The Feathered Nest Country Inn

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Oxfordshire Cotswolds Tourism Superstar 2013 - 24 April

Our very own Tourism Superstar, Carl Morgan (Front-of-House Manager), has been nominated as one of 10 finalists for Oxfordshire Cotswolds' Tourism Superstar of 2013 Awards. The competition aims to find the district’s unsung hero who helps to make West Oxfordshire an unforgettable experience for visitors.

Help to select the Oxfordshire Cotswolds Tourism Superstar by casting your vote before 5pm on Friday, 24 May.
Vote here

Cotswolds Life Food and Drink Awards - 23 April

The Feathered Nest Country Inn has been nominated as a finalist in the 'Best Pub Restaurant' category sponsored by Tayabali Tomlin.
Cotswold Life/ Great British Life readers were invited to recommend their favourite food producers, suppliers, retailers, restaurateurs and hoteliers. A panel of judges used set criteria to whittle down the thousands of nominations received to three finalists in each category. Final judging will be conducted anonymously by an independent panel over the next month but winners will remain secret until the awards night itself on July 1 at Cheltenham Racecourse, to be compered by BBC Countryfile presenter and owner of Cotswold Farm Park, Adam Henson and BBC Masterchef winner and former Gloucester Rugby player and England captain, Phil Vickery.

Support Prostate Cancer UK - 21 April

Local, healthy and fit local lass, Sam Hale, ran The London Marathon on 21st April in 3 hours 45 minutes, to raise awareness and support for Prostate Cancer UK. The winner of "Lunch for Two" at The Nest for the correct time guessed has been notified. Thank you to all for your generous support.

BBC Children in Need Charity Evening - 9 April 2013

Thanks to all those who generously supported our Mexicana evening at The Nest. Some great Mexican attire, terrible moustaches! and genuine tequila swiggin'. I trust a good time had by all! Some of the staff had a great opportunity to change their roles for the evening, with our waiters and waitresses getting quite 'hot' in the kitchen, but the chefs definitely feeling the heat serving at the tables!

We wish to say a Big Thank you for helping us to raise £300 for our chosen charity, 'Children in Need' on the evening, with The Feathered Nest matching your generous £150. We'd say that's a good nights work for a well deserved cause. Well done amigos!! (View photos from the event)

Children's Spring Menu Cover Competition - April 2013

Thank you to all of the children who submitted entries for our Spring Menu Cover competition. We had a very hard task to find our winner out of all the wonderful entries.
Congratulations to Jessica Schute (age 8) for her wonderful drawing of 'Spring Rabbits in a field'. Second prize goes to Isobel Land (age 7) (view entry). (View current menu.)

2013 VisitEngland Awards for Excellence Finalist - March 2013

The Feathered Nest Country Inn has been named as a finalist in the 'Tourism Pub of the Year' category of the prestigious VisitEngland Awards for Excellence 2013. All finalists are guaranteed to receive either a Gold, Silver, Bronze or Highly Commended Award at the Awards Ceremony to be held on 20 May 2013 at The Point, Manchester.

Commenting on the finalists, James Berresford, VisitEngland’s Chief Executive said “I would like to congratulate all those nominated as VisitEngland Awards for Excellence finalists this year. We received 320 applications and the quality of submissions was higher than ever. It is therefore no small achievement for The Feathered Nest to become a finalist and justifiably take credit and pride in earning a coveted place in the top five in their category in England. I wish everyone all the best for the final in May”. The Tourism Pub of the Year is being sponsored the British Beer & Pub Association. More ...

Support for Prostate Cancer UK - March/April 2013

Local, healthy and fit local lass, Sam Hale, will be running The London Marathon on 21st April to raise awareness and support for Prostate Cancer UK. How long will she take to cross the line? Guess the correct time it takes for Sam to cross the finish line and "Win a Lunch for Two" at The Nest. Place your entries at the bar: 1 guess= £2.50.

3rd Rosette Awarded for Culinary Excellence - The AA, 15 January 2013

The Feathered Nest has been awarded its prestigious three AA Rosettes for Culinary Excellence. The AA Rosette scheme is long established and successfully recognizes cooking at different levels nationwide. Of all the restaurants across the UK, approximately 10% are of a standard, which is worthy of one Rosette and above. AA Rosettes are awarded solely by AA Hotel and Restaurant Inspectors with no influence from hotels, restaurants or other guides. Few restaurants, let alone pubs, achieve three rosettes. This award elevates an establishment into the big league. (Read More)

Pub of the Year 2012-2013 - Beautiful South Awards, November 2012

The Feathered Nest Country Inn wins GOLD at Beautiful South’s Awards for Excellence 2012-2013 held at Denbies Wine Estate, Surrey on 28 November. Voted 'Pub of the Year 202-2013, The Feathered Nest would like to congratulate all winners at the Awards. (Read More)

Children's Autumn Menu Cover Competition - November 2012

Thank you to all of the children who submitted entries for our Autumn Menu Cover competition. We had a very hard task to find our winner out of all the wonderful entries.
Congratulations to Olive James (age 10) for her very imaginative drawing of 'The Fox'. Second prize goes to Maria Dickman (age 10) (view entry). (View current menu.)

OpenTable / TopTable Diners Choice Awards - 2012

The Feathered Nest Inn has been voted onto the 2012 Diners' Choice lists. Diners' Choice lists are generated by the feedback received from diners who book through OpenTable and TopTable.

César Award, Good Hotel Guide - 8 October 2012

A Cotswold country inn has received a prestigious César award – the Oscars of the hotel industry – from the Good Hotel Guide, the leading independent guide to hotels of character and quality in Great Britain and Ireland. The Feathered Nest Country Inn, Nether Westcote, is named newcomer of the Year in the 2013 edition of the Guide which will be published on 8 October.

Desmond Balmer, joint editor of the Guide, said: ‘Tony and Amanda Timmer have transformed this 350-year-old country pub into a smart inn and restaurant. The renovation was executed with a sure touch. They are friendly hosts who oversee the outstanding service from a well-trained young staff. Kuba Winkowski’s cooking is delicious.’ More ...

Taste of the Rainbow's End - Cotswold Preview October 2013

Rainbow's End is the name of the Malan family's wine estate near Stellenbosch in South Africa. Tony Timmer recounts his discovery of this boutique vineyard and its wines. [Read more]

UK hotels: The best of the best? - Sunday Times, 7 October 2012

This week, the Good Hotel Guide names our finest bolt holes - Walter Stowy gives his verdict.
"Newcomer of the year: The Feathered Nest, Country Inn, Oxfordshire. Let’s not waste time...this year, make it this made-over country pub. The Cotswolds location is blissfully rural, the accommodation..." More ...

Britain's Top Affordable Hotels - Telegraph Travel, 22 September 2012

Alex Polizzi, the presenter of Channel 5's The Hotel Inspector, introduces Telegraph Travel's top 100. "Feathered Nest: This attractive Cotswold stone village house in Nether Westcote is a triumph…" More ...

Press Release: Skyfall 007 Charity Auction Event - September 2012

On 21 September ,The Feathered Nest hosted a charity dinner in aid of “Breakthrough Breast Cancer”. This black tie event was sold out on the first day the tickets were released. The September weather was not in our favour but that did not dampen the spirit of our guests, whom upon arrival for the cocktail party, had the opportunity to view two Aston Martin Cars kindly made available by HR OWEN – Aston Martin and by Mr. Mitchell – both polished to perfection I must say! More ...

AA Notable Wine List 2012-2013

The Feathered Nest's wine list has reached the final round of the AA Wine Award, and was chosen from over one thousand wine lists based on the overall quality of its wine selection and presentation. AA Recognising Excellence.

Children's Summer Menu Cover Competition - 2012

Congratulations to Laura Chapel, aged 8, the winner of our Summer Menu Cover Competition. We hope you enjoy your prize! View the winning entry. Runner up is Jasper Brumpton, for the wonderful drawing of Ed. (View image .)

Chefs' inside secrets: Where the food experts go - Metro, 18 July 2012

Where do the chefs go when they finally get some time off? Steve Smith, David Craig Lewis and others reveal their favourite delis, cafés and locals. ... "COTSWOLDS: Matt Weedon holds a Michelin star at Lords Of The Manor in Upper Slaughter, Gloucestershire: ‘For a quiet evening, you will find me at The Feathered Nest, a fantastic country pub in the village of Nether Westcote. It won AA Pub of the Year in 2011. My tipple of choice is Hooky Bitter, made in Chipping Norton. When I visit, I always have a quiet pint and cracking pub food.' More ...

Help for Heroes - July 2012

The donation box based at The Nest has raised £59.85 to date. A big thank you to all our customers who have contributed. The box will remain at The Nest in continued support of our Wounded Heroes. Read more on www.helpforheroes.org.uk.

30 Best Pubs For Summer - The Times Weekend, 9 June 2012

The Feathered Nest heads the '30 Best Pubs for Summer' in this weekend's The Times..."Everywhere you go something lovely catches the eye - not least the view, which will draw you to the terrace to look out over a patchwork of fields to a distant ridge. Around the pub there are beds of lavender, swathes of lawn and a vegetable garden that serves the kitchen. The bedrooms upstairs are gorgeous and super food waits downstairs." [Read more....]

Cotswolds Tourism Awards 2012 - Silver 'Pub of the Year' category

The 2012 Awards highlight the successes and achievements of Cotswold tourism businesses throughout the last year and we are proud to announce that The Feathered Nest Country Inn, has been awarded 'Silver' in the 'Pub of the Year' category. (View www.cotswolds.com website for more information.)

AA Pub of the Year - B4 Magazine, February 2012

The Feathered Nest, winner of The AA Pub of the Year (England), and the inaugural Oxfordshire Restaurant Awards, has caused quite a stir given its relatively short life. B4 went to join in the fun. [Read more....]

Ed's Ale Odyssey - Beer blog 2012

The selection of ales and beers for the Pie and Pint Tasting evening, were chosen from a recent trip to local breweries, by one of our staff members, Ed Blacklock. (Read more on Ed's Ale Odyssey.)

OpenTable Diners Choice Awards 2011 - 2012

The Feathered Nest Inn has been voted onto both 2011 and 2012 OpenTable Diners' Choice Awards. Diners' Choice lists are generated by the feedback received from diners who book through OpenTable.

Christmas Junior Quiz - December 2011
In Aid of 'Children In Need'

Our Christmas themed Junior Quiz was held on Sunday, 18th December and raised £58.00 for 'Children in Need'. A huge thank you to all those who took part in the quiz and donated to this worthy cause. Well done to "Mistaken Olives" - the winning team!

AA Pub of the Year (England) 2011 - 2012

The Feathered Nest Inn received nationwide recognition when it was named AA 'Pub of the Year' (England) 2011 - 2012, at the AA Hospitality Awards held at the London Hilton on Park Lane on 26 September.

Tony and Amanda Timmer, Proprietors, The Feathered Nest Inn, who received the award in front of an audience of over 700 members of the hospitality industry, commented, “We are ecstatic and over the moon. There are many worthy establishments within the UK, and to be chosen to receive this prestigious award in recognition of all the hard work from our team – is truly an honour - a dream come true.” [Read more....]

2011 In Oxford and Oxfordshire Magazine Restaurant Awards

"Restaurant Of The Year" and "Best British Restaurant"

On the 12th September, The Feathered Nest was invited to attend an awards ceremony held in Oxford.

'Both Amanda and myself are overjoyed with having bestowed upon The Feathered Nest not only "The Best British Restaurant" award but also the much coveted "Restaurant Of The Year" award. This is especially rewarding considering that we only opened our doors in early June last year!I would like to thank all our staff without whom this would not have been possible. These awards are a reflection of their hard work and dedication to "The Nest". I also wish to take this opportunity to thank you, all our customers-friends, for supporting us over the last year. We now look forward to the next challenges ahead!' Tony Timmer. [Read more in the In Oxford and Oxfordshire Magazine Restaurant Awards release]

City Escapes - Flavour Magazine, August 2011

The ethos of The Feathered Nest is one of relaxed luxury – “At your leisure” and “take your time” were comforting buzzwords of the evening. Opened in 2010 by Tony and Amanda Timmer, The Feathered Nest has undergone a transformation from your run- of-the-mill country inn to something really rather special indeed. The décor is understated, elegant and beautiful, with quirky features and a relaxed atmosphere. But it is the outside space that really takes the breath away; the view of the sun setting over the Evenlode Valley was beyond lovely. It is even better enjoyed with a Pimms or pint of local Hook Norton ale in hand. [Read more (PDF).

50 Best Gastro Pubs - The Independent, August 2011

From buzzing city bars to snug country inns, Sophie Morris raises a glass to the best places in Britain to wash down fine food with choice ales, scrumptious ciders and world-class wines. Jackie Bates, editor of the ‘AA Pub Guide’ (www.theaa.com) reviews:
'Marvellous views over the Evenlode Valley,' says Jackie. 'The blackboard menu offers relaxed eating in the bar and garden terrace, and many of the herbs and veg are grown in the kitchen garden. Fish and chips and ploughman's in the bar are complemented by Cornish scallops with lemon curd and beetroot, and pea and mint risotto with roasted sweetbreads on the à la carte.' [Read more ...]

Fiona Duncan reviews The Feathered Nest - Sunday Telegraph, August 2011

"As country house hotels find it ever harder to maintain their expensive buildings, fill their rooms and motivate their staff, yet another newly converted inn has popped up, luring weekenders away to somewhere smaller, less formal and, crucially, less expensive. In my opinion, the somewhat coyly named Feathered Nest at Nether Westcote is destined to become something of a beacon among this burgeoning breed of mid-price accommodation: the Manoir aux Quat'Saisons of its genre, you might say." [Read more ...]

Afternoon tea with Cotswold Life - August/September 2011

Clients and invited guests joined Cotswold Life for afternoon tea at The Feathered Nest in Nether Westcote. Surrounded by glorious views of the Oxfordshire Cotswolds guests were treated a selection of savoury finger foods, sweet tarts and cakes to accompany loose leaf teas and sparkling wine.

The Feathered Nest look forward to welcoming you. Our ethos is to provide a warm, friendly and inviting place to stay with great food, wine and service while visiting the beautiful Cotswolds. The Feathered Nest is also the community pub that encourages the locals to pop in for a pint or for those not too keen on the tipple, we serve afternoon tea. The Ladies of Westcote coffee mornings are hosted at The Nest on a monthly basis. [Read more ...]

1st Anniversary of The Feathered Nest

What a fabulous evening we had at The Feathered Nest on 25th June. Our guests enjoyed the delightful sounds of 'Simply Jazz' with some sultry notes from Laura, all made more delightful with glasses of Taittinger Champagne to start their evening. Taittinger very kindly offered a superb prize for a private balloon flight for two persons taking off from prestigious Bristol International Balloon Festival.

Congratulations to one of our dining guests for winning this prize who also spent the night at The Inn! £620 was raised for Kate's Home Nursing, a local charity that offers assistance to those needing palliative care. We would like to thank all our guests who supported us and gave so generously and Taittinger, our sponsor, for a wonderful prize, making this a memorable evening.

Children’s Menu Cover Competition - Summer 2011

We have a winner! Congratulations to 10 year old Indigo Butcher, who's drawing was chosen for our new Children's menu cover. A special thank you to all the children who took part, and well done to all our finalists:
5 year old Alex Adams; 7 year old Tyla Morgan; and 9 year old Maria Dickman.

AA Breakfast Award - 2010, 2011 and 2012

We have been awarded an “Egg Cup” by the AA!

For Guest Accommodation the 'Egg Cup' indicates a very special breakfast with an emphasis on freshly prepared local ingredients. Stay with us and experience it yourself whilst reading through the morning papers!

Breakfast is served to our resident guests in the garden room overlooking the views of the valley.

Kitchen Expansion - The Nest expands

At The Nest our works for the new kitchen are now almost complete. The new pastry, butchery & cooking suite have been finished and we are very excited about this new area and the benefits it will have for those working and visiting the Feathered Nest. (Kitchen Expansion images)

South African Boutique Vineyards Trip - 2011

Tony Timmer travelled to South Africa in February and March 2011 to visit the wineries and vineyards to source and taste wines from boutique estates that are usually not represented by large distributors and importers. The aim is to bring in various bins of new world wine to add to the already eclectic cellar selection (currently over 180 bins) at the Restaurant.

Read about Tony's adventurous journey on the South African Vineyards Trip Diary page.

AA Rosettes and 5 Stars Awarded

We are pleased to announce that our restaurant has been awarded 2 AA Rosettes for culinary excellence, a high scoring 5 AA star Highly Commended Inn rating for accommodation, and an AA Breakfast Award.

These accolades are in recognition of our team's hard work, achieved within only 6 months of our opening day and is the ultimate acknowledgment of our passion for excellence.

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