Bucks &amp; Oxon


<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-lowdown">THE LOWDOWN</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/3/2022/12/16.jpeg" alt="" class="wp-image-140401" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2022/12/16.jpeg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2022/12/16-800x800.jpeg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2022/12/16-400x400.jpeg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2022/12/16-525x525.jpeg 525w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2022/12/16-500x500.jpeg 500w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>You&#8217;ll find this Muddy Award-winning <a href="https://theredlionnorthmoor.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">whitewashed, low-beamed 17th century pub</a> <a href="https://theredlionnorthmoor.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">with rooms </a>in the small village of Northmoor, six miles equidistant from Oxford to the east and Witney to the north. <strong><a href="https://theredlionnorthmoor.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Red Lion at Northmoor</a></strong> been owned by the community and run by Ian Neale (ex Bibendum) and his partner Lisa Lyne since 2014, after the village fought off circling developers who were attracted to the large garden. The plot (earmarked for 12 houses) now contains a kitchen garden, chickens, plenty of outdoor seating and three beautifully kept shepherds huts, so you get the idea of its size!  </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">THE VIBE</h2>



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<p>Sometimes I&#8217;m in the mood for a posh, pretentious gastro experience but, more often, in my day-to-day, I&#8217;m drawn more to comfort, ease and authentic pubs. The Red Lion at Northmoor has this kind of down-to-earth character in spades, with terracotta floor tiles, open fires, cottage furniture, blackboards scribbled with specials, and even a piano in the bar. A charmingly low-key book-swap (step outside the loos and it&#8217;s right in front of you) is well used &#8211; just take book, and replace with one you&#8217;ve read </p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="666" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2022/10/The-Red-Lion-Northmoor-Interior-.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-138554" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2022/10/The-Red-Lion-Northmoor-Interior-.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2022/10/The-Red-Lion-Northmoor-Interior--800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2022/10/The-Red-Lion-Northmoor-Interior--400x266.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2022/10/The-Red-Lion-Northmoor-Interior--788x525.jpg 788w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>There are only two main social areas in the pub, with the main bar/eating space taking the lion&#8217;s share of the character (a further dining room space being more functional). As a small venue, atmosphere is easy to come by, with a mix of locals and further a-fielders filling the room on the day we ate with a social hum. Ian and Lisa have recently opened The Red Lion from 11am onwards as a warm place for locals to gather in the wake of the energy and cost of living crisis which feels very much in keeping with the community spirit of the pub. </p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="750" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2022/12/Red-Lion-Northmoor-©Muddy-Stilettos-bar-1000x750.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-140404" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2022/12/Red-Lion-Northmoor-©Muddy-Stilettos-bar-1000x750.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2022/12/Red-Lion-Northmoor-©Muddy-Stilettos-bar-800x600.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2022/12/Red-Lion-Northmoor-©Muddy-Stilettos-bar-400x300.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2022/12/Red-Lion-Northmoor-©Muddy-Stilettos-bar-700x525.jpg 700w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2022/12/Red-Lion-Northmoor-©Muddy-Stilettos-bar.jpg 1500w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="750" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2022/12/Red-Lion-Northmoor-©Muddy-Stilettos-family-1000x750.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-140403" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2022/12/Red-Lion-Northmoor-©Muddy-Stilettos-family-1000x750.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2022/12/Red-Lion-Northmoor-©Muddy-Stilettos-family-800x600.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2022/12/Red-Lion-Northmoor-©Muddy-Stilettos-family-400x300.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2022/12/Red-Lion-Northmoor-©Muddy-Stilettos-family-700x525.jpg 700w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2022/12/Red-Lion-Northmoor-©Muddy-Stilettos-family.jpg 1500w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p></p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="750" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2022/12/Red-Lion-Northmoor-©Muddy-Stilettos-warmers-1000x750.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-140405" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2022/12/Red-Lion-Northmoor-©Muddy-Stilettos-warmers-1000x750.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2022/12/Red-Lion-Northmoor-©Muddy-Stilettos-warmers-800x600.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2022/12/Red-Lion-Northmoor-©Muddy-Stilettos-warmers-400x300.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2022/12/Red-Lion-Northmoor-©Muddy-Stilettos-warmers-700x525.jpg 700w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2022/12/Red-Lion-Northmoor-©Muddy-Stilettos-warmers.jpg 1500w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">SCOFF &amp; QUAFF</h2>



<p>The kitchen garden here means that much of the ingredients are grown on site. The menus are largely traditional, with the likes of fish and chips, burgers, pizza, brisket and ham, egg and chips to choose from, amongst more gastro choices such as pan-roasted hake with tender stem, green beans, homegrown pink fir potatoes and sauce vierge or monkfish with crushed Jersey royals, samphire and peas in butter sauce. There&#8217;s a separate kids menu with the usual crowdpleasers of chicken goujons and fish and chips. </p>



<p>Sunday roasts are a big deal here, though don&#8217;t expect exhaustive options &#8211; it was beef or pork on the day I visited, which felt enough with all the other choices on the menu. I plumped for the pork as I rarely ever cook it at home. Portion sizes are generous, as you can see! </p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="750" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2022/12/Red-Lion-Northmoor-©Muddy-Stilettos-roast-e1670435636908-1000x750.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-140406" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2022/12/Red-Lion-Northmoor-©Muddy-Stilettos-roast-e1670435636908-1000x750.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2022/12/Red-Lion-Northmoor-©Muddy-Stilettos-roast-e1670435636908-800x600.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2022/12/Red-Lion-Northmoor-©Muddy-Stilettos-roast-e1670435636908-400x300.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2022/12/Red-Lion-Northmoor-©Muddy-Stilettos-roast-e1670435636908-700x525.jpg 700w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2022/12/Red-Lion-Northmoor-©Muddy-Stilettos-roast-e1670435636908.jpg 1500w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="750" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2022/12/Red-Lion-Northmoor-©Muddy-Stilettos-roast-close-up--1000x750.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-140416" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2022/12/Red-Lion-Northmoor-©Muddy-Stilettos-roast-close-up--1000x750.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2022/12/Red-Lion-Northmoor-©Muddy-Stilettos-roast-close-up--800x600.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2022/12/Red-Lion-Northmoor-©Muddy-Stilettos-roast-close-up--400x300.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2022/12/Red-Lion-Northmoor-©Muddy-Stilettos-roast-close-up--700x525.jpg 700w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2022/12/Red-Lion-Northmoor-©Muddy-Stilettos-roast-close-up-.jpg 1500w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="750" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2022/12/Red-Lion-Northmoor-©Muddy-Stilettos-veg-1000x750.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-140408" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2022/12/Red-Lion-Northmoor-©Muddy-Stilettos-veg-1000x750.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2022/12/Red-Lion-Northmoor-©Muddy-Stilettos-veg-800x600.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2022/12/Red-Lion-Northmoor-©Muddy-Stilettos-veg-400x300.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2022/12/Red-Lion-Northmoor-©Muddy-Stilettos-veg-700x525.jpg 700w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2022/12/Red-Lion-Northmoor-©Muddy-Stilettos-veg.jpg 1500w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>Crackling crackled, the carrots were sweet without losing their bite, and the roast potatoes were the best of all, crispy outside, fluffy inside. My only criticism, and it&#8217;s just personal choice really, is that my plate arrived already gravy-ed up &#8211; I like to pour my own, and manage how much and where the gravy goes (yes, I&#8217;m a control freak even when I&#8217;m eating). Service with Lisa front of house was personable and relaxed but unfussy, just how I like it.</p>



<p>Dessert was a simple stilton cheeseboard, prettily presented with homemade chutney, and a full complement of apple, celery, water biscuits and grapes, but the likes of tarte tatin and hot chocolate fondant are also menu stalwarts. </p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="750" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2022/12/Red-Lion-Northmoor-©Muddy-Stilettos-cheeseboard-1000x750.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-140407" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2022/12/Red-Lion-Northmoor-©Muddy-Stilettos-cheeseboard-1000x750.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2022/12/Red-Lion-Northmoor-©Muddy-Stilettos-cheeseboard-800x600.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2022/12/Red-Lion-Northmoor-©Muddy-Stilettos-cheeseboard-400x300.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2022/12/Red-Lion-Northmoor-©Muddy-Stilettos-cheeseboard-700x525.jpg 700w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2022/12/Red-Lion-Northmoor-©Muddy-Stilettos-cheeseboard.jpg 1500w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p></p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">STAY</h2>



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<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="750" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2022/12/Red-Lion-Northmoor-©Muddy-Stilettos-shepherds-huts-1000x750.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-140412" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2022/12/Red-Lion-Northmoor-©Muddy-Stilettos-shepherds-huts-1000x750.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2022/12/Red-Lion-Northmoor-©Muddy-Stilettos-shepherds-huts-800x600.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2022/12/Red-Lion-Northmoor-©Muddy-Stilettos-shepherds-huts-400x300.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2022/12/Red-Lion-Northmoor-©Muddy-Stilettos-shepherds-huts-700x525.jpg 700w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2022/12/Red-Lion-Northmoor-©Muddy-Stilettos-shepherds-huts.jpg 1500w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>Three wagon-style, contemporary-styled shepherd&#8217;s huts for two have king-sized beds, ensuite bathrooms, woodburners and TV in a serene spot amongst the kitchen garden, well away from the roadside. The cabins are dog-friendly (for an additional charge), and can be rented collectively if you fancy making an occasion of it with friends or family. It&#8217;s B&amp;B territory here so you&#8217;ll get breakfast as part of the deal &#8211; expect to pay around £100 in low season and more at peak times.</p>



<p></p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">OUT &amp; ABOUT</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="750" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2022/12/Red-Lion-Northmoor-©Muddy-Stilettos-church-1000x750.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-140413" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2022/12/Red-Lion-Northmoor-©Muddy-Stilettos-church-1000x750.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2022/12/Red-Lion-Northmoor-©Muddy-Stilettos-church-800x600.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2022/12/Red-Lion-Northmoor-©Muddy-Stilettos-church-400x300.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2022/12/Red-Lion-Northmoor-©Muddy-Stilettos-church-700x525.jpg 700w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2022/12/Red-Lion-Northmoor-©Muddy-Stilettos-church.jpg 1500w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>There&#8217;s not much to keep you in Northmoor itself once you&#8217;ve taken in the Grade I listed 13th century church (musicians, check out the organ!), but there are <a href="https://www.oxfordshire.gov.uk/residents/environment-and-planning/countryside/lower-windrush-valley-project/circular-walks" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">several easy circular walks</a> that start and end at the pub, and a 15 minute walk or a short 5 minute drive sees you at Standlake Common, a 25 hectare wetland reserve with over 170 types of birds (you can buy tickets for the two hides at the pub).  Witney is a 15 minute drive, Blenheim Palace will take you 20 minutes and it&#8217;s half an hour into Oxford or the National Trust-managed Buscot Park near Faringdon.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">THE DAMAGE </h2>



<p>Very reasonable. Starters from £4.50 for home-made breads through to £8 for honey-glazed duck ham, chicory and orange jam, pancetta and salad. Sunday roasts are a steal at £16.50, fish and chips will set you back £14, and desserts are mostly between £6-7.50, with the exception of the cheese board which was £9</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">THE MUDDY VERDICT</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/3/2022/12/12-1.jpeg" alt="" class="wp-image-140415" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2022/12/12-1.jpeg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2022/12/12-1-800x800.jpeg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2022/12/12-1-400x400.jpeg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2022/12/12-1-525x525.jpeg 525w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2022/12/12-1-500x500.jpeg 500w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p></p>



<p><strong>Good for:</strong> Locals looking for a friendly drop in, hungry Sunday lunchers, B&amp;B-ers looking for a good value stay in the Oxfordshire countryside. The pub is cosy for winter and has a large, shaded garden in summer so covers the bases all year round.</p>



<p><strong>Not for:</strong> This is a laidback local pub &#8211; anyone looking for Wallpaper* interiors and crisp white table cloths, take a hard swerve. The main road next to the pub won&#8217;t appeal to all (though in reality it&#8217;s a super-quiet village). The pub is closed Mondays and Tuesdays, so week-day munchers beware!</p>



<p><em><a href="https://theredlionnorthmoor.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Red Lion at Northmoor</a>, Standlake Road, Northmoor, Oxon, OX295SX</em>. Tel: <em><a href="tel:01865300301">01865 300301</a>. </em></p>


Review: The Red Lion at Northmoor, Oxfordshire

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