Charlbury, British, Traditional Restaurant Guide

“The menu has something for everybody (and tricky allergies are dealt with without demur)” at this renovated Cotswold village inn which is co-owned by property magnate Sir Tony Gallagher, a kingpin of the Chipping Norton set. “Had a very enjoyable lunch with a large group of pals – the private room was perfect, and not so private as to lose all sense of a pub atmosphere. We’ll happily be back”.

In 2005, Ex-Bibendum chef Pete Robinson and wife Louise took over this former Butchers and refurbished it as a highly popular Cotswolds eatery. The name is a bit of a misnomer – there is “a touch of meat” on the “long menu”, including a 1.1kg T-Bone (For 2), but its heart and soul is a brilliant selection of fish and seafood, much of it cooked over charcoal, and presented in an appealingly luxurious everyday fashion (for example Cornish Lobster Mac & Cheese, Surf & Turf Burger, Dover Sole Meunière & Fries). “Very busy which was good to see – my first visit and it won’t be the last”.

This Oxford-fringe institution is “the perfect country pub for all seasons: thatched roof, low beams, fire, cosy interior, extensive garden” – and is just a quarter-hour walk from the city centre in a beautiful, leafy and peaceful location in Binsey, close to the Thames (known locally as the Isis) and Port Meadow. It’s not an overtly foodie destination, but “the menu has everything you’d hope for from a country pub, plus some extra surprise treats (quails eggs, pork belly and apple mustard)”.

2024 Review: No reports as yet on this modern retread of an ancient village boozer in the Oxfordshire countryside. It’s a new showcase for the ‘elevated gastro-pub cooking’ of chef Nathan Richardson, who took over the property from former tenants of 15 years’ standing and who previously worked at Mayfair’s acclaimed Guinea Grill. You can eat in the bar (80 covers) or the restaurant (40 covers).