ALFRESCO EATING IS ONE OF THE DELIGHTS OF SUMMER
Whether you’re turned on by dining in Yurts or glass huts in a field, Oxfordshire has a wealth of dining experiences just waiting to be devoured.
No establishment has paid or given us free meals to be included in this feature
Scenic Supper – Moreton-in-Marsh
A new dining concept. This year they’re putting down roots at their new home – tucked away in the beautiful pastures of Todenham Manor Farm near Moreton-in-Marsh – this is glasshouse dining in style and with a view.
The seven sustainably built glasshouses are sure to make your experience more dreamier than ever
The Trout, Wolvercote
The Trout Inn is a 17th century pub Positioned on the banks of the River Thames in Lower Wolvercote
The Punter
The Punter, Osney Mead, Oxford – al fresco dining by the river
Cherwell Boathouse, Oxford
Undoubtedly one of the most wonderfully located spots in Oxfordshire, where outdoor dining is twinned with a classic English sense of occasion. Sit and watch the boats from the River Front dining area, the open sided conservatory or the marquee.
Fat Lils, Witney
From stone baked pizza, to Mexican tacos and classic burgers, there is bound to be something to sate your appetite. Drinking Cocktails on the pavement – so decadent and lovely. https://fatlils.co.uk
Branca, Jericho
With a surprisingly large, beautiful terraced garden in the heart of Jericho, Branca is a delight for the senses. What’s not to like – chilled gazpacho, Asparagus and pea risotto, steaks and burgers – the menu is fantastic. https://www.branca.co.uk
The Lamb Inn, Crawley
A new outdoor kitchen, beer garden coverings with heaters awaits you at The Lamb. Whilst it may be outdoors due to the new restrictions they have created a new, casual, warm covered seating area.
Kings Arms, Sandford
The Kings Arms is situated by the river side in Sandford on Thames, Oxford and is a traditional pub restaurant with al fresco dining in those hot summer days.
Victoria Arms, Old Marston
Situated on the banks of the River Cherwell in Old Marston, The Victoria Arms is a stunning riverside pub and restaurant with mooring available for punts on the River Cherwell. https://butcombe.com/the-victoria-arms-oxfordshire/
The Cinnamon Stick
Cinnamon Stick, Middle Barton
If you have never experienced this type of food before (often referred to as ‘Lebanese’ food), it is found in the regions of Lebanon, Syria and Jordan and now in Middle Barton.
Enjoy a Middle-Eastern mezze in their band new outside Arabian Lounge. Similar to the Spanish tapas style of eating where you enjoy several dishes at a time, there is something for everyone; meat eaters, vegetarians and vegans alike
Feathers, Woodstock
They will be serving food and drinks in their amazing courtyard again from 12th April. The team is already hard at work to come up with a great menu and selection of drinks. Our gardener Michael has already started on bringing all our plants back and head chef Ben Bullen’s is ready to make it a fantastic re-opening.
The White Hart, Fyfield
Voted by The Independent and Sawday’s as one of the TOP 50 pubs in England to visit post-lockdown this lovingly restored 15th century hostelry is in unforgettable setting. They are all set for stylish reopening after lockdown.
With a large garden, two covered areas, outdoor cooking area and an Orangery its an ideal spot for great food whether full a la carte menus, pizzas or simply relaxed nibbles.
https://www.whitehart-fyfield.com
The White Rabbit, Oxford
The White Rabbit make their dough fresh every day with high quality Italian flour. With simple and authentic toppings, whats not to like as you enjoy alfresco dining in a weather-proofed and heated garden.
https://www.whiterabbitoxford.co.uk
Quod, Oxford
Regulars and visitors alike flock to Quod for its broad menu of European classics with an emphasis on British produce. Head chef Rohan Kashid and his team produce daily blackboard specials and a superb value weekday set lunch menu. Under there re-erected Covered Terrace over their Italian style garden you can have an enjoyable Mediterranean dining experience in the heart of the city, no matter what the weather throws at you.
Black Horse, Standlake
Their award-winning executive head chef, Martin Sherriff, is classically French trained with a contemporary twist to his cooking. Known for his approach to game, fish, local Cotswold and foraged ingredients. Even if the sun isn’t, the Black Horse shines when it comes to outdoor eating.
The Duke Of Marlborough, Woodstock
The Duke of Marlborough is a family friendly pub with rooms on the outskirts of Woodstock; offering a street food influenced menu, local real ales, expertly barista crafted locally sourced UE coffee, and a balanced wine list
The large beer garden is a great place to sample the delightful menu inspired by the team’s extensive travels around the world.
Mike and his team are continuously evolving menus to excite everyone’s taste buds, and are passionate about using seasonal and local produce from the local Oxford area.
The Head Of The River, Oxford
This long standing Oxford pub has a large decked outdoor dining area ready to enjoy some sun kissed hours with a pint or two of Fullers, gazing at the scenic River Isis. https://www.headoftheriveroxford.co.uk
Salter’s Steamers boat hire, which offers activities such as cruises and punting, is literally next door to the hotel, and the ideal way to enjoy some fun on the river.
The Plough at Witney
There has been little opposition to its claim to be the ‘oldest pub in Witney’ and equally the only Witney pub with a river frontage – a fact enjoyed by many who have experienced a wonderful sunny day in The Plough’s long garden leading to the River Windrush. With a garden bar the Plough is perfect spot for a traditional pub lunch.
Kingham Plough, Kingham
A covered dining area where tables can be reserved, (with heaters in their marquee) as well as plenty of seating in their gardens if you want to just drop by.
The renowned Kingham Plough was recently taken over by Matt and Katie Beamish who have previously worked with the likes of Raymond Blanc, Jamie Oliver and Fergus Henderson. The Kingham Plough was made famous by chef patron and Great British Menu winner, Emily Watkins and Matt & Katie are continuing the Ploughs legacy of championing the very best fresh, local, seasonal ingredients.
Beetle and Wedge, Moulsford on Thames
The Beetle and Wedge Boathouse is tucked away on the most stunning part of the River Thames.
The menu includes Pan-fried Scallops in a Cauliflower Puree, Confit Pork Belly, Sole Meunière with brown shrimp and so much more. https://www.beetleandwedge.co.uk/
The Orangery, Blenheim Palace
The Orangery is open Mon to Sat 12 -4.
Enjoy the refined delights of Chicken liver and cognac pâté, apple chutney with brioche toast, Chalk Stream trout nicoise salad, Blenheim Estate lamb cutlets and Eton mess. With the wonderful backdrop of the Palace. https://www.blenheimpalace.com/visitus/cafes-restaurants/orangery/
The Masons Arms, Artist Residence, South Leigh
With garden and marquee, a casual menu served from its Garden BBQ including steaks and fresh lobster and mighty tasty Frozen Margaritas and Strawberry Daiquiris Tables of up to 6 guests or two households. https://www.artistresidence.co.uk/masonarms/
The Wild Rabbit, Kingham
Part of the Daylesford estate, The Wild Rabbit is a modern British Inn in the heart of the Cotswolds serving a constantly changing menu of local seasonal food in a welcoming setting.
The Yurt at Nicholsons, North Aston
The Yurt at Nicholsons offers a unique dining experience with exquisite, locally sourced menus courtesy of Andrew Carr, previously of the White Hart in Wytham.
The Yurt offers a relaxed setting to enjoy a menu concentrating on fresh, simple food balanced in flavour and presented with flair.
Open for Brunch and Lunch Only. https://www.nicholsonsgb.com/yurt/
The Swan Inn, Ascot Under Wychwood
Fabulous dishes cooked with local ingredients prepared in the charcoal and wood fired outdoor kitchen. Try the Chermoula Chicken, The Swan Burger with truffle mayo or the Apple & Tamarind Pork Belly Ribs. https://www.countrycreatures.com/the-swan
The Orangery, Blenheim Palace
The Orangery is open Mon to Sat 12 -4.
Enjoy the refined delights of Chicken liver and cognac pâté, apple chutney with brioche toast, Chalk Stream trout nicoise salad, Blenheim Estate lamb cutlets and Eton mess. With the wonderful backdrop of the Palace. https://www.blenheimpalace.com/visitus/cafes-restaurants/orangery/
The Old Swan, Minster Lovell
Gee's, Banbury Road, Oxford
Fundamentally a Mediteranean based restaurant in a most wonderful glasshouse.
A recent makeover has added a gallery and a outdoor dining area.
See our review of Gee’s (pre the Makeover) https://iloveoxfordshire.com/lunching-at-gees-oxford/
Lamb Inn, Little Milton
Located between Thame and Stadhampton The Lamb Inn offers a spacious, walled garden where you can eat , drink and relax.
First impressions looking at the menu it is fairly traditional food, including beef burgers, lamb burgers and fish and chips. https://lambinnlittlemilton.co.uk
Waterfront Cafe, Benson
Sat adjacent to a Thames Marina in Benson this independent family owned waterside cafe has been a delight for three decades.
A varied menu is on offer including Fish Cakes, Steaks and of course Fish and Chips. https://www.waterfrontcafe.co.uk
Arbequina, Cowley Road
Known for it’s wonderful tapas, like Onion tortilla, Beetroot borani, Hispi cabbage and Patatas bravas, Arbequina has now added pavement dining. Booking is essential. ust make sure you book.
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