££££Price: Moderate • British • Bicester
The Bear & Ragged Staff in Cumnor is a world away from the Newbury & Swindon roads that stream past only a mile from its door. The heart of the pub is a glorious Tudor beauty. Ancient fireplaces, flagstone floors, and mullioned windows with carved lintels make the bar one of the finest anywhere. A comfortable eatery, conservatory, and South-facing terrace provide spaces for every mood – and winding stairs lead to cosy bedrooms with old oak doorways and beamed ceilings.