The Old Stocks Inn: A perfect break and fine food in the heart of the Cotswolds

The Old Stocks Inn in Stow-on-the Wold once consisted of three cottages and, at another point in its history, was an antiques shop. Once owned by a clergyman, the lounge in part of the building dates back more than 400 years. The old stocks, as the name would suggest, are sited in a square at the front of the boutique hotel.

It advertises itself as the warmest welcome in the Cotswolds and it really does feel like it lives up to its reputation with Richard welcoming us with a friendly handshake. The Old Stocks Inn opened its doors four years ago after a £2m refurbishment that saw the old painted beams of the fusty old Grade II-listed coaching inn being stripped back to their original glory.

But it's not at all stuffy. Far from it. Our room had a smart speaker device in it which the management are experimenting with as a kind of virtual concierge. Some guests hate it, apparently. But we didn't - it was a neat idea.

When we arrived up the fantastically wonky stairs, that are clearly hundreds of years old, to the top of the building, Classic FM was playing in our room, which was welcoming and relaxing.

The room itself was decorated in a Scandinavian style - with a grey knitted seat, an uber-cool retro blue telephone, and huge bed beneath the original wood beams. A blue velvet sofa was at the foot of the bed, giving a suite feel to the room, a place to relax while you get ready or read. There are splashes of teal in the room, which don't overwhelm.

It has a mini-bar with free gin and tonic and beer and milk for the coffee to go with the Nespresso machine in the corner. All lovely, but attentive, touches.

My husband went out for a bike ride to explore some of the key hills in the surrounding area and I went for an explore around the town. There are so many varied shops that offer funky clothing, homeware, cards, chocolate and tea shops galore. I bought silver earrings for my Mum and some chocolate for one of our daughters.

In truth, we barely needed to leave The Old Stocks Inn. The autumn weather was beginning to change - with the rain starting to fall and strong gusts of wind blowing in. I retreated into the lounge area and got talking to a lovely octogenarian who'd missed her last bus home and was drinking a beer as she waited for a cab.

The cosy room 21 at The Old Stocks Inn was a bolthole from the rain and wind of the October weekend (Image: Old Stocks Inn)

I had a glass of prosecco with rhubarb and it was refreshing and a great drink to savour while looking out of the window at the weather.

I told her we were staying overnight and looking forward to dinner. "Don't drink too much," she said cheerily, as she left. "But I know you will!" This was not entirely accurate.

The Old Stocks has a cafe next door which is popular and open to non-residents. The bar is also open to non-residents who get the same friendly welcome as overnight guests.

The food was divine as you'd expect given the restaurant was awarded a double AA Rosette. I had a crispy duck egg with a chestnut mushroom ketchup and truffle dressing. I love truffle and it didn't disappoint. This was followed by the hake with spring greens, truffle baked potato mousse and a dill veloute. All perfectly cooked and more-ish. My husband had the lamb, which he declared was "simply delicious" as the meat was tender and cooked as he liked it.

A panna cotta to follow was sweet, but not too sweet, and paired with a glass of white wine.

After a couple of post-dinner drinks, we slept well, cosy in our room as the rain and wind lashed the windows outside. It didn't disturb our slumber, thankfully.

Breakfast the next morning was equally delicious after a refreshing night's sleep. I had poached eggs, with a side of smoked salmon and avocado and hollandaise. My husband had a full english.

The restaurant at the Old Stocks, Stow on the Wold (Image: The Old Stocks Inn)

We explored the nearby village of Broadway, recommended by my husband's parents as an interesting place to visit for its array of shops and cafes and as picture-perfect as you would expect from the Cotswolds. It was only a few hour's drive and we wished we could have stayed longer.

Equally, Bourton-on-the Water and Chipping Norton and Chipping Campden are not too far away, if you have time.

Unusually, for a boutique hotel it is family-friendly, with a 'bunker room' for younger guests with a triple bunk bed, separate TV and games console.