22nd February 2006

New tenants at Bird in Hand

You can eat, drink and sleep at the Plough - and you choose which order you do it in.
For this Grade I listed Elizabethan house, built in 1550, which has been a hostelry for over 350 years is much more than one of Oxfordshire’s best restaurants, it is one of the finest hotels in the area too.
When restaurateur Martin Agnius bought The Plough six months ago he decided, after consulting his customers, that there was only one English draft beer he could serve in the log-fire warmed comfortable bar - Hooky Bitter.
Martin is also the owner of the Fishers restaurants in Oxford and Bristol and he brings to The Plough the same high standards of style and informality.
“The Plough is a game and seafood restaurant. The game is all sourced from local shoots and the fish bought direct from fisherman and markets up and down the Country for our daily changing menus,” he said.
Since taking over The Plough, Martin and his team have redecorated much of the downstairs, old tired carpets have been thrown out revealing wooden floors. The three restaurant areas have been renovated and new African slate and French oak floors have been laid.
The Plough’s Sundays are roasts, newspapers, Bloody Marys and a pint of Hooky Bitter.
There are 12 bedrooms, five in the original Elizabethan building, all are en suite and all have broadband connections – making them ideal for business people wanting a change from the blandness of a motorway hugging hotel. And one of the rooms is suitable for people with disabilities.
There is a honeymoon suite and large wedding parties can be catered for.
The restaurants, which are tastefully furnished with antique chairs and tables, can be using for private dining parties – and often families will have a Sunday lunch together – with a large roast carved for them at the table.
The Plough is also proving popular with companies who want to hold a small conference somewhere different.
Outside there is seating for 55 under two large umbrellas, which were made in Florence, Italy. And should anyone require some gentle exercise a competitive game of croquet can be played.
“The Plough is a fabulous place for people just to drop in to or to stay. For those who live locally, we offer the ideal place for a relaxing weekend or night away that is really quite different and for those who travel farther we can guarantee a warm welcome,” said Martin.
The Plough is offering a special deal for lovers of Hooky Bitter. Vacancies permitting, they are offering two consecutive nights in one of their rooms at £40 per person, providing you eat in the restaurant on both nights. To take advantage of this special deal please mention Hook Norton Accommodation Offer when contacting The Plough.

The Plough Restaurant and Hotel
Bourton Road, Clanfield, Oxfordshire OX18 2RB.
Tel: 01367 810222
Fax: 01367 810596
www.theploughclanfield.co.uk
info@theploughclanfield.co.uk