mr Hanbury’s Mason Arms to do so, the ancient thatched hostelry enveloping us from the get go.
The beautiful historic building houses a much more eclectic interior – think woodburners, cushions, sofas, art, neon signs, comfy chairs, lots of alcoves for privacy, the dining room extending in a similar vein at the back. You just want to plant yourself down in front of the fire and read a book with a glass of wine in your hand.
But first we needed to check in, having no idea what the rooms would be like, situated as they are in the former stables, all in a row.
Passing bicycles and muddy boots en route, which you can borrow to explore the local countryside, we were completely wowed by our accommodation for the night.
The Stable Suite’s shabby chic decor suited its rural location, and the attention to detail was hard to ignore, as was its spacious depth, the wooden vaulted ceilings above the bed running down the length of the room, the light pouring in, the huge metal bath on legs at the end, or the walk-in green tiled shower.
The antique basin and mirror, blankets, plump cushions – everything here has been chosen with immense care. Even the snack collection was bespoke and enticing, but we didn’t want to spoil our appetites, and desisted.
Returning to the pub itself we gathered at the quaint bar and ordered a smashing Bloody Mary and a gin & tonic, revelling in the peace as couples lounged around, and friends caught up around us. Its an easy place to shed the stresses and strains of everyday life, as we sat and chatted, the lovely assistant GM Luis Alcantara looking after us.
Once the hunger pangs began however, and dishes started sailing past us, we moved to our table where a lovely menu of five starters, mains and desserts awaited us, and a glorious bottle of rose from Provence.
Asparagus then, huge in size, warranting the season, with pecorino and a Muscatel reduction (£11), and the pickled Cornish crab with buttered sourdough and pickled cucumber (£12).
Then the wild garlic and basil Madeira cream orzo with grilled asparagus. and the blackened cod with coconut rice, caramelised pineapple and Pico de Gallo, which provided that hit of chilli, the fish well cooked.
But the piece de resistance was the pear tarte tatin with creme fraiche (£9): dense, sticky, caramelised, the surprisingly sharp fruit contrasting with the flaky pastry and cream. We also tried the dark chocolate ganache with roasted hazelnuts and raspberry, which was pretty as a picture.
Retiring to some comfy armchairs, we chatted late into the night before retiring to our rooms for a wonderful night’s sleep in our sumptuous accommodation.
Rising for breakfast, we scampered back to the restaurant for some marvellous breakfast offerings, deciding against the hearty classics and opting for the crushed avocado, chilli & poached eggs on toast (£12.50) and the sumptuous brioche french toast with poached rhubarb, greek yoghurt and maple syrup (£12) which was delicate and tasty.
How could we leave? It was a question we asked ourselves as we headed reluctantly back to real life, completely refreshed, replete and vowing to return.
So next time you need to get away, bear Mr Hanbury’s Mason Arms in mind, because it works a treat! Therapy indeed.
The Mason Arms, Station Rd, South Leigh, Witney OX29 6XN. https://www.artistresidence.co.uk/oxfordshire
