A TENTH century pub which claims to be England's oldest inn has been transformed from a tired Cotswold hotel and 'boozer' into a stylish boutique retreat, and even has a brand new general manager and head chef.

The Porch House, located in the centre of the picturesque market town of Stow, has had new life breathed into it and has also launched its own Brakspear-brewed Porch House ale.

General manager Alex Davenport Jones, previously founded Fat Grape Ltd - which he describes as similar to eBay, but for wine lovers - which he ran successful for two years. He also spent 12 years as director and landlord of both The Seven Tuns in Chedworth and The Chequers Inn, Cassington. He was three years as general manager of the Hotel Farinet in Verbier and also general manager of The Bell and the Dragon at Odiham.

Mr Davenport Jones also spent three years building corporate wine investment portfolios for worldwide clientele in Chile, Argentina, New Zealand and Australia, and worked for Hennessy Cognac in France for a year.

He has a degree in French and Spanish and a WSET diploma in Fine Wines and Spirits and has travelled widely. At the last count he had visited more than 75 countries.

At the culinary helm is head chef, Damian Roberts, who previously worked for The Lucky Onion Group as head chef of The Chequers Inn, Churchill. He has also worked in London and at the 5* Hotel Dorint in Majorca. He cites Spanish chef Victor Garcia as a major culinary inspiration and he describes his own preferred style of cooking as modern British.

Mr Roberts is passionate about using the best local, seasonal produce he can find and worked on the summer menu with Brakspear’s executive head chef, Antony Ely.

“Retaining the rustic feel of an historic Cotswolds country pub and hotel was really important to us,” said Brakspear’s operations manager, Mat Aket. “We also hope that the opening of The Porch House will help put Stow back on the map as a food destination, to visit in its own right and from which to explore this beautiful part of the Cotswolds. Stow has many delightful attractions, not least its historic town square and its growing number of interesting and high quality independent shops.”

In February 2014, just five months after re-opening, The Porch House was awarded the highest accolades by The AA Guide inspectors - Five Gold Stars for Guest Accommodation, two Rosettes for its restaurant, and a Breakfast Award.

Occupying a handsome, Grade II listed, Cotswold stone building, part of which dates back to 947AD, The Porch House exudes vintage country cool and re-opened on 13th September 2013, following an extensive and and sensitive restoration of its historical, architectural and decorative references.

Formerly called The Royalist Hotel and Eagle and Child Inn, The Porch House was taken over as a managed property by W H Brakspear and Sons in July 2013. Parts of the Grade II listed building date back to 947AD.

The Bar offers Brakspear’s Porch House ale and four Brakspear cask ales, including two Brakspear bitters brewed at The Porch House’s sister pub and microbrewery, The Bull, in Henley on Thames, alongside draught lagers, stout and cider, 15 wines by the glass and a 52-strong wine list.

Its dining room seats 50 and there is a conservatory dining area seating 25 and a private dining area seating 12. The menu changes regularly offering a seasonal menu of rustic British dishes.

There are 13 guest bedrooms offering free WiFi, Nespresso coffee machine, TV and Roberts' radio and hand made toiletries.