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Situated high in the beautiful Oxfordshire village of Steeple Aston, with a beautiful view of the Cherwell valley from the pretty floral sun-trap terrace, the Red Lion is a traditional 18th century pub that provides a relaxed eating and drinking experience.

The cosy bar has a log burner and is a fine place to enjoy real local ales and occasional guest beers. There are wines from around the world to suit varied tastes and many are available by the glass or half litre carafe.

The conservatory style French oak dining room is a recent addition, furnished with thick carpets and polished wood furniture. With a maximum seating capacity of just 30 you can be sure of efficient and attentive service. Start with anchovies, mature cheddar and fresh olives and move on to a salad of warm chorizo and stilton or fried whitebait. Mains take in cold ham carved from the joint; steak and kidney pudding; fish, chips and mushy peas as well as assorted sandwiches.

An enlarged coaching inn, said to be haunted by the restless spirit of a former highwayman, Claude Duval, for whom perhaps his native land was becoming a trifle uninhabitable, The Holt has a good atmosphere nonetheless. Claude would surely have approved having the restaurant named after him and there is enough in the modern menu to ensure that he would be consumed with nostalgia by some of the dishes. The same could also be said of the wine list even if it is slightly overburdened with New World contributions.