Jaine Blackman enjoys pub grub and a refreshing rest at The Fleece in Witney

WHERE: The Fleece, 11 Church Green, Witney 0X28 4AZ 01993 892 270 fleecewitney.co.uk
WHAT: A lively pub serving quality seasonal food with 10 en suite bedrooms ANYTHING ELSE: The Fleece was reputedly a favourite watering-hole of Dylan Thomas when he lived nearby in South Leigh
Opening hours: Sunday to Friday 8am to 11pm; Saturday 8am to midnight COST: Starting room rate for single occupancy is £79 for bed and breakfast, rising to £99
OFFERS: A Don’t Forget Your Toothbrush promotion offers rooms at the pub for £20 on a Sunday night if £65 is spent in the restaurant per couple. Availability is limited, so check with the pub first. Taking a break in your own county might sound a bit odd... but think about it. No driving for hours and getting to your destination stressed and tired.

Leave work in Oxford on Friday evening and you can be checked in and sipping a G&T in the smart, friendly bar at The Fleece within the hour, relaxed and ready to eat its excellent gastropub grub.

It’s a (very) short stroll to the bustling town centre but facing on to the green in front of St Mary’s Church, looking out of our bedroom window we could have been in a quintessential English village.

Dining in the lively bar cum restaurant, the atmosphere was warm, service swift and knowledgeable and the food excellent.

Retiring to our stylish and spacious room, I did wonder whether noise might be a problem but not a peep could be heard from the busy bar downstairs.

I’d half thought I might nip back down for a nightcap but the comfy bed called.

Next morning, good value breakfasts (including £4.25 for Jimmy Butler’s free-range bacon or sausage muffin) seemed to make it popular with visitors and locals alike. After tucking in, and a visit to Witney’s Saturday market and good array of shops, it was time to set off for home, refreshed, revitalised... and with not very far to go.