The Muddy Duck in Hethe offers a unique dining experience that combines the character of a village pub with the creativity and precision of Japanese-inspired cuisine. Open for lunch, dinner and Sunday lunch, the restaurant is a popular choice for date nights, celebrations, family meals and special occasions. Vegetarian options, a dedicated children’s menu and a dog-friendly welcome ensure it appeals to a wide range of diners.
Food is centred around beautifully presented sharing plates and the restaurant’s omakase experience, where guests place their trust in the chef to create a carefully curated menu showcasing the kitchen’s signature dishes and seasonal ingredients. Highlights include sashimi platters, milk bread, tuna and heritage tomato carpaccio, beef tartare katsu and tempura lobster bao buns, while larger plates feature black cod and wagyu beef fillet served alongside steamed rice and broccolini. Guests can also choose from a la carte dishes, allowing them to tailor the experience to suit the occasion.
The setting is every bit as memorable as the food. One of the restaurant’s most striking dining spaces feels like a hidden woodland retreat, with tree-trunk walls, trailing vines, lush greenery and rustic timber features creating an immersive atmosphere. Warm lanterns and hanging lights glow overhead, while stone flooring and natural materials add to the sense of escapism. Outside, a charming garden offers further space to relax and enjoy the surroundings.
The drinks list is equally considered, featuring an extensive wine selection, local beers on tap and a range of cocktails and mocktails. Signature serves include the Hibiscus Royale, Cucumber and Lychee Martini, Mandarin and Maraschino Margarita and Thai Basil Sour. Together, the food, drinks and unforgettable setting make The Muddy Duck one of Oxfordshire’s most distinctive dining destinations.