A rural retreat at The Fat Fox Inn, Watlington

The countryside pub is located in the small but picturesque market town of Watlington, just a hop, skip and a jump away from the Chiltern Hills. 

It certainly is an impressive venue, as soon as you walk into the pub, you are hit by the warmth generated by the inglenook fire place and mesmerised by the elegantly eclectic decor.

A smooth check in saw us showed to our room for the night - the premier double ensuite - by a friendly member of staff, who left only after ensuring all of our questions were answered.

The room, which is one of seven within a converted coaching barn, looked simply luxurious.

Its main attraction is the huge sleigh bed (which is very comfortable, may I add) but there was also ample wardrobe space, a dressing table, full length mirror, hairdryer, alarm clock, complimentary bottled water and hot drinks, toiletries, wifi and a flat screen television complete with Freeview - perfect.

Once we made ourselves at home, we took the short stroll back to the pub to grab some lunch.

Having spotted a fellow diner feasting on a burger, we decided to follow suit and we weren't disappointed.

Washed down with a Guiness, the juicy beef burger was delicious, loaded with cheese, salad and relish, served up with gorgeously light slaw and perhaps the best chips I have ever tasted - all at a reasonable price.

It wasn't long before we were back in the dining room for the extravagant three-course meal that formed part of the pub's annual Burns Night celebrations.

The owner had pulled out all the stops for this event and the room was packed with people wearing black-tie and highland dress.

All three courses were exceptional and presented to the high standard that we had experienced at lunchtime but the main (stuffed and roasted chicken leg, haggis, neeps, mustard cabbage and tattie scone) was certainly the stand-out dish.

Before we tucked in bagpipes were played as the haggis paraded around the room before being brought to the table.

Burns' Address to a Haggis was then recited before the theatrical cutting of the haggis with a knife.

It was certainly an experience I won't forget and the night was made even more memorable as we headed to the post-dinner Ceilidh, where everyone hit the dance floor at the nearby venue, The Social.

The pub tries to hold similar events every quarter, so it is well worth giving the Facebook page a like to see what's coming up and book in quick before it sells out.

So I've covered lunch and dinner, so I felt it was only right to test out the breakfast menu too (plus it's included in a night's stay).

As expected, it was delicious. There was a table packed with cereals, fruit and yoghurt and orange juice to help yourself to, plus a variety of the morning newspapers, which I thought was a nice touch.

I'd certainly recommend the full English breakfast - a succulent sausage, bacon cooked to perfection, poached eggs (fried and scrambled also available) plus mushrooms, tomato and black pudding, all served on a slice of toast.

Food is certainly where the pub excels - it is recognised by The AA guide, Michelin and Sawdays - so even if you're just passing by and don't have the time or need to stay the night, it's definitely worth a visit to refuel.

Those who are tempted to stay for the full experience should note it is 45 miles from London, 13 miles from Oxford and 10 miles from Henley on Thames.

For more information or to book a room, visit www.thefatfoxinn.co.uk.