Part of the building dates back to 1649, when it was a coaching inn. The Boot Inn is steeped in history and has also been a brewery, bakery and boot makers (hence the name) and the building has been adapted and added-to many times. Over the years there have been quite a few interior design sins committed by previous landlords, including the use of laminate flooring to cover up original, character quarry tile and screed floors; original oak beams were hidden, "boxed-in" with modern "neat" MDF; a "Bedouin tent" was suspended from the high ceiling of what should have been a beautiful Edwardian room and a beautiful original fireplace was hidden behind a nasty 1970s atrocity "feature". In order to remedy this and do justice to the building we have just completed the first phase of our extensive renovation project and we are very proud of the results! The design brief was uncomplicated: "Restore and exploit the character features while maximising the functionality, comfort and flow of the building to create a unique and desirable space.” To achieve this, the bar and lounge have been carefully and sympathetically restored, blending original features with good design. The bar top has been painstakingly adorned in mosaic tile that The Sistine Chapel would have had if only they had had Latvian workers! Meanwhile, the previous shabby, make-shift, totalitarian toilet installations were removed, revealing an original rustic and real room with an oak beam and fireplace. The fireplace has been restored using the original hand-made bricks and now houses a wood burning stove. This newly reclaimed space now provides an authentic, warm and cosy dining room to enjoy our delicious tapas. The laminate floor and worn and dreary patterned carpets, on top of ugly 1970s vinyl tiles have all been removed, revealing an original screed floor, complete with beautiful imperfections that have taken decades and centuries to perfect. We have gone to great lengths to make the very most of this find using innovative design techniques with stunning, unique results. The bar and lounge is now a warm and inviting area connecting to the dining area. The ancillary areas and the original but lately neglected toilet block have also been beautifully finished with rustic mosaic of reclaimed rosemary and Staffordshire Blue roof tiles and Travertine stone morcels. The beer garden and courtyard have been thoughtfully planted and offers a tranquil al fresco area for eating and drinking.