Crazy Bear Stadhampton, one of Oxfordshire’s most recognisable hospitality destinations, has unveiled its next chapter with refreshed spaces, new dining experiences and a food and drink offering that combines classic comfort with the venue’s distinctive sense of theatre, including a new Afternoon Tea Feast.
More than three decades after first opening its doors in Stadhampton, the boutique hotel has refreshed its menus and guest spaces while retaining the eclectic character that has made it one of the county’s most talked-about places to eat, drink and stay.
At the heart of the relaunch is a menu that combines traditional British pub favourites with the bold Thai flavours that have long been part of the Crazy Bear identity. Diners can expect everything from grilled meats and open-fire cooking to authentic wok dishes and inventive fusion plates, including rabbit pad Thai alongside garlic butter king prawns, thyme chicken thighs and seasonal garden salads.
The drinks menu has also received a creative overhaul, with a new collection of hedgerow-inspired cocktails featuring seasonal ingredients and foraged flavours. Signature serves include a Hedgerow Negroni and a Roasted Dandelion Espresso Martini, adding another theatrical touch to the dining experience.
Among the most eye-catching additions is the new Afternoon Tea Feast, a generous twist on the traditional afternoon tea. Rather than delicate tiered stands, guests are presented with a table laden with finger sandwiches, warm scones, cakes, pâtisserie-style treats and a glass of Prosecco, designed for leisurely afternoons shared with family and friends.
Served in the newly created residents’ lounge or outside in the gardens during warmer weather, the experience reflects Crazy Bear’s philosophy of replacing convention with abundance. The residents’ lounge itself has become a destination, featuring plush seating, a bespoke feasting table, vintage vinyl record player and cocktail trolley, creating an atmosphere that encourages guests to slow down and linger.
Elsewhere, the venue has introduced a cosy new pub snug adjoining its 16th-century inn, providing a quieter retreat alongside the property’s more vibrant social spaces and landscaped gardens.
The refreshed venue was officially unveiled during a summer launch celebration that showcased the hotel’s reputation for immersive entertainment. Guests enjoyed live performances from festival favourites The Cuban Brothers, comedy from Matt Richardson, Latin music and dancing, DJ sets, outdoor cinema and the opportunity to sample the new menus throughout the evening.
While the entertainment celebrated the venue’s colourful personality, the relaunch also signalled an evolution of the Crazy Bear experience, combining enhanced food and drink with carefully updated interiors designed to complement the historic Oxfordshire setting.
Founded in 1993, Crazy Bear Stadhampton has become one of Oxfordshire’s best-known boutique hospitality destinations, offering individually designed bedrooms, a historic pub, gardens, woodland and distinctive event spaces. The latest refresh aims to build on that legacy while introducing new reasons for visitors to return throughout the year.
Whether visiting for a long lunch, cocktails in the garden, an indulgent Afternoon Tea Feast or an overnight escape, the latest chapter at Crazy Bear continues to embrace the theatrical style that has helped make it one of the county’s most memorable destinations.
Gallery
Click to expand
