The Mole Inn

Sitting in a pretty garden surrounded by countryside just five miles from Oxford, this pristine 300-year-old inn sports scrubbed wooden tables, rough-hewn walls and a goodly assortment of local drinkers – although long-standing owners and easy-going staff make everyone welcome, with care and attention evident in everything from the local real ales to the please-all menus. Proper unaffected pub grub is the lunchtime deal (think burgers with aïoli, minute steak sandwiches or fish and chips), while the evening carte features dishes with a modern British flavour – perhaps a goats’ cheese 'panwich' with beetroot, orange and pea shoot salad ahead of roast cod with saffron risotto, prawns and chorizo or rosemary- crusted pork tenderloin and belly with mash, apple and onion soubise. It’s a good idea to book ahead, even if you’re simply planning a quick lunchtime snack.