Perfectly located just 500 yards from junction 6 of the M40 in the charming Oxfordshire village of Aston Rowant, The Lambert Arms has been given a new lease of life as part of the Merchant Inns group.

The fine-looking building - once a coaching inn - has been impressively transformed into a destination for the twenty-first century, with 42 stylish bedrooms, a fitness suite, beauty centre and conference facilities, plus stunning food.

The menu offers a superb seasonal choice ranging from pub classics, snacks and sandwiches to more intricate modern British dishes.

A risotto of Oxford Blue cheese and walnuts might kick off proceedings, alongside braised ham hock terrine with homemade piccalilli, while mains might range from Mr Parson's local sausages with mash and shallot sauce to crispy pan-seared sea bream with herb creamed potato and ratatouille.

Ploughman's and deli platters are also available at lunchtime, and the choice of puds ranges from vanilla and raspberry cheesecake to pannacotta with sweet pineapple and chilli salsa accompanied by pineapple sorbet. There are also artisan British cheeses with pressed fruit for those who fancy a savoury finish.