I knew this place was a good spot for foodies, simply because the menu was GLORIOUS (yes, even for vegans). But it wasn’t until I actually Googled the Kingham Plough that I found out that it IS a place for foodies. Like a legitimate, well-known culinary establishment. A simply search let me know that the original founders of the place, Emily Watkins and husband Miles Lampson, are both well versed in their industries. He is a landscape designer, which explains the charming design of the pub, and she is a super-chef, cutting her teeth at The Fat Duck - Heston Blumenthal’s infamous restaurant. So yes, The Kingham Plough is drenched in fabulous food past.

And present! The current owners, Matt and Katie Beamish, are another power couple in the industry. They have worked with the likes of Raymond Blanc, Jamie Olivir and Fergus Henderson. It seems whoever holds the keys to this haunt are in CHARGE in the kitchen, and it’s actually a big pull for patrons who are looking for good grub. It obviously works… the dining room was at capacity the night we stayed (which was mid week!)

Oh, and the bedrooms are pretty lovely too!

Compact, clean and quaint - our room for the night was really really lovely. They fitted in a lot here - a big bed, shelving for hanging clothes, tea & coffee machine and one big free standing bath. Yes, the bed was comfy and the book selection in both side tables was expertly put together, but really the room centred around the bath. It was just so damn inviting. There was also a double sink moment too, with really well put together units for more storage. I wouldn’t normally mention the toilet, but it’s the only thing about the room I didn’t love… the walls were very thin so could hear next door, but really that’s a minor thing here. The comfortability of a room that you’re in for just one night is all that matters, and this one didn’t disappoint.

Obviously the reason we were here though was for the dogs - they just love being out of London just for a night. They’re diva dogs, what can I say! There was a bed for them, treats galore, poo bags, bowls. They were very well looked after, which is nice to see. So many ‘dog friendly’ places aren’t really that friendly. But the dogs could roam around the room and come with us anywhere in the pub. And they loved it!

The tomato soup was (vegan) creamy, warming and hearty. I’ve never wanted two bowls of soup ever, until this moment. The bread was oven-fresh, crusty and perfectly pout. The winter radish starter was a taste sensation - the herby taste of the radish against the sweet balsamic and crunchy hazelnut was incredible!

I’ve had lots of dumplings in my time, most of either over done or just chewy. These, filled with piping hot mushroom, were simply divine. Melt in the mouth. It was an interesting choice to pair them with a soy, ginger and spice broth, but it worked so well all together. The spinach arancini were like little mounds of gorgeousness, set off perfectly by the fennel fondue. Both these dishes felt like they belonged in a Michelin restaurant, not a pub near Chipping Norton.

We’re big dessert people, so when it came time to sample the sweets we were EXCITED. We had every reason to be… the two on offer were literally made for both of us! It was as if we were asked our fantasy deserts (we weren’t). Coffee poached pear - the perfect afters AND coffee all in one. There’s nothing more satisfying in the mouth than fruit and chocolate and the cacao nibs served just enough cocoa to counter the citrus. And for my other half, a roasted apple would have been enough, but accompanied with popcorn and peanut brittle and coconut sorbet were, without being too cheesy, the icing on the cake. Naturally we shared each others, and could have quite happily gone for seconds. (See the gallery opposite for all food)

And what’s an overnight stay somewhere without a big hearty breakfast? We aren’t used to a slap up vegan breakfast when we stay at small pubs with rooms. Some toast and cereal is as far as it usually goes, but here we had the whole shebang. Vegan sausages, potatoes, mushrooms and tomatoes cooked in separate oil to other meaty things, toast, delicious coffee and fresh fruit. The perfect set up for the day.

Oh god, it makes me want to rush back right now for round two!