The Bat and Ball pub with rooms to open in Oxfordshire in January

The Bat and Ball is set to open in Cuddesdon, Oxfordshire, on 8 January, as the latest venture from Ben Moss’s Montgomery Group.

Known for revitalising local pubs, the group previously restored The Lamb Inn, a 15th-century establishment down the road in Little Milton. 

The Bat and Ball will capture the “traditional” pub experience while offering a menu of classic pub dishes from head chef Rick Owens, that focuses on seasonality, sustainability, and affordability. 

Owens comes from the two Michelin-star Le Manoir aux Quat’Saisons. His menu will offer nibbles, including pork scratchings, cajun corn ribs, and spicy korean fried chicken wings with tangy gochujang dressing. 

With sustainability paramount in his cooking, Owen’s creative approach will minimise the pub’s environmental footprint by utilising each ingredient in its whole form and collaborating with local suppliers to showcase seasonal produce. 

Open from Wednesday to Sunday, The Bat and Ball will accommodate 50 guests across the main dining room, bar area, back dining room and outdoor terrace. 

The main bar area features terracotta exposed brick walls and painted beams designed to mimic natural wood, complemented by large light-filling windows framed in an “earthy” Vert de Terre green. Accents include chrome fixtures, opaque ribbed glass lighting, a carved, natural wood countertop for the main bar, and parquet flooring.

In the back room, cream walls create a “bright and warm” atmosphere, offering seating across forest green banquettes and Scandi-style chairs. The middle room – which also acts as the breakfast room for overnight guests – is for private gatherings, boasting an oak display shelf, living up to Montgomery Group’s acclaimed two-Rosette level service. 

In addition to the pub, The Bat and Ball will feature five bedrooms, including three king suites, a king room, and a smaller double. Every room has been designed to highlight the architectural features of the space.

The suites come with additional sofa beds, and all rooms include tea and coffee setups.

Moss said: “It brings me so much joy to breathe life into this community venue. Our mission is to create inclusive spaces where everyone can gather to enjoy great food, drinks, and hospitality. The Bat and Ball will be a quintessential local pub, perfect for a casual pint with your dog or indulging in hearty British pub grub.”