It was nearly Howard's end in 2015 before two local families stepped in to restore the fortunes of this traditional village pub, which 'makes a great base for exploring the Cotswolds' with its 'upmarket pub food, good service and excellent breakfasts'. A creative makeover has preserved the character of the beamed, flagstone-floored bar, a social hub with creaky leather armchairs by a log fire. The walls are hung with fun artwork and old photographs. Individually styled bedrooms have bags of character. Most have a bath and shower, and all are supplied with percolator coffee and gingerbread. 'Mattress and pillows first class,' reports one reader. Others had a 'spacious, ground-floor room overlooking the extensive, well-maintained garden'. The dual-aspect Village Room has a half-tester bed, a view of the green complete with spreading chestnut tree. Study Room, under the eaves, can sleep a family. In the busy bar/restaurant, 'the food is excellent', and arrives in 'very generous portions'. The beef carpaccio gets a special mention: 'probably the best I have ever had – very tender and sliced more thickly than usual. I'd return just for this.' (Peter Anderson, Rob and Shirley Lyne, Bill Wood)