The Aviary at The Feathers: A Cotswolds Gem Reborn

The Feathers Launch

When my husband and I received an invitation to the relaunch of The Feathers' beloved bar and terrace restaurant, The Aviary, we couldn't resist. This totemic luxury boutique hotel in Woodstock is perfectly positioned at the gateway to the Cotswolds, 15 minutes from Oxford and Bicester Village and within actual sight of Blenheim Palace's grand gates.

The Feathers Hotel has always been alluring. Back in our student days, friends chose this very spot for their engagement in 1992. Returning today, they would still find that the winning combination of exceptionally warm hospitality and richly atmospheric interiors remains intact, though enhanced by thoughtful updates.

A Multi-Million Pound Transformation

Under the stewardship of Daniel Ede, who took the helm in 2022, the early Georgian building underwent a complete renovation of all 23 rooms in late 2024. Apparently his grandfather had brought him here as a child so it was a no-brainer to buy it once he had the chance.

The extensive refurbishment creates a genuine 'home away from home' experience, featuring bespoke Cotswold-crafted furniture and carefully curated artwork throughout. The design aesthetic beautifully marries Bamford sophistication with Farrow & Ball's signature palette, using earthy tones that echo the local stone.

We were fortunate to stay in one of five palatial suites, complete with a spacious sitting area, walk-in shower adorned with contemporary brown glazed tiles, and a freestanding Victorian roll-top bath elegantly concealed behind a Chinese screen. And yes, the king-size semi-four-poster bed was seriously comfortable.

The hotel's appeal spans generations. A successful social media influencer in her thirties confided that she and her partner (along with their dog) were going to treat The Feathers as their weekend country bolt-hole. Dogs do receive a particularly warm welcome here, with five dedicated pet-friendly rooms complete with dinner, bed, bowl, towel, and treats.

Introducing The Aviary

For the evening party, around 90 guests gathered to celebrate The Aviary's relaunch. Bi-folding doors seamlessly connect the bar and bistro to a multi-level terrace decorated with distinctive black and white striped scalloped umbrellas that wouldn't look out of place on the Italian Riviera. The upper terrace offers secluded rattan sofas with elegant heated tipis alongside the impressive new high-grade pizza oven. The bar is renowned for its signature cocktails and extensive wine list.

The diverse guest list, ranging from Blenheim Palace's CEO to Bicester Retail Park managers, were treated to exquisite canapes which Ops Manager Andy Henderson (previously of Lady Bamford’s pub at nearby Charlbury - The Bell), called ‘little taste explosions’ from their Nest Restaurant. Sundried tomato arancini with basil mayonnaise, porthilly oysters, brown crab puff with dressed white crab, and beef tartare all started off the evening perfectly. 

From June 19th (opening day to the public), sous chef Grant Bergins, formerly of the other celebrated Bull pub in Charlbury, will serve light bites and hand made sourdough pizzas seven days a week on a walk-in basis. Sunday afternoons promise live jazz performances from 3pm, which should prove popular if the evening's accomplished chanteuse was any indication.

Simon Robinson, Chairman of Hattingley Valley Wines, was one of three generous sponsors for the event and kindly provided his exceptional Non-Vintage Classic Reserve. This English sparkling wine from Hampshire's chalk vineyards expertly blends Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Pinot Meunier grapes, delivering distinct notes of brioche, red apple, citrus, and subtle caramel. Robinson told me how perfectly The Feathers aligns with his client base.

Jeremy Clarkson's Hawkstone Beer and the distinguished Oxford-based Fabulous Flowers also lent their support. Owner Matthew Taylor created two breathtaking floral arrangements that mirrored the evening's signature cocktails: pink displays featuring scabious, dahlias, roses, and fresh grapefruit quarters for the tequila-based 'Paloma,' and vibrant orange arrangements incorporating orange quarters for the non-alcoholic Aperol alternative. His stunning 'flower stall' backdrop provided brilliant colour against the monochrome setting.

Culinary Excellence at The Nest

I was told The Nest is ‘modern European’ but this felt like fine dining at its best and Head Chef Luke Rawicki clearly a magician. My hake served in smoked haddock chowder with sweetcorn was extraordinary. Sous chef, Shannon Mulholland, is renowned for her vegetarian creations so we had to sample the exquisite caramelised hispi cabbage while the shared dessert—blood orange mille-feuille with hazelnut and coffee ice cream—was simply unforgettable.

The husband's Wye Valley asparagus with quail's egg emerged as the seasonal standout and his medium-rare steak was cooked to perfection. We were looked after amazingly well so it was all the more remarkable to learn that our charming Edinburgh undergraduate waitress was on her very first day in the job!

The reimagined Feathers will undoubtedly acquire a large fan base and it has certainly dazzled us. We're smitten and convinced it will be a slam dunk success!

feathers.co.uk