The Lion Inn? It's roarsome!

Every time I walk in to The Lion Inn in Winchcombe, I think ‘I love this pub’ and wonder why I don’t visit more often.

It oozes cosiness and classic Cotswold country style.

If you manage to bag a table beside the huge, toasty, open fire, the temptation will be to make it your home for the afternoon.

We were the lucky ones to cosy up on a little table for two, right next to the roaring fire and as lunch unfolded, so too did our clothes. Jumpers and cardigans just weren’t needed. Off they came, stopping our rosy cheeks glowing too much from the warmth and fabulous wine.

The menu is appealing, with plenty of choice, but it isn’t cheap. Luckily for us, they do a fab pared-down set lunchtime menu offering two courses for £15 and three for £19 - perfect for our girly, gossipy lunch.

After a light and refreshing glass of Prosecco (£6), my friend Anna went for the celeriac soup of the day. It was served in a beautiful soft blue pottery bowl, on a wooden platter overflowing with chunks of warm sourdough. The velvety, piping-hot soup earned a big thumbs up, while my petite plate of heritage beetroots, crispy kale, dots of creamy goats cheese and scattering of toasted hazelnuts was delightfully different. The variety of flavours and textures certainly engaged my palate, but I would have preferred the beetroot to have been warm. Of course, maybe that’s because it was a chilly day.

Our mains arrived with really good house white (Pinot Grigio) and red wine (Merlot), and as we caught up on each other’s news, we were massively impressed by the second course.

My Old Spot pork T-bone was cooked to perfection and drizzled with flavoursome, vibrant salsa verde. The greens-flecked, perfectly smooth, buttery mash was heavenly. Glossy cavolo nero finished the plate perfectly and the portion size was spot on to allow room for pud.

Anna’s golden beer-battered haddock was a triumph. Sitting on top of gloriously chunky triple cooked chips, she loved the fresh minted peas and tangy tartare sauce that came with it.

Nothing was too much trouble for our efficient waitress who fetched salt and ketchup and kept our drinks flowing. She also made sure we weren’t waiting around for the bill, which can so often be the case after you’ve enjoyed your meal.

As the place filled up for lunchtime and chatter floated around the stylish interior, we both agreed we’d be back before long. It’s too wonderful a spot to save for special occasions.

After a troublesome year, the time to enjoy life is right now and The Lion Inn is the perfect backdrop for celebrating good times with great friends.

For more information, visit www.thelionwinchcombe.co.uk