The Plough at Clanfield.
2 miles from here in the village of Clanfield the Plough is a beautiful Elizabethan building with typical Cotswold charm. You will be greeted by enthusiastic young staff and invited to have a pre-prandial drink in the spacious bar. Try and grab a bergere chair by the fire. The bar is very well stocked and the manager mixes a mean cocktail. His Bloody Mary has saved many a life, including those of our two grown-up children who now make us take them there whenever they are in town.

The dining room is fairly formal but not stuffy. The food is predominantly fish and game and excellently presented. We have yet to have a meal here we didn’t think was delicious. The menu changes all the time so recommending dishes is pointless but, as with all restaurants that specialise, it is probably best to stick to their strong points. Quail, venison, rabbit, and, of course, a variety of fresh fish will not disappoint you. Even the Dover Sole, when on, is of a generous size.

Accommodation is expensive and not even remotely as nice as ours. That’s our story and we are sticking to it!!

The wine list is well thought out and reasonably priced.

Cost about £35 per head.

Phone: 01367 810222

8+ out of 10.   

The Trout at Tadpole Bridge
On the river, about two miles from our door, with lots of boats and things to look at, this pub is a classic Oxfordshire Inn. The tables are scrubbed wood and the whole thing feels unpretentious and comfortable. The food is varied and exciting with an emphasis on excellent fish. The garden is large, well equipped with tables, and next to the river. A lovely place to eat in good weather. They also have a very good wine list.

The cosmopolitan staff are friendly and helpful and if you try this restaurant you will certainly come away having enjoyed yourself. The new owners have injected an undoubted spark of energy into the Trout and we have to admit it has become something of a haunt of ours, not least because we have become very fond of them but also because we have yet to have anything but delicious food and a friendly welcome.

Accommodation? Don't even think about it!!

Price around £30 per head plus wine 

Phone: 01367 870382

8 out of 10  

The Clanfield Tavern
 

This pub is old and pretty, with flag-stone floors, fireplaces, and a nice conservatory to eat in. The food is top-end pub-grub.  The menu is extensive and interesing and varies from week to week. They do excellent take-away fish and chips on Mondays (but no restaurant food) and they are closed on Sundays.

All our initial hopes for this place have been realised and they offer an excellent choice with an extremely friendly welcome.

Accommodation? None. Phew!

Price around £30 per head plus wine.                     

Phone: 01367 810223

8 out of 10

We will continue to dine out as often as possible to increase the information we can give you on our local places. It’s a hard job but someone has to do it!