Nestled just a few miles from the bustling Stow-on-the-Wold and the renowned Daylesford Organic farm shop lies Oddington, a village often hailed by The Telegraph as one of the poshest in the UK. Small and unassuming, Oddington consists mostly of quaint houses, a village hall, a 12th-century church, and at its heart, a captivating pub: The Fox.
The Fox at Oddington has earned its reputation not just as a local gem but as a magnet for visitors from near and far. Among its notable visitors are members of the famous ‘Chipping Norton Set’—including David Beckham, Jeremy Clarkson, and former Great British Bake Off presenter Prue Leith—cementing its status as a hotspot for both charm and celebrity.
Curious to understand why the village commands such a refined reputation, I chatted with locals during my recent visit. One resident pointed out that The Fox is a key reason the village is famous, attracting visitors specifically seeking out this quintessential Cotswolds experience.
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Stepping inside the pub, the attentive branding immediately stands out. From the fox silhouette embroidered in the doormat to the playful “For fox sake” lettering emblazoned on the bar, the pub embraces its namesake with delightful wit. The character of a traditional Cotswolds countryside pub greets you with rustic flagstone flooring, exposed wooden ceiling beams, and a charming mix of wooden seating. The atmosphere invites you to imagine yourself clad in a classic Barbour jacket and wellies—but without any hint of pretension.
Surprisingly spacious beyond its modest exterior, The Fox offers a relaxed bar area with large bay windows perfect for casual drinks and snacks, as well as a more formal dining space tucked at the back for those seeking a meal. A beautifully maintained pub garden lies just beyond, complete with manicured hedges, fragrant lavender, and elegant green-and-white striped parasols—ideal for soaking in a sunny afternoon.
The Fox’s menu proudly champions local producers. On tap, you’ll find Hawkstone Premium Lager, brewed just six miles away by Jeremy Clarkson’s brewery (£7.25 a pint), along with Hawkstone Cider (£6.80 a pint) and the artisan Deya Steady Rolling Man from Cheltenham’s Deya Brewing Company (£7.50 a pint). The food menu showcases fresh, local ingredients, notably from nearby Daylesford Organic. You can start with Daylesford’s rosemary focaccia served with Léoube extra virgin olive oil (£7) or indulge in a chargrilled Daylesford pork ribeye with cider and mustard sauce (£34). A cheese board featuring Daylesford cheddar, onion confit, and sourdough crackers is also a tempting option at £10.
I savored a half-pint of Hawkstone cider and the delicious rosemary focaccia while settling into a prime window seat overlooking both the pub’s cozy interior and the sunlit, honey-colored Cotswold stone cottages outside. The focaccia arrived promptly—soft on the inside, wonderfully crusty on the outside, with the olive oil dish continuing the fox logo motif in a charming detail. Although I wished for a little extra olive oil to dip my bread, the focaccia’s flavor stood out even without it.
Though my visit was brief, The Fox left a lasting impression, and I would eagerly return for a full dining experience. While prices are reflective of the Cotswolds’ upscale charm—with main courses ranging from £24 to £44—the inviting atmosphere alone justifies a leisurely afternoon spent here.