Oxfordshire Restaurant Guide

“Love it, love it, love it!” is the universal theme in all feedback on Ryan & Liam Simpson-Trotman’s gentrified pub, a short drive out of Henley, where, in summer, you can “eat the beautiful garden with views of the countryside”. Service is “professional” and the well-judged cooking – “innovative” without being unduly ‘cheffy’ – is “exceptional”. Michelin continue to miss a trick here.

“Always worth the slightly tortuous drive to the ‘back of beyond’”, Julie Griffith’s Chilterns gastropub “hasn’t really changed much (other than the sofa cushions) in over 25 years”, but when that means “beautiful food in beautiful surroundings” (“lovely cosy log fires in winter, wonderful garden for outdoor dining in the summer”) no one seems to mind.

It’s the picture of a traditional thatched pub, but the “cosy” interior and “heartwarming” menu have been funked up at this rural inn, which was consistently highly rated last year.

The “gorgeous setting by the river” is one perfect ingredient for a “romantic lunch” in the heart of north Oxford at this veteran fixture – a working boathouse, with punts gliding past on the Cherwell – and its “super wine list” is another. The “mainly good” food and “friendly service” also make a contribution, if sometimes in a supporting role.

Steven Sanderson’s “welcoming” modernised thatched pub in a Thames-side village majors in grass-fed British steak from Sussex, alongside a variety of pub classics.

2018 Review: Limited but all-round upbeat feedback on the cheaper of the two dining options at Sudbury House Hotel, which features an open kitchen which majors in wood-fired pizza and char-grilled steaks.

2019 Review: “A real culinary treat” is in store for diners at this elegant Georgian venue on the edge of the Cotswolds. “Chef Andrew Scott and his team have a great understanding of combining flavours; the taster menus are a genuine experience and the wine list has some excellent options”.

2018 Review: Very attractive, beamed and cosy country hotel (part of the Brownsword group) “in a quaint Cotswold village”. “The food is well presented and of the gastro’ variety – no common pub grub here!”