We booked into The Cow for New Year 2017 after we visited for dinner on the opening weekend in November and loved our experience – so we cheekily asked to see rooms and were sold as we were looking for something local – that had the feel of luxury or being in the Cotswolds – somewhere with a luxury feel but on our door step (in Derbyshire) and also dog friendly with a foodie vibe (yes the list was quite long!). The Cow fitted the bill perfectly.

Pre refurb the pub was an old haunt (The Black Cow) with so many lovely memories going back 25 years – so we were so pleased that it lived upto the hype.

Check in was early on the 31st and we went for a lovely walk around the village with the dog who was staying with us – before heading back to the room – via the bar for some early drinks before we went to get ready for the evening.

We stayed in Room 1 – which has a little terrace leading off making it perfect for doggie guests. The room has a considered interior – with a contemporary yet traditional aesthetic with a rustic edge – fluffy white towels and thick white cotton bedding – we especially picked this room because of the pretty light and airy feel being very much to our taste.

There is a bijou walk in wardrobe where we popped our case and hung our finery up – ready for the festivities.

The bathroom leads just off the bedroom and is a perfect modern convenience. The shower is wonderful, powerful and hot and there are toiletries and dressing gowns.

A half bottle of complimentary red wine met us and we tucked into it whilst getting ready.

We had a perfect table – tucked away in a booth for the whole evening so we didn’t have to clock watch – we took the dog bed out and popped it under the table and the dog was so happy and relaxed.

We ate from the grazing menu and it was wonderful – we enjoyed 4 lovely courses of local fair and just made room for the cheese board.

We turned to the drinks and made our way to the New Year with smiles on our faces and the dog at our feet – perfect – especially as whatever fireworks there were – were minimal and over very quickly.

Breakfast in the morning was informal and just what we needed with a mix pastries, granola and cereal and off the hot menu – which again was local produce – where possible.

The service at the Cow is what made it really extra special – attentive yet not fussy and demanding. We have already returned for dinner and look forward to this being one of our places.