A bit about the business:
The Highway originally dates back to 1480. When Scott and I bought this ancient old building in April 2006 it hadn’t traded as an Inn for 16 years, but as a shop and a B&B.
Our aim was to fully restore the building and reopen and run the only Freehouse Inn left in Burford. We aim to offer the best of the Cotswolds, food and drink, in a comfortable and atmospheric environment.
We have now spent the last four years continually restoring all areas of the property, as well as establishing a name for great food. Locals and visitors reassure us we are doing well and seem to like what we do.
As a result we received our first recognised rating in May 2008 from Visit Britain and the AA, which we were thrilled about. A 4 star Inn rating has been awarded by both, also the AA awarded us a Rossette for Food and we have kept these awards to date. Also in 2008 we had a visit from Alastair Sawday and were awarded a recommendation in both the British Hotels and Inns, and Pubs and Inns Guide Books.
Then in 2009 we had a secret inspection from the Michelin Guide and they have awarded us a recommendation for 2010 and also the Good Pub Guide who awarded us a full entry for 2010.
2010 - 2011, We have also picked up recognition in the Good Hotel Guide and maintained all our entries in all the best guides.
However we haven’t achieved this on our own but with the support of a great team, who are a pleasure to work with and who are genuinely happy to be here. They are like family, so everyone will always try and make your visit an enjoyable one.
A bit about us:
Six years ago when Scott and I got married in Burford, we put a number of our guests up at the Highway and also spent our wedding night here. Two years later we bought the property… 'meant to be', as they say…!
Scott grew up in Fulbrook near Burford on a farm, left to join the British Army, returned to his roots, and has been restoring and developing properties in the Cotswolds for the last 13 years. Now, as well as working on the building, he makes sure the beers are always kept in great condition. CAMRA were very pleased with him on their last visit.
Tally met Scott in Burford 12 years ago when returning from Australia to visit her gran who has lived in Burford for the last 40 years. Tally left the fashion industry as a senior operations manager for Karen Millen to buy the Highway.
Granny has also come to live with us, who is a very popular lady with the locals and visitors, her correct title is Baroness Kast Von Ebelsberg, but at 93 she prefers to be called Betty. Also regular features, our two English Springers, Cassie and Oscar, who make great pub dogs.
Scott’s parents are also just down the road, local farmers who also pop in regularly, Bill everyday, sometimes twice a day. Just between you and I, he’s coming up to retirement so I think he may be just waiting for a job offer!
At The Highway Inn we strive to offer:
- A bit of quirkiness and a bit of quaintness
- Individuality throughout our Cotswolds accommodation
- Simple and perfectly cooked modern British food
- Fresh and seasonal British ingredients sourced by local suppliers and direct from local Farms
- An atmosphere of informality, fun, friendliness and efficiency
- A genuine welcome for everyone, home from home
- An active part in the local community
- Quality at affordable prices
- To meet and hopefully exceed your expectations