The Feathered Nest

Valentines Day isn't for everyone. But for us, we get reminded how lucky we are in love and it's a brillaint excuse to eat out. Not that we ever need one.

This Valentines Day was extra special as Harry popped the big question and of course, Meg said yes! Ta da!

We already had dinner reservations booked at our favourite Cotswold restaurant, The Feathered Nest in Nether Westcote, a little village which sits in between Stow-on-the-Wold and Burford and has stunning views over the Evenlode Valley. Not that we got to enjoy them this time - we had a 8.30pm table booked and we couldn't wait to start celebrating our engagement. 

We arrived at The Feathered Nest a little early to have a drink at the bar, on the country inns amazing saddle bar stools which is one little detail we remembered from our last visit. We were greeted by a bottle of Ruinart Rose champagne, ordered from Portugal by Harry's Dad and lots of smiling faces behind the bar waiting to congratulate us. With the champagne we were given a little box of rose pearls, like pink caviar to drop into the champagne. They released little bursts of rose flavour as your drank - very subtle but beautiful, such a special little touch.

Then canapés arrived at the bar - to be honest, they looked so good that we didn't really listen to what they were. All we can remember was, anchovy sticks which were seriously good, little hot pork balls with apple sauce and something with smoked salmon. Just a little something to get our taste buds singing while we looked over the menu, which we could have done all night. Everything looked so tempting, it made it hard to choose. But we finally decided on, 

Starter

Haddock, scotch egg, red lentil dahl, chili, coriander

Prawn, blood orange, fennel, avocado, avruga caviar 

Main

10oz 28 days aged Rib-Eye Steak - skinny chips, peppercorn sauce and bone marrow.

8oz Iberico Porl 'Pluma'-Feather Lion - chunky chips, chorizo, garlic mushroom and romesco sauce.

Dessert

Sticky Toffee - lemon curd, pecan nut and clotted cream

with Chambers Rosewood Muscat

Valrhona Chocolate - mouse, salted caramel, peanut butter

with Recioto della Valpolicella 2011

Just typing this out, I want to enjoy it all over again! and we loved these handmade truffles which came out in a little nest with our coffee.

The whole dinner was absolutely stunning. We enjoyed every mouthful. It's clear to see how The Feathered Nest won their many awards and 3 AA Rossette. Well deserved! The restaurant is so relaxed, very cosy and welcoming, you feel like your in your local with lots of nods to the beautiful country side we live in but it's far more than just a pub, the atmosphere is special. Just look at this gorgeous fire place! With rooms too, The Feathered Nest would make the perfect base to explore The Cotswolds from and we can't wait to revisit for lunch in the Summer to enjoy the breathtaking views.

As soon as you walk in, you know you're going to experience something extra. All the staff are impeccably attentive, very welcoming and friendly and clearly know their stuff. We enjoyed beautiful wines with our main and desserts on the sommeliers recommendations. Fantastic service. Thank you all so much for making our night extra extra special. 

Follow the Feathered Nest on Twitter for news on whats new like their upcoming Spring Flower Workshop and follow chef Kuba Winkowski, he posts some wonderful pictures of his creations. 

Millie and Meg x