The Churchill Arms is a 17th century pub in the village of Paxford, near Chipping Camden, in the heart of the Cotswolds. Jeff Bolitho enjoyed an overnight stay there.

EXCEPTIONAL food and a warm welcome are guaranteed for any guest paying a visit to the charming Churchill Arms.

A drive to the village of Paxford, where the pub is based, takes you through stunning scenery and countryside, reminding us how fortunate we are to live in one of the most beautiful parts of the country.

The sight of wildlife roaming freely around the meadows as we made our way to the destination set the tone for our stay, ensuring a relaxed demeanour.

Paxford is a small village two miles east of Chipping Camden and home to about 300 people. It was a pleasant sight on arrival at the pub to see a few guests sat outside, enjoying a drink in the spring sunshine.

My wife and I received a friendly welcome as we stepped into the premises, which continued for the duration of our stay. Staff are eager to please and look after your every need.

We were taken to our room which was spacious, bright and full of character, with old wooden beams adorning the ceiling. It had a pleasant view outside of the Cotswold countryside and plenty of facilities, including flatscreen television, personal espresso machine and a bathroom with shower. The only drawback was that noise from the bar area, located underneath our room, was apparent.

After relaxing in the room we made our way to the restaurant, where we enjoyed a drink before dining. Ale lovers are well catered for with a variety on offer. The Churchills was particularly refreshing and hit the spot, and an extensive wine list is also available.

We were under no pressure to dine at a certain time so it was nice to enjoy a beverage without being rushed.

But then we were ready for the main event - the exceptional dining experience on offer at the Churchill Arms.

The menu put before us contained a host of delicious sounding items, spoiling us for choice.

Before our starters arrived we were presented with a delicious surprise - a wild mushroom arancini as an appetiser. It was extremely tasty and left us wanting more.

I chose a smoked haddock souffle with chive veloute for my starter, while my wife opted for the cream of sweetcorn soup with chilli bengits. We were delighted with both of our choices, as the souffle was light and delicious while the soup was packed with flavour.

Other starters on offer were crispy duck terrine with local rhubarb and mustard cress; local cauliflower, blue cheese dressing and walnuts; and Churchill's soy cured salmon, local pear, endive, sesame crisp.

The starters had set a high standard so our taste buds were eager to sample the mains.

I went for the pan roasted guinea fowl, with forest mushrooms, artichoke and local broccoli, with a side of mash. It was an outstanding dish that was beautifully cooked. The guinea fowl was succulent and tender and the accompaniments on the plate complemented it perfectly. My wife chose the pork T-bone with caramelised apple, crackling & sage, mash potato and greens, which was equally tasty and generous in its portion size.

Other main courses available included Cornish cod, heritage beetroot, blood orange, red vein sorrel; flat iron of Todenham beef, new potatoes, local broccoli; Loch Duart salmon, steamed mussels, puy lentils; and local sprouting broccoli lasagne, roasted red onion, hazelnuts pesto, along with some Churchill classics.

For pudding we opted for a dish that is on offer for two people to share - Churchill's chocolate pudding with glazed bananas and vanilla ice cream.

It was as appetising as it sounds and the fact that it was devoured quickly shows how much we enjoyed it.

Other desserts on offer were rhubarb and custard; Vanilla panacotta with candied blood orange and orange sorbet; dark chocolate mousse with baileys ice cream; and pistachio sponge with cherries and cherry ice cream.

After coffee we left the restaurant fully satisfied, having enjoyed a wonderful meal that showed attention to detail that would please all diners.

Prices are also reasonable for the quality of food on offer, with starters ranging from £6.50 to £8.95 and mains from £15.50 to £21.50.

The following morning before heading off we enjoyed a full English breakfast that matched the high standards set the previous evening, with perfectly cooked food. Toast with homemade jam was also a splendid addition.

The head chef and proprietor of the Churchill Arms, Nick Deverell-Smith, has more than 15 years' of experience in award-winning restaurants across the country and it certainly shows in the standard of dishes he creates. He promises clever twists on British classics and delivers a fantastic dining experience that is thoroughly recommended.

Rooms cost £120 per night and more information can be found at www.churchillarms.co.