The Double Red Duke (Oxon)

Apparently developed in ‘decadent duchy‘ style, the “Historic, honey-hued Oxfordshire hideaway the Double Red Duke is a rare breed. Owners Sam and Georgie Pearman have nurtured many a fine stay with their Lucky Onion and Country Creatures hotel brands…” Hmm. ‘Packing tips’ listed on something called Mr And Mrs Smith include “Bring tweed accessories too, in case of a spontaneous shooting party” – which seems to summarise the ‘guests’ the hotel wants to attract. From the homepage image of shooters strolling without a care in the world through a field to a breezy page titled ‘Shooting Parties‘ – “With so many great shooting estates in the area you can book in, have a great day out and then kick of [sic] those muddy boots…and chat about that great shot over a few bottles of red, by the fire. What could be better?” – the Double Red Duke makes an unashamed play for the gun-toting tourist. Incredibly the hotel has tagged the ‘Shooting parties’ page with ‘Entertainment’ and ‘Family’, a sad reflection on how some businesses have forgotten what ‘family entertainment’ really is while aligning their brands with carrying guns and killing local wildlife…