The Oxford Blue

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 the the Oxford Blue Pub. This was a truly fantastic evening and one i'll definitely be looking to repeat in the not to distant future. So how did we here about this place. Well a chef I know from a restaurant not to 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 that in mind made a reservation and on saturday we made the trip from east to west to see for ourselves.we were lucky enough to find a B&B just a short walk away. We arrived on Saturday and the outside was impressive especially as it was all lit up. On entering we received a delightful welcome as we arrived early to sample one of the beers from the local breweries. While we were looking at the drinks we received our first nice surprise as two complimentary glasses of champagne from the chef arrived at the table. Also at this time out came some amazing Venison Bon Bon's that were just little balls of heaven. We then followed this by enjoying an aperitif where I did get to try well 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. To the right is the main dining area with additional seating 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 which are inspired by the area. Before our starters we got to enjoy some delicious warm Sourdough Bread. 

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. 

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 beautiful Mushroom Tartlet with Truffle & Wild Mushroom Veloute. 

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 as we also ordered the mixed green vegetables and the beef fat chips. 

It was now time for a rest before moving on to desserts. This is where the amazing creations of Ami takes over and we weren't let down here either 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 chocolate heaven. 

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. 

So this brought an end to a fantastic evening well 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 tell him we was looking forward to returning again soon. Then 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

Love the idea of own groan products.

A new one on the block so to speak. Been eagerly anticipating its opening. First impresions on walking in. WOW, relaxed and very welcoming from the minute you walk in! Love the colours and slightly more masculine feel with leather, dark wood and beautiful blue and burnt orange touches. I loved the drinks menu with a very good selected range of wines etc in full bottle / carafe or by the glass for some. My rhubarb bellini was fresh and delightful! The service was fantstic right throughout! Lovely extra touches throughout that make you feel special! Beautiful fresh baked and warmed wholemeal round bread brought to table with lashings of butter! Choosing your own Lagioule steak knife presented from a box instead of just being "plonked" down, and the small wooden box and hammer presented after dessert and coffee containing a beautiful chocolate covered salted caramel brittle! Its these little touches that set Oxford Blue apart from others. We went on a sunday afternoon and it was busy with happy chatter among all the guests. Menu was not huge but it was well thought out and more than something for everyone , including a picky vegetarian bordering teenage daughter who ordered the spelt jerusalem artichoke risotto and has been begging to go back! I had a pork roast which came as a huge piece of pork on the bone with potatoes and goodness knows what else deliciousness! A small wooden rack served alongside with the thinest tastiest curls of pork crackling! Two other in our party had the beed roast which was served as asked medium and they bothe swapped the roast potatoes for the chips which was declared a winner and they both refused me a taste! I will backtrack here to the starters. You HAVE to have the pigs trotter!!! Deconstructed thankfully and no resemblance to its orginal form but yum yum yum! Husband had a liver parfait which was excellent! Teenagers shared a ploughmans platter with more of that delicious home baked bread and thick slices of roasted ham cut from the bone at the table. Desserts were delightful with a chocolate mousee type dessert and my wonderfully flavoured Burnt Cambridge Cream with the Oxford Blue logo branded into the top! Freshly planted herbs and other produce in a lovely kitchen garden just outside the back! The passion in this venture is plain to see and totally expressed througout and culminating in exciting beautifully presented delicious food. Thankyou for a wonderful experience which is very rare nowdays! I will be back soon! D.