The Olde Bell is a rustic, coaching inn with a modern boutique feel. Perfect for a weekend getaway with the family or friends.

Less than an hour away from London in the quaint little village of Hurley, near Henley, lies The Olde Bell. A traditional coaching inn with a twist.

From the outside you might expect this to be your average country pub – think again. Designer Ilse Crawford, the talent behind the interiors of Babington House, has expertly and effortlessly combined the tradition and charm of the original inn with sleek, mid-century design.

With parts of it dating back to 1135, The Olde Bell has heritage creeping out of every nook and creaky floorboard. Whilst all the original character and cosiness remains, stone floors, crooked staircases, low beams and roaring fires, Crawford has thoughtfully and intelligently brought a touch of  chic, boutique design to the property with black lacquered Ercol rocking chairs and luxurious sheepskin throws.

Eating, drinking and socialising is at the heart of The Olde Bell. When we visited large groups of friends and families were enjoying a post country walk tipple, whilst in the restaurant there were many birthday celebrations taking place.

The bar has a traditional pub feel to it. With a menu including Scotch eggs, ploughman’s and pork pies it’s the perfect spot to kick back with the papers in front of the fire and settle in for the afternoon.

The restaurant, whilst still informal has an impressive seasonally inspired menu, not to mention a very tempting wine list. Chef and author Warren Geraghty, who has a passion for foraging, sources his meat and fish locally and grows his greener ingredients in the inn gardens. We highly recommend the Iberico Ham with local honeycomb to start, we’ve been craving it ever since.

The rooms at the Olde Bell are characterful, comfortable and cool. With free standing baths, a Roberts radio and more sheepskin this is no ordinary coaching inn room. Due to the nature of the property the rooms can be a little on the chilly side but we have to say in a way it added to the charm of the property and our experience of staying in an old inn, and rugs are readily available for extra warmth on the beds.

Staff are informal, relaxed and friendly at the Olde Bell. Whilst there is a laid back vibe at the Inn everyone is eager to please and see to your every need.

If you’re lucky enough to be visiting in good weather we recommend taking full advantage of the vast grounds.  Complete with beer garden, fire pit and a tennis court there is plenty to explore. The Olde Bell is also ideally situated close the river, great for those wishing to indulge in a spot of fishing or take a long post lunch walk. Picnics can also be arranged for those heading out for the day and when the sun comes out there is also a BBQ in the garden.

Relaxed, informal and quintessentially British – The Olde Bell is a must visit for those looking to escape to the country for a day or two.

• Rooms 17 refurbished Inn Doubles, seven refurbished Inn Suites and more to come.
• Rates Double rooms from £95.00, excluding tax at 20 per cent.
• More details Rates include Continental breakfast.
• Facilities Meadow garden, tennis court, free WiFi throughout. In rooms: flatscreen TV, Roberts radio, Aesop toiletries. DVD players on request.
• Check-out 11am, but flexible, depending on availability. Check in, 2pm.
• Children The inn’s meadow gardens are the perfect natural playground. Baby cots are free.
• Last orders Lunch, 12.30pm–3pm; dinner, 6.30pm–9.45pm. There’s no dinner served on Sundays. The bar is open until 11pm for non-residents, but guests can enjoy its hospitality as long as they wish.
• Room service A full restaurant menu is available during kitchen opening hours, a snack selection at other times.

For more information please visit Theoldebell.co.uk. You can also book through Mrandmrssmith.com.