The Bull, Matthew Freud’s acclaimed Cotswold inn in Burford, has been awarded a Michelin Key in 2025, recognising its exceptional hospitality, design, and dining experience.
Housed in a Grade II listed building dating back to 1475, the 18-room retreat has been lovingly restored by the Freud family into a luxurious yet relaxed sanctuary. Behind its modest high street frontage lies a labyrinth of cosy corners, art-filled spaces, three restaurants, two bars, and a sense of refined hedonism that defines modern Cotswold charm.
The Bull’s culinary offering is a vibrant showcase of Oxfordshire’s best food and drink.
Wild, its courtyard live-fire restaurant led by Ben Chamberlain, serves an 11-course tasting menu around an open fire pit for just ten guests at a time. Horn, helmed by Italian chef Nicola Scarpellini, reimagines British produce through a Mediterranean lens, while Sl’ice, by Anshu Anghotra and world-renowned pizzaiolo Michele Pascarella, brings Napoli-style pizza and gelato to Burford’s terrace.
Drinks are crafted by head mixologist Greg Woods at Vincent’s cocktail bar, with an additional café space, Graze, offering coffee and infusions throughout the day.
The wine programme, developed in collaboration with Wine Freedom, features organic and biodynamic selections from producers such as Davenport and The Heretics, alongside rare vintages from Matthew Freud’s private cellar – including bottles as large as a Salmanazar. This blend of innovation and heritage defines the Bull’s distinct character.
Interiors, designed by One Small Studio, reflect Japanese philosophies of Kintsugi and Wabi-Sabi – embracing imperfection and age. Exposed oak beams, uneven floors, and handwoven Moroccan rugs create a lived-in warmth, while natural linens and low lighting add intimacy. Bathrooms feature matte marble finishes and bespoke oak-framed details, echoing understated sophistication.
The inn also features Zen, a tranquil treatment suite offering massages and facials by in-house professionals. Each element of the Bull – from design and dining to wellbeing – reflects a philosophy of quiet luxury and connection to place.
With its Michelin Key distinction, the Bull stands as a testament to how thoughtful restoration, exceptional food, and British craftsmanship can create something timeless – a sanctuary where indulgence meets authenticity in the heart of the Cotswolds.
