Voted one of the top twenty pubs in the UK, The Fleece Gastropub in Witney more than lives up to its reputation. Set in a prime position on The Green, surrounded by handsome historic Cotswold stone buildings, this peaceful setting immediately sets the tone for a relaxing stay. Even on a grey, rain-soaked weekend, The Fleece offers to be a warm and welcoming retreat.
From the moment we stepped inside, the atmosphere was exactly what you hope for from a great gastropub: lively but cosy, busy yet relaxed. On a particularly miserable afternoon with driving rain outside, the glow of the bar, the hum of conversation, and the comforting scent of food made it the perfect place to escape the weather. We were greeted warmly by Daniel, whose friendly welcome instantly made us feel at home, before being shown to our room for the night.
There we found a delightful combination of character and comfort. Spacious and beautifully clean, it featured a large window overlooking The Green, allowing in plenty of natural light – despite the gloomy weather outside. The bed was large and exceptionally comfortable, complete with wonderfully soft pillows that all but guaranteed a good night’s sleep. The room included a television and tea and coffee-making facilities, and the bathroom was generously sized, with both a powerful shower and a bath along with quality toiletries. Despite being by the road, the room was impressively quiet, promising a peaceful and uninterrupted night.
Before dinner, we took a stroll around Witney, a charming historic market town rich in character. Wandering past the Cotswold stone buildings surrounding the Green, it was easy to appreciate why this location is so special. Returning to The Fleece, we enjoyed a pre-dinner drink in the busy bar, soaking up the atmosphere before heading through to the dining area for our evening meal.
We were seated in a cosy corner, where Finn arrived with both the menu and the specials board. He took time to explain the dishes clearly and enthusiastically before leaving us to peruse the menu at our leisure. It offered excellent variety; something to suit all tastes and choosing was no easy task.
We began with the Halloumi Fries served with a honey and chilli dip. Hot, crisp and tasty, they were utterly moreish and set the bar high for what was to follow. When it came to main courses, there were interesting vegetarian options, a good choice of fish dishes (including the market fish of the day) and seasonal specialities. I was torn between the Steak Diane and the Cumberland Sausages with buttered mash and onion gravy. Given the weather outside, comfort food won, and it was an inspired choice. The sausages were cooked to perfection, full of flavour, and paired beautifully with creamy mash and just the right amount of rich onion gravy. My partner opted for the free-range Chicken Milanese, served with fries, garlic butter, and a green salad, and made a point of telling me several times just how delicious and flavoursome it was. A bottle of Merlot accompanied the meal and proved an excellent match. Throughout the evening, Finn’s service was faultless: professional, discreet, and always attentive without being intrusive.
The dessert menu was equally impressive. It included everything from pecan tart with orange, crème fraîche and brandy snap, chocolate fondant with cherry compote, a classic sticky toffee pudding and even an artisan cheese selection but having thoroughly indulged already we could only manage a scoop of their excellent ice cream.
After a very comfortable night’s sleep we headed down for breakfast, which was nothing short of exceptional. The menu offered an extensive range of options, from classic patisserie to the traditional full English breakfast, plus pancakes, granola, sausage baps, and the option to build your own breakfast from individual items. I chose smashed avocado with free-range poached eggs, spring onion, and chilli on toasted sourdough, while my partner enjoyed a hearty full English. Both were excellent, accompanied by coffee and refreshing orange juice. The breakfast service was clearly popular with locals too, with tables filling quickly throughout the morning.
With free Wi-Fi and convenient parking at the rear, The Fleece has clearly thought of everything. Whether visiting for a weekend stay or simply stopping by for food and drink, The Fleece Gastropub offers a refined yet relaxed experience. We left thoroughly impressed and would happily return particularly in warmer months, when an evening spent watching life unfold on the Green would, no doubt, be irresistible. Highly recommended.
For further information and to make a booking visit fleecewitney.co.uk.
