Bucks &amp; Oxon


<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/08/pizza_express1-1.jpg" alt="Pizza Express" class="wp-image-167438" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/08/pizza_express1-1.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/08/pizza_express1-1-800x800.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/08/pizza_express1-1-400x400.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/08/pizza_express1-1-500x500.jpg 500w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Image credit: Instagram @pizzaexpress</figcaption></figure>



<p>Choosing where to eat out as a family can be a minefield, and your idea of a nice meal out might be a little different to your toddler&#8217;s. Can&#8217;t we all have our cake and eat it? We reckon you can: read on for our guide to the best places in Bucks &amp; Oxon to dine out with your little ones. Free crayons and a colouring-in sheet as standard. Tuck in!</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-bure-farm-bicester"><strong><a href="https://www.burefarmpub.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Bure Farm, Bicester</a></strong></h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="800" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/08/bure_food-800x1000.jpg" alt="Bure Farm, Bicester" class="wp-image-167441" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/08/bure_food-800x1000.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/08/bure_food-640x800.jpg 640w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/08/bure_food-320x400.jpg 320w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/08/bure_food.jpg 1000w" sizes="(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Image credit: Instagram @burefarm</figcaption></figure>



<p>Pub gardens are happy places for punters of all ages, but this Bicester gem has gone the extra mile to make sure everyone&#8217;s included. They&#8217;ve got not one, but two kids&#8217; play areas, one indoors for the toddlers and one outside for the big kids. Let your little ones wear themselves out while you enjoy a selection of signature cocktails and high-end pub grub. When the kids need refuelling, there&#8217;s a a reasonably-priced kids&#8217; menu too.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-pizza-express-summertown"><strong><a href="https://www.pizzaexpress.com/oxford-summertown" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Pizza Express, Summertown</a></strong></h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/08/pizza_express2.jpg" alt="Pizza Express" class="wp-image-167452" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/08/pizza_express2.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/08/pizza_express2-800x800.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/08/pizza_express2-400x400.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/08/pizza_express2-500x500.jpg 500w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Image credit: Instagram @pizzaexpress</figcaption></figure>



<p>The summer holidays are upon us *yippee/groan*. So, as well as some recs for keeping the kids amused (see&nbsp;<a href="https://bucksoxon.muddystilettos.co.uk/things-to-do/kids-summer-holidays-whats-on-near-me/">our handy summer guide</a>&nbsp;here), you’re gonna need some options for when the food-shopping fairy hasn’t&nbsp;<em>quite</em>&nbsp;got to the supermarket and there’s nothing to eat in the house. May we suggest the new&nbsp;<a href="https://www.pizzaexpress.com/oxford-summertown?utm_source=listings&amp;utm_medium=Places&amp;utm_campaign=oxford-summertown" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Pizza Express in Oxford’s Summertown</a>? With uncanny timing, it opened its door in mid-July serving its&nbsp;<a href="https://www.pizzaexpress.com/oxford-summertown/restaurant-menu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">spruced-up summer menu</a>&nbsp;at the marble tables. The fare includes Dynamite Dough Balls and various Buddha Bowls, which sound a bit healthier than pizza. Oh, and some jazzy G&amp;Ts for the grown-ups. By this stage in the game, you may need one.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-mollie-s-motel-amp-diner-buckland"><strong><a href="https://mollies.com/oxfordshire/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Mollie&#8217;s Motel &amp; Diner</a>, Buckland</strong></h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="983" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/08/mollies_child-983x1000.jpg" alt="Mollie's Motel and Diner, Oxfordshire" class="wp-image-167489" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/08/mollies_child-983x1000.jpg 983w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/08/mollies_child-787x800.jpg 787w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/08/mollies_child-393x400.jpg 393w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/08/mollies_child.jpg 1000w" sizes="(max-width: 983px) 100vw, 983px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Image credit: Instagram @molliesmotels</figcaption></figure>



<p>Mollie&#8217;s is a Muddy favourite, and we&#8217;re not the only ones. This roadside stopover joint 20 mins from Oxford has become a destination for families far and wide, who rave about its family friendly vibe in glowing online reviews. From the light-up sign outside, to the Cadillac booths, to the mouthwatering waffles, burgers, wings and shakes, it oozes 50s swagger. The Mollie&#8217;s team know how much the kids love it: kids&#8217; meals are £7.50 for a main, side, fries and a drink. Everybody wins!</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-dipna-anand-kitchen-amp-bar-milton-keynes"><strong><a href="https://www.dipnaanandatunityplace.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Dipna Anand Kitchen &amp; Bar, Milton Keynes</a></strong></h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/08/dipna.jpg" alt="Dipna Anand Kitchen and Bar, Milton Keynes" class="wp-image-167496" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/08/dipna.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/08/dipna-800x800.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/08/dipna-400x400.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/08/dipna-500x500.jpg 500w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Image credit: Instagram @dipnaanand</figcaption></figure>



<p>Dipna&#8217;s cooking is all about her family, and her recipes have been passed down through the generations. Now she&#8217;d like to welcome yours in, and make you part of her movement to show the UK <em>real</em> Indian cuisine. Broaden your kids&#8217; culinary horizons at Dipna&#8217;s brand new restaurant, located inside the swish new <a href="https://bucksoxon.muddystilettos.co.uk/life/work/work-hard-play-hard-how-to-make-co-working-fun/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Unity Place hub</a>, where your little ones can get two courses for just £7.50. They&#8217;ll try classics like mango lassi and chicken biryani, with quality and authenticity you can count on.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-bear-of-north-moreton-wallingford"><a href="https://www.thebearofnorthmoreton.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Bear of North Moreton, Wallingford</a></h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="845" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/08/bear-845x1000.jpg" alt="The Bear of North Moreton, Wallingford" class="wp-image-167510" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/08/bear-845x1000.jpg 845w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/08/bear-676x800.jpg 676w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/08/bear-338x400.jpg 338w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/08/bear.jpg 1000w" sizes="(max-width: 845px) 100vw, 845px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Image credit: Instagram @thebearofnorthmoreton</figcaption></figure>



<p>Picture a perfect summer&#8217;s afternoon. Picnic tables and parasols spill out the back of a country pub, with pitchers of Pimm&#8217;s galore on the trestle tables. The floral dresses are out, the sunnies are on, and kids duck and dive between the tables. Just when you thought it couldn&#8217;t get more quintessentially English, there&#8217;s a beer and cricket festival here each July. Get down to The Bear near Wallingford pronto for this lovely country pub&#8217;s children&#8217;s menu, all made from local fresh ingredients &#8211; it&#8217;s just £8 for a kids main, like a Bear Burger with chips and coleslaw. Howzat for a summer saviour? </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-sparkle-softplay-cafe-didcot"><a href="https://sparkleplay-didcot.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Sparkle Softplay Café, Didcot</a></h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="635" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/08/sparkle1.jpg" alt="Sparkle Softplay Cafe, Didcot" class="wp-image-167527" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/08/sparkle1.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/08/sparkle1-800x508.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/08/sparkle1-400x254.jpg 400w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Image credit: sparkleplay-didcot.co.uk</figcaption></figure>



<p>Here&#8217;s something a little different. Didcot&#8217;s Sparkle Softplay Café is where parent and toddler worlds collide &#8211; in a good way. It&#8217;s a café with great coffee and artisan sandwiches served at tables surrounded by a mega softplay area with all the trimmings. Perfect for a light lunch with a friend, while you keep an eye on your little one (and buy them a Ham and Cheese Meltdown toastie once they&#8217;ve had their fill of the foam ball-pit). Wholesome supervised fun for the kids, and a bit of decompressing time for you &#8211; what&#8217;s not to love?</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-megan-s-marlow"><a href="https://megans.co.uk/marlow-restaurants/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Megan&#8217;s, Marlow</a></h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="667" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/08/megans.jpg" alt="Megan's at Liston Court, Marlow" class="wp-image-167540" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/08/megans.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/08/megans-800x534.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/08/megans-400x267.jpg 400w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Image credit: Instagram @megansrestaurants</figcaption></figure>



<p>The Megan&#8217;s revolution has been sweeping through the south of the UK over the last few years &#8211; and now it seems that anywhere that&#8217;s anywhere has a Megan&#8217;s. Naturally, chi chi Marlow is in on the act. We can see why people love it so much &#8211; Megan&#8217;s is all about bringing in the warmth of the Mediterranean to these shores &#8211; from the food to the d<em>é</em>cor and the blue and white patterned tiles, it&#8217;s a little slice of somewhere sunnier. It&#8217;s a great set-up for kids too, with an adventurous menu for under 10s offering the likes of a mini brunch and mini mezze to broaden their diet. My kids love the pancake stack with banana and maple syrup though.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-gloria-s-thame"><a href="https://caffegloria.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Gloria&#8217;s, Thame</a></h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/08/glorias-1.jpg" alt="Gloria's, Thame" class="wp-image-167544" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/08/glorias-1.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/08/glorias-1-800x800.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/08/glorias-1-400x400.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/08/glorias-1-500x500.jpg 500w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Image credit: Instagram @gloriasthame</figcaption></figure>



<p>It&#8217;s no secret that Italians take food pretty seriously. In Bella Italia, time spent eating good food together is always considered time well-spent, and Gloria&#8217;s in Thame was founded on the ethos of the family&#8217;s heritage on the lovely island of Ischia in the Bay of Naples. We just can&#8217;t get enough of it &#8211; it&#8217;s a feel-good family restaurant using authentic ingredients to produce simply glorious, simply Gloria&#8217;s, food. Kids can tuck in to portions of pasta and pizza, plus gelato, handmade with ingredients from Modena.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-hart-street-tavern-henley-on-thames"><a href="https://hartstreettavern.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Hart Street Tavern, Henley-on-Thames</a></h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="878" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/08/hartsttavern-878x1000.jpg" alt="Hart Street Tavern, Henley-on-Thames" class="wp-image-167549" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/08/hartsttavern-878x1000.jpg 878w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/08/hartsttavern-702x800.jpg 702w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/08/hartsttavern-351x400.jpg 351w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/08/hartsttavern.jpg 1000w" sizes="(max-width: 878px) 100vw, 878px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Image credit: Instagram @hartstreettavern</figcaption></figure>



<p>Located in the centre of beautiful Henley, the Hart Street Tavern gives top-notch dining a kid-friendly spin. Head chef Dan Woodhouse brings his Michelin-star experience to create an inventive, ever-changing menu centred on seasonal produce. The vibe is unpretentious and chilled, making it an ideal spot to take the kids for lunch to break up the Henley shopping &#8211; or even for a special family dinner if they&#8217;re on their best behaviour. The kids&#8217; menu comes in cheaper than most pubs, with starters and puds for £3 and mains for £6. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-perch-oxford"><a href="https://the-perch.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Perch, Oxford</a></h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/08/perch.jpg" alt="The Perch, Oxford" class="wp-image-167550" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/08/perch.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/08/perch-800x800.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/08/perch-400x400.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/08/perch-500x500.jpg 500w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Image credit: Instagram @theperchoxford</figcaption></figure>



<p>You&#8217;re spoiled for pubs in Oxford (there&#8217;s more than 100 to choose from) but The Perch raises the bar in a crowded field. In fact, you&#8217;ll trek through fields to get there &#8211; head through the charming neighbourhood of Jericho and on through Port Meadow. Time it right and you&#8217;ll see a herd of cattle on its way to pasture. Since it&#8217;s out of town, the Perch has oodles of space where kids can roam free: there&#8217;s a huge garden and a conservatory backing on to the meadow. Children are well-catered for too: head to The Perch on a Sunday for its unique &#8216;mini-roast&#8217; &#8211; and order the main event yourself. A sundowner at the outdoor Shed Bar is a (grown-up) must-do too. Chin chin.</p>


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