Holt Hotel, pub in Steeple Aston, Bicester, UK
The Holt Hotel in Steeple Aston is a hotel and pub housed in a brick building with a thatched roof and traditional design. Inside, wooden beams and simple furnishings create the space, which serves a range of drinks including local beers and food made with fresh ingredients, with vegan and gluten-free options available.
The hotel was founded in 1475 as an inn originally known as Hopcrofts Holt Inn, where travelers stopped during their journeys. In the 1700s, it witnessed a tragic event when innkeepers William and Elizabeth Spurrit were killed in a violent attack in 1754.
The building served as a meeting point for travelers from different regions, a function reflected in how locals and visitors gather here together today. The pub remains a place where people come together to share stories and spend time with one another.
The hotel is set in a quiet village with seating both indoors and outdoors for relaxation. It is easy to locate with signage visible from the main road, and serves as a good base for exploring the Oxfordshire countryside and nearby historic towns.
The location is linked to the legend of the 17th-century highwayman Claude Duval, whose spirit is said to still walk the stairs. This connection to a famous robber from centuries past adds an air of mystery and intrigue to the place.
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