The Pointer

You are on the fringes of the Cotswolds here, but it is somehow much more down to earth and real. A ceramic bowl full of Bonios at the door immediately tells you there are friendly folk within and The Pointer, after whom the pub is named, is willing to share! In fact there are great little touches throughout – from mini bottles of fresh milk in a fridge available to residents to make their cups of Teapigs tea or Nespresso coffee, to spare Hunter wellies for all. The wonderful and flamboyant seasonal decorations and flowers are all done by the talented owner /decorator Fiona Howden. The bar area has two open fires, deep kilim sofas, wing chairs and an abundance of dried hops spilling out of the rafters. The four luxurious bedrooms across the road in a separate cottage are au courant, painted in gentle Farrow & Ball greys, with seagrass matting, dreamy Hypnos beds, the best white linens and fluffy towels. Fun retro/contemporary bathrooms feature mini butler’s sinks and hip baths, but have ultra-modern power showers and tap fittings – not to mention delicious under-floor heating. The restaurant is establishing a good reputation under the supervision of James Graham, formerly of Cowley Manor, using local produce and excellent meat and home baked bread from The Pointer’s own butcher and bakery next door. There is plenty to see and do around Brill – visit Britain’s oldest Windmill and take in the splendid hilltop view over 5 counties and the Malvern Hills beyond. Come here to unwind – it is cosseting and relaxed in a lovely country setting, plus if you want to do some shopping Bicester Village is only 15 minutes away.

 

Written by Caroline Townsend

• Bar
• Plenty of cosy nooks with comfy chairs
• Restaurant
• Field to fork menu
• Outdoor dining
• Good wine list
• Garden

• Pet friendly
• Fireplace
• Parking
• Wifi

• Sights nearby
• Oxford and Waddesdon to name a few are all nearby
• Other Activities
• Excellent shopping at Bicester Village

• Great walks

Why do people love staying in your hotel? Brill is a quiet and very picturesque village and The Pointer has a well-established reputation for excellent food, much of it grown on its own farm. It’s a relaxed, friendly, understated place that welcomes everyone from locals to those looking for an idyllic rural break and luxurious R&R. The rooms are immaculate, a good size, but also cosy and very comfortably finished with spoiling touches and are also incredibly good value.

What kind of breakfast do you offer? Breakfast is included in the price and is served in the Bar. It includes a Bloody Mary kit with homemade peppercorn vodka, homemade Granola, sourdough, and pastries, freshly squeezed orange juice and a full English with farm sausages bacon, eggs, tomato, mushrooms, black pudding and beef dripping fried bread. Sunday Times travel editor, Stephen Bleach, described it as ‘ tremendous'! And ‘perhaps the best full English I’ve ever had’.

Do you offer other meals? Lunch and dinner served ever day except Monday, when the pub is closed.

Which are your most popular room types, and why? The downstairs rooms with sleek, free-standing roll top baths and super-powerful rain showers.

What facilities do you have for children and can you fit extra beds in your rooms ? Camp beds for kids can be provided in the rooms, but if older, better to take two rooms. The pub itself is not really suitable for smaller children with its open plan layout and open fires and the beer garden isn't particularly child-friendly either - no play equipment.

What message would you like to give Hotel Guru readers? Perfect for a romantic, indulgent break