Elephant Hotel

When I grew up in Pangbourne, this hotel/​restaurant/​pub was the Copper Inn — nothing special and seemed to fall apart more and more each year.
The new owners have spent a significant amount of money renovating the place and it’s really rather impressive. The downstairs bar/​pub is a relaxing place for a drink, although you’d probably choose another of the village’s pubs if you’re just after a drink. But the food they serve is fantastic. Even better if it’s a nice day and you can sit out in the hidden, but huge, garden at the back. The garden has plenty of tables and chairs and even some ornate shelters with cushions and benches.
I’ll be back in September to spend the night after a wedding so I can better appraise the rooms then. But I’m told they’re very, very good.

Some friends of mine had a wedding here last week after a ceremony in a nearby church. Just five minutes walk from Pangbourne station, there’s a direct train from Paddington and it’s a lovely place to take a weekend break.
The hotel itself is lovely; a boutique set-​up with dark wood floors and lavish Indian-​inspired décor. We checked in and dropped our things in the room, which for £100 (for bed & breakfast) was huge. Very nice indeed. The four-​poster bed was crazy comfy, which surprised me as I don’t usually like soft mattresses. The bathroom had one those water-​fall style power showers, which was divine.
It was obvious that the Manager of the hotel had spent a lot of time and care making our friends’ day so special. The champagne reception in the garden was beautiful (aided by very good weather), the food was seriously good (always a risk at weddings) — and the subsequent evening went off without a hitch.
I can thoroughly recommend this for a special occasion or a wedding, great for a party. Loads of space, sectioned off so you can hire out the entire venue or just rooms. Try it for a peaceful weekend away too, they do special rates on the website all the time.