MY PUB: The Trout, Buckland Marsh, Oxfordshire

The river in question is the Thames and it couldn’t look more idyllic from the pub that is big on food and accommodation.

Here, general manager Hannah McMenemy tells The Morning Advertiser all about the gorgeous site run by Butcombe Group.

The pub

The Trout was acquired by Butcombe Group in December 2022 and has gone from strength to strength ever since, including a recent fabulous refurbishment.

Just before Christmas, we joined Butcombe’s premium collection – Butcombe Boutique Inns, so a wonderful way to kick-start 2025.

Butcombe Boutique Inns are all about their unique and beautiful settings and here at the Trout is no different.

We’re located 18 miles from Blenheim Palace and 19 miles from Oxford and, being right on the River Thames at Tadpole Bridge, the Trout is the perfect base for exploring the Oxfordshire countryside, and the world-class walking, cycling and dog-walking opportunities in and around the Cotswolds.

The publican

I’ve worked in the trade for a while and have been a general manager since 2016. I wanted to work for Butcombe and was lucky enough to join the family in March 2023 and have been happy ever since.

I love the fact we’re at the heart of such a wonderful community where everyone knows and cares for each other. We always go the extra mile for our guests taking care to delight and spoil them, and especially love celebrating with them and being part of special occasions and get togethers.

The trade

We’re predominately a food-led establishment, in a rural setting on the banks of the River Thames, surrounded by beautiful Oxfordshire villages and countryside.

We get a real mixture of guests, from walkers, hikers and cyclists to families with small children, more mature regulars and those staying with us enjoying all the local area has to offer.

The team

We have an excellent team here who genuinely care about our guests and work really hard to give them the very best. We have six or seven in the kitchen, three managers and between 10 and 15 front-of-house team members, depending on the time of year, with summer being our busiest period.

The drink

Being part of Butcombe Group, our bar is well stocked with Butcombe Brewing Co’s award-winning range of drinks.

Our customers order a variety of drinks, everything from traditional ales and beer to our non-alcoholic Goram IPA Zero and Tall Tales Pale Ale Zero, which are always popular. We also have a beautifully curated wine list and a fab selection of cocktails which always go down well.

The food

Heading up the kitchen team is head chef Francisco Rodriguez Mora who, having joined the Trout a couple of months after me, is making quite a name for himself in the local area.

We have very discerning guests who know their food and really appreciate what we do. Francisco can really let his creativity run wild here with a range of elevated classics always on the menu, using the most incredible local produce that we’re lucky to have on our doorstep.

The events

Since our refurbishment, we can offer a variety of stylish spaces such as our Garden Room, which is a gorgeous space perfect for birthdays, meetings and celebrations or the Bar Room, which works well for more intimate events that we love hosting.

We sometimes run food-themed weeks that are always popular and can also offer full venue hire for larger occasions.

We are a fully licensed wedding venue too so are able to hold beautiful weddings in our heated, elegant tipi which can hold up to 60 revellers, which are always great fun. Or the more intimate Pergola with gorgeous views is very special.

The future

We have just completed a total refurbishment of the pub and all six bedrooms, which our guests are loving.

It’s a stunning site with all the attributes required to join the Boutique Inns collection, even more so, now it has had such an amazing refurbishment.

We have a superb team going above and beyond, offering excellent hospitality that’s extra special, fantastic, innovative food and drink and gorgeous interiors.

We’re in an incredibly special location, nestled deep in the west Oxfordshire countryside with the River Thames flowing past the front door… come and see us, you’re guaranteed a warm welcome.