Five Little Pigs in Wallingford, Oxfordshire, stands out as a place to book for your private dining event for its honest approach and personal touch. A neighbourhood restaurant and bar, it's owned by three friends who found each other through a love of food and drinks. What's even more heart-warming, is that the establishment came into fruition through a local crowd-funding campaign, showing just how big a part of the community this eatery is. In return, the owners wanted to name it after a local landmark of sorts, and drew inspiration from one of Agatha Christie's stories, who was a long-time resident of Wallingford living at nearby Winterbrook House.
The theme across all of the menus at the Five Little Pigs is local, seasonal produce. The vibe inside is cosy with turquoise, Chesterfield leather booths, some bistro seating and wooden floors set against expansive white walls, dotted with graphic prints and artworks. Whether you're looking to take over part of the space or book a large table, your guests will be suitably impressed with the contemporary feel. In terms of capacity, you're welcome to speak to the team about your plans but generally, a semi-private space is available for up to 30 people, while group dining on larger tables can work for up to 16.
The food - and drinks! - are a big reason why people come back to the Five Little Pigs again and again, and it's easy to see why. On the sample menus online you'll find a selection of small plates like black pudding scotch egg with pickled shallot and seasonal ketchup, next to deep fried British squid with dill aioli and lemon. Larger plates might look like Penn Farm chicken ceaser salad with pecorino, soft egg and anchovy, while the Devon crab risotto comes with radish and pickles. Cocktails are seasonal with tipples like the rhubarb sour, mixing Wood Bros Gin, rhubarb syrup, lemon juice, egg white and bitters.