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About us

Typical of the region, The Bird in Hand was originally constructed in the traditional manner in the 17th century. Today, the inn has been totally renovated, but is still rich in original charm and gorgeous period features, such as natural Cotswold stone and heavy wooden beams.

Each of the rooms has its own unique, individual warmth and character. The oldest room is the heart of the hotel. The huge inglenook fireplace blazes away with enormous logs during the cold winter nights and during the hot summer season, the hearth is decorated with a display of local flowers.

With excellent service, mouth-watering food and a warm, friendly, relaxing atmosphere, the Inn is great as a base from which to discover the delights of the Cotswolds and surrounding areas. Why not come and enjoy a few refreshing drinks, some light lunch or the beautiful views of the surrounding countryside, whilst relaxing in the summer sunshine on our seated patio.

Mat Tucker
(Proprietor, Head Chef)

Mat started his catering career as a Sous Chef in a small brigade at a family-run hotel in Shropshire. After 13 years, he relocated to Oxfordshire and as Head Chef built up a local reputation for consistently delivering excellent food at: The Boot (Barnard Gate) Hand & Shears (Church Hanborough), Snooty Fox (Littleworth), and the New Inn (Minster Lovell). Mat and Lynne's first joint venture was running The Lamb (at nearby Crawley) which they did successfully for 5 years before embarking on their expanded business at the Bird in Hand.


Our philosophy
My wife Lynne and I took over the Bird in Hand in 2012. The building itself is charming and full of character and our key aim was to take the Inn back to its roots and give the locals back their village pub, while at the same time seriously raise the standards of dining and challenge the boundaries of traditional pub food.

Diners at the Bird in Hand will find a broad and innovative menu and choice of wines, sensibly priced home-cooked food, locally brewed quality ales and that all important friendly and warm atmosphere.