THE STORY

The 19th-century inn in the village of Great Durnford has been revived and reinvigorated. Once again the cornerstone of the community, this is its new chapter as The Great Bustard – a pub where locals gather for a pint, a restaurant with an inventive seasonal menu “local where possible but always the best of the best”, a farm shop stocking organic and local produce, an ambitious country escape with smart rooms to bed down in and considered spa treatments, surrounded by the River Avon and the patchwork fields of the Woodford Valley. We look forward to welcoming you here to eat, drink, sleep, retreat.

OUR ROOMS

Split between the pub and the elegant out buildings, the 10 bedrooms are named after birds that, like the Great Bustard, have been successfully reintroduced in the UK. Opulent but understated, the design channels natural materials – a mix of antique and contemporary furniture, oak flooring, sisal rugs, thick wool curtains and crisp bed linens. It is classic yet bold, a modern take on country house elegance. 

EAT AND DRINK

The Great Bustard kitchen team, led by head chef Jordan Taylor, delivers a seasonal hyper-local menu in both the pub and the restaurant. Elevated, but not fussy, the food champions the produce that’s grown and reared right on the doorstep – vegetables plucked from the estate garden, game from the surrounding ancient woodlands, trout fresh from the chalk streams. As good for a serious Sunday lunch as for grabbing some Szechuan chicken wings at the bar.

PRIVATE DINING ROOM

PRIVATE DINING ROOM

With its curated artwork, painted panelling and dark wood, The Black Grouse is a really cosy, contemporary room that can host up to 12 around its table. Just off the bar, it still feels connected to the hubbub, but is tucked away enough for a sense of privacy. A great gathering place for family feasts or shooting suppers.

TREATMENT ROOM

TREATMENT ROOM

A quiet space to tiptoe away to, the treatment room is a calm, holistic environment for switching off and then reconnecting. Wind down into the weekend with an aromatherapy massage or facial, with treatments using the in-house Durnford products made with organic and natural ingredients.

FARM SHOP

Stocked with fruit and vegetables from the kitchen garden, freshly-made Durnford jams, chutneys, pickles, home-infused alcohols and oils created by the Head Chef at the Great Durnford Estate, Adam Hart, and the Great Durnford Estate team. There will also be lamb, game and honey from the Great Durnford Estate, and Otarda wine from the sister Tuscan estate. Plus Durnford organic face, body and home products created by the Great Durnford Estate team with aromatherapist Annie Brown. Our partner, the Great Bustard Organisation will sell Great Bustard notecards. Our Farm Shop aims to be a celebration of produce, provenance and passion.