Nestled just off Burford’s sloping High Street, The Angel at Burford stands on Witney Street in a 17th-century stone building that has welcomed locals and travellers for generations.

Records and local guides trace the inn back to around 1652, and much of that period charm remains in place today, with low ceilings, original oak beams and thick stone walls creating an intimate atmosphere inside.

Open fireplaces, polished brass and traditional pub furnishings add to the sense of history, giving drinkers and diners an authentic coaching-inn feel in the heart of the market town.

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The Hook Norton Brewery sign outside. (Image: Newsquest)

Over recent years, the pub has developed into an award-winning gastropub with rooms, picking up plaudits while still functioning as a relaxed local for residents.

With a proud Hook Norton Brewery sign outside, the bar within features a line-up of the Oxfordshire brewer’s cask ales.

Separate dining areas offer a mix of cosy corners and larger tables, allowing the kitchen to serve seasonal menus that focus on classic pub dishes, Cotswold produce and modern gastropub favourites.

Beyond the interior, one of the standout attractions is the outdoor space, which is easy to miss from the street.

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The hidden beer garden at The Angel. (Image: Newsquest)

From the front bar, customers head along a corridor towards the rear of the building before emerging into a surprisingly spacious beer garden hidden behind the main frontage.

A high stone wall and surrounding buildings shelter this area, creating a secluded, almost secret walled garden that feels far removed from the bustle of Burford’s busy centre.

Landscaping has introduced planting, stone paving and plenty of wooden tables, so there is ample room for larger groups as well as quieter spots for couples and families.

Because the garden is fully enclosed and set back from the High Street, traffic noise quickly fades, so people can sit and chat in relative quiet while still being only a short walk from the centre of Burford.

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A pint of Hooky Gold in the hidden beer garden at The Angel. (Image: Newsquest)

On a warm Cotswolds afternoon, the garden becomes a suntrap, with visitors able to sit among the greenery and enjoy a pint of Hooky or a meal in the open air.

Many first-time guests comment on the contrast between the modest street view and the generous outdoor space tucked away at the back, making the garden a particular draw in spring and summer.

Accommodation above the pub provides a small number of letting rooms, giving people the chance to stay overnight in Burford, often described as the “Gateway to the Cotswolds”.

Combining centuries of history, traditional interiors, brewery links and a picturesque hidden beer garden, The Angel continues to serve as a popular stop-off for both local drinkers and tourists exploring this part of Oxfordshire.

Glebefields Care Home in Drayton, Banbury, welcomed members of the Royal British Legion and nearby veterans to its Armed Forces and Veterans Monthly Breakfast Club.

General manager Benazir Shakkir said: “We are incredibly grateful to everyone who attended and contributed to making this morning so memorable.

“Seeing our residents connect so deeply with the veterans, and the surprise of welcoming back our old colleague Ricki, made the event truly special.

“Our kitchen team worked tirelessly to provide a wonderful meal, and we are already looking forward to hosting next month’s gathering.”

The morning began with a remembrance prayer, giving residents, staff, and guests a quiet moment to honour those who have served.

Attendees included members of the Banbury and Southam Veterans groups, and many enjoyed reconnecting with a familiar face among the visitors.

Throughout the morning, veterans and residents shared stories and built new friendships.

The care home’s hospitality team served a traditional cooked breakfast alongside a selection of cold options.

The breakfast club, held monthly at Glebefields, offers a welcoming space for ex-service personnel to enjoy companionship and connection.

Gary Collin, from Bicester, was heading home on his bike when he was stopped by BOTB presenter Christian Williams.

He was told he had won a £40,000 Volkswagen Golf GTI and a £30,000 cash prize through the company’s weekly Dream Car Competition.

Mr Collin said: “It’s amazing.”

He explained his connection to the vehicle, saying: “I played for the Golf GTI because it was launched in 1976, which is the same year I was born.”

After sitting behind the wheel, Mr Collin was told about the extra surprise.

When Mr Williams revealed the £30,000 hidden in the boot, Mr Collin said: “Happy days! I’m buzzing. That’s Disneyland sorted.”

Mr Williams said: “Gary had literally just finished work and was on his bike when I stopped him, so he had absolutely no idea what was about to happen.

“His reaction was brilliant. He was genuinely shocked, and you could see the excitement building as he realised he’d won the Golf GTI.

“Then when we opened the boot and revealed the extra £30,000 cash prize, that took things to another level.”

The presenter said the Golf GTI was ‘such an iconic car’ and a ‘really personal choice’ for Mr Collin.

Founded in 1999, BOTB has awarded more than £100 million in prizes to lucky winners across the UK, including dream cars, luxury holidays and life-changing cash prizes.

The company currently offers the chance to win a £1.2 million home in central London.