The Oxford Blue Pub

If your looking to enjoy fantastic food & drink with excellent friendly service in a relaxed atmosphere at a fabulous countryside location then look no further than the Oxford Blue Pub. This was a truly fantastic evening and one i’ll definitely be looking to repeat in the not too distant future. So how did we here about this place. Well a chef I know from a restaurant not too far away visited for Sunday Lunch and the pics looked great so therefore got my attention. I then did a bit of investigating by firstly reading a few reviews then visiting their website to see who the chef was plus take a look at the menu and all seemed good. So with all that in mind we made a reservation and on saturday made the trip from east to west to see for ourselves. We were also lucky enough to find a great little B&B called Manor Cottage just a short walk away. We arrived on Saturday and the outside was impressive especially as it was all lit up. As we entered we received a nice friendly greeting which was just an example of the great service throughout the entire evening. It was our intention to arrive early so that we could try a beer from one of the local breweries. While we were sitting in the bar area looking at the drinks menu we received our first nice surprise as two complimentary glasses of champagne courtesy of the chef arrived at the table. Also at this time came our first treat of the night as we enjoyed some amazing Venison Bon Bon’s that were just heavenly. We then followed this by enjoying an aperitif and where I did get to try a local beer which had to be the Oxford Blue Ale of course. While enjoying our drinks it gave us the chance to look around. As you enter the bar is on your immediate left with the seating area just to your right. Further to the right is the main dining area and there is also an additional dining area straight ahead. We were seated in the main area at a table that overlooked the front and to which in daylight would give you the chance to look at the stunning views. Once seated it was time to look at the A la Carte menu which had some amazing game dishes which are inspired by the area. Before our starters we got to enjoy some delicious warm Sourdough Bread.

Venison Bon Bon’s

The Oxford Blue Ale

Sourdough Bread

Starters

Our first courses were a fantastic Braised Suckling Pigs Trotter with Black Pudding , Apple Carpaccio & Sauce Gribiche accompanied by three thin slices of crackling which not only tasted amazing but the apple really refreshed the palate. We also chose the amazing Shellfish Rarebit with Lobster , Scallop & Cockles which was rich and creamy but just heaven.

Braised Suckling Pigs Trotter

Shellfish Rarebit

Before we had our mains we received our second delightful surprise as the chef sent us out a little extra course and fantastic it was to a Mushroom Tartlet with Truffle & Wild Mushroom Veloute

Mushroom Tartlet

Mains

Now on to the main. courses which were also amazing and of course we chose two game dishes the Windsor Green Park Red Deer with a Braised Shoulder Croquet and a Caramelised Pear & Chicory Tart. The other dish was the Roast Crown of Woodstock with Confit Leg , King Oyster Mushroom & Spring Onion Spelt Risotto. These dishes were just sublime & enhanced by the two sides the mixed green vegetables and the beef fat chips.

Windsor Green Park Red Deer

Roast Crown of Woodstock

Desserts

It was now time for a rest before moving on to desserts. This is where the amazing creations of Ami takes over as each dessert was an absolute treat. The Rhubarb & Custard Mille Feuille did not only taste delicious but was a work of art. We also had the fabulous Banoffee Soufflé with Banana Ice Cream & Toffee Sauce as well as the Milk Chocolate , Salted Caramel & Malt Ice Cream. Both of these desserts were simply heaven.

Rhubarb & Custard Mille Feuille

Banoffee Soufflé

Milk Chocolate

We then finished with a tea & coffee. With this came a thick slice of Salted Caramel Chocolate and a little hammer which you use to break the chocolate into pieces.

Chocolate Petit Fours

So this brought an end to a fantastic evening or so we thought as there was one final surprise in store. We was asked if we’d like to go into the kitchen as Head Chef and Owner Steven would like to meet us. This was an honour and gladly accepted as we also got to meet wife & Pastry Chef Ami. You could clearly see the passion for the area and the produce they use. We had the pleasure in telling him his food was amazing and matched by excellent friendly service from his team and to say that we were also looking forward to returning again soon. We were then taken for a little tour upstairs to be shown the fabulous Private Dining room. Then just before leaving we were given a glass of homemade Limoncello to truly finish the evening in style. This to me is a must visit so yes I would highly recommend making a reservation and I certainly can’t wait to return.

Thank You to everyone at the Oxford Blue for a fantastic evening and wishing you All The Best for the future

The Oxford Blue at Night