The Crazy Bear

Apart from "Crazy" there are many epithets that have been used to describe this wonderfully diverse place: "whacky", "outré", "kitsch", "quirky". All of these apply - but not in isolation, such is the eclectic nature of this place.

Firstly the location - in the middle of nowhere of real significance, 10 miles from Oxford. You are given no forewarning of the the assualt on your senses as you enter the pretty and rather anodyne village. So it comes as a shock when entering, it ingests you into a complete "other world". It offers three things - all of which get different marks - the bar is a 4 star talent, the food yo-yo's between 3 and 4 stars (and given there are 5 Michelin stars within 25 miles it needs to work on this) and the hotel is a micron from 5 but probably still 4 stars.

The Bar area is dark wood and glittering chandeliers, all fused with subtle laid back smooth "world" club music pervading the atmosphere. The drinks are served expertly and with an assured attitude, and the staff are human and smiley whilst formally dressed. There are 2 restaurants - English, with a cocophony of leather and not just the seats - studded white leather walls, silver flashes and huge mirrors all vie for attention. The Thai menu is served in a sultry space, hinting at opulence and seduction with gold platter tables and lots of dark, deep silky reds adorning dark wood.

The accomodation is as diverse as you could ever find. Anything from dark and moody to bright and mediterranean and just about anything inbetween - avant-garde, Philippe Stark-esque you name it - you have the choice on the well constructed and easy to navigate website.

No shrinking violet then, this first-born of the now expanding Crazy Bear "Group" with another sibling now open in central London that seems to be attracting positive reviews on this very site...