Bucks &amp; Oxon


<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-worton-kitchen-garden-worton"><a href="https://wortonkitchengarden.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Worton Kitchen Garden</a>, Worton</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="1249" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/07/WortonTable.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-166660" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/07/WortonTable.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/07/WortonTable-641x800.jpg 641w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/07/WortonTable-801x1000.jpg 801w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/07/WortonTable-320x400.jpg 320w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>Muddy’s husband jokingly asked us not to include Worton Kitchen Garden as he didn’t want everyone else pitching up at this gorgeous farmshop-cum-restaurant on Worton Farm, north of Oxford. Well, duty to our readers calls, I’m afraid – and anyway, Worton Kitchen Garden was nominated for a&nbsp;Best Local Restaurant Award from The Good Food Guide in May, so if it’s not on your radar yet, it soon will be. This secret oasis is a culinary eco-mecca, as 70% of its menu comes from food grown on the farm’s ten acres. The outdoor tables are surrounded by banks of flowers (cue buzzing bees and butterflies darting around), or there’s a glasshouse for dining on cooler/rainy days. Add it to your secret address book, pronto.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-gees-oxford"><a href="https://www.geesrestaurant.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Gees</a>, Oxford</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/3/2024/07/GEES.jpg" alt="Gees" class="wp-image-166661" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/07/GEES.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/07/GEES-800x534.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/07/GEES-400x267.jpg 400w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>This lovely Oxford hideaway&nbsp;can be found on a quiet stretch of Banbury Road, away from the bustle of the city centre. Its Secret Garden terrace was unveiled after a gorgeous refurb two years ago, and it’s&nbsp;still doing what it does best – stunning fresh and simple seasonal dishes cooked in bright n’ breezy surroundings. Get some gazpacho inside you and this summer dining utopia will put you in Holiday-in-the-Med mood before you can Google ‘EasyJet flights to Malaga’ – but without the cost of the airfare. You’ll find us among the pot-plants sipping a Secret Garden&nbsp;(cucumber-infused gin, elderflower, thyme and cava).&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-walled-garden-west-wycombe"><a href="https://www.westwycombewalledgarden.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Walled Garden</a>, West Wycombe</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="750" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/07/ClarasCorner.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-166662" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/07/ClarasCorner.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/07/ClarasCorner-800x600.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/07/ClarasCorner-400x300.jpg 400w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>West Wycombe Park’s blue-blooded Dashwood family used to be all about throwing wild parties in the Hellfire Caves. Now they’ve given a tranquil corner of their West Wycombe Estate a major glow-up and run one of the best outdoor lunch spots in Bucks (for Muddy’s money). The open-air Walled Garden café is pretty new, which is why it may not yet be on your radar, so check out its locally sourced, nutritious brunch menus and more if you’re in the West Wycombe area. It’s set up for kids, thanks to the <a href="https://bucksoxon.muddystilettos.co.uk/days-out/review-claras-corner-west-wycombe/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">snazzy on-site soft-play</a>, but great for some adults’ quiet-time too – or for combining lunch with a dog-walk around the West Wycombe Estate.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-pit-kitchen-moreton-in-marsh"><a href="https://www.pitkitchen.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Pit Kitchen</a>, Moreton-in-Marsh</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/3/2024/07/PitKitchen2.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-166663" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/07/PitKitchen2.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/07/PitKitchen2-800x800.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/07/PitKitchen2-400x400.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/07/PitKitchen2-500x500.jpg 500w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>The Pit Kitchen promises big flames, bangin’ food, and views for days, and that’s pretty much what you get at this super-chillaxed Cotswolds feast. Run by ex-East Londoner Adam Thomas, The Pit Kitchen started life near Chipping Norton but moved this summer to a new (and more weather-proof) location in an old piggery in Todenham. We’re giving it a shout out for its flame-cooked street food with an East London/Turkish vibe (shawarmas, mezze and spiced halloumi for starters), plus those aforementioned views. Keeping it real, it’s walk-ins only here – unless your party is ten people or more.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-lockdown-lodge-marlow-0"><a href="https://thelockdownlodge.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Lockdown Lodge</a>, Marlow</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/3/2024/07/theLockdownLodge.jpg" alt="The Lockdown Lodge, Marlow" class="wp-image-166658" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/07/theLockdownLodge.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/07/theLockdownLodge-800x800.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/07/theLockdownLodge-400x400.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/07/theLockdownLodge-500x500.jpg 500w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>Nothing says summer (begone, rain!) like an alfresco riverside feast and this lo-fi pop-up between Henley and Marlow floats Muddy’s boat. In fact, that’s the recommended way to reach The Lockdown Lodge – hop aboard a river taxi from Hobbs of Henley and cruise along to its meadow setting by Hambleden Lock for street food, Sunday brunch or a slap-up three-course tasting menu. Want to get your steps in first? <a href="https://thelockdownlodge.co.uk/#find">Walk or cycle up/down-river</a> from Hambleden or Henley. The Lockdown Lodge was launched during Covid (hence the name) by enterprising 20-something Minna Hughes after her gap year plans were scuppered, but it’s becoming a summer fixture. Catch it this year <a href="https://www.designmynight.com/uk/whats-on/pop-up/the-lockdown-lodge-3">from Fri 19 July to 11 Aug</a>.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-paris-house-woburn"><a href="https://www.parishouse.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Paris House</a>, Woburn</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/3/2024/07/Woburn2.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-166664" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/07/Woburn2.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/07/Woburn2-800x800.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/07/Woburn2-400x400.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/07/Woburn2-500x500.jpg 500w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>If you have an appetite for fine dining far from the madding crowd, may we suggest Paris House, nestled in a 22-acre deer park on the Woburn Estate near Milton Keynes? (Okay, it’s technically in Beds but worth the trip). Take a seat on the outdoor terrace and you may have an inquisitive deer or two for company – then later, as night falls, perhaps live cabaret from a hooting owl. For the lowdown on this Arts and Crafts gem’s modern British cuisine with a twist, read our interview with stellar chef Phil Fanning&nbsp;<a href="https://bucksoxon.muddystilettos.co.uk/eat-out/interview-phil-fanning-paris-house-woburn/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">here</a>.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-don-giovanni-goring-on-thames"><a href="https://leathernebottel.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Don Giovanni</a>, Goring-on-Thames</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/3/2024/07/DonGiovanni.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-166665" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/07/DonGiovanni.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/07/DonGiovanni-800x800.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/07/DonGiovanni-400x400.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/07/DonGiovanni-500x500.jpg 500w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>Named after a Mozart opera (why not?), this locals’ gem is a perfectly pitched old-school Italian set up in an exquisite West-facing riverside spot opposite a water-meadow. Book a table on the deck overlooking the Thames and the stage is set for an afternoon of&nbsp;<em>pesce</em>,&nbsp;<em>carne</em>, and&nbsp;<em>dolce</em>. If you really love this rather romantic South Oxon watering hole, you can get married at Don Giovanni too.&nbsp;We reckon booking a <em>That’s Amore</em>&nbsp;wedding singer is kinda compulsory.</p>



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



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="817" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/07/Theperch-copy.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-166666" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/07/Theperch-copy.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/07/Theperch-copy-800x654.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/07/Theperch-copy-400x327.jpg 400w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>This thatched pub is one of Oxford’s oldest (there’s been a pub on its site for 800 years) so it’s something of an institution. You&nbsp;<em>can</em>&nbsp;get here by car, but&nbsp;<a href="https://the-perch.co.uk/downloads/the-perch-oxford-walking-cycling-directions.pdf?v=1023" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">the best route is on foot</a>&nbsp;– a gentle stroll along the river through Port Meadow will do it. The slight effort required helps keep The Perch off the tourist trail, which is why it makes our cut of outdoor dining destinations for the discerning Muddy reader. Head to The Shed – its garden café – for pub grub and the inventive Shed Cocktail list. Like we said, it’s best to leave the car at home.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-bar-n-at-the-bottle-amp-glass-inn-binfield-health"><a href="https://www.bottleandglassinn.com/thebarn">The Bar</a><a href="https://www.bottleandglassinn.com/thebarn" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">n at The Bottle &amp; Glass Inn</a>, Binfield Health</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="906" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/07/TheBarnBinfield.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-166668" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/07/TheBarnBinfield.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/07/TheBarnBinfield-800x725.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/07/TheBarnBinfield-400x362.jpg 400w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>Foodie pub The Bottle &amp; Glass in South Oxon has a teepee for alfresco fun, but the biggest outdoor draw here is The Barn – a huge café that re-opened in June after a refurb. The Barn 2.0 is set in a prime spot on the Phillimore Estate, and Michelin-starred exec chef Dom Robinson oversees its seven-day menu. The views over Bones Wood are to die for – but you’re only a short hop from Henley, or even Reading Station for Londoners looking for a day trip. The plan is to make The Barn even bigger and better – supper clubs, open-fire feasts… watch this space.</p>



<p><strong>And here’s one that’s <em>really</em> off the beaten track:</strong></p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-barn-turville-heath"><a href="https://www.thebarnatturvilleheath.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Barn</a>, Turville Heath</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/3/2024/07/TheBarn.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-166669" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/07/TheBarn.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/07/TheBarn-800x800.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/07/TheBarn-400x400.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/07/TheBarn-500x500.jpg 500w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>This is such a secret spot (access by foot/cycle/horseback) that Muddy has got lost&nbsp;<em>twice</em>&nbsp;tracking it down. Basically, you park up in the quaint hamlet of Turville Heath (<em>The Vicar of Dibley</em> and <em>Miss Marple</em> have been filmed in next-door Turville) then tramp through the woods until you emerge at a clearing in front of the Grade II-listed pile Turville Grange. (Fun fact: this £12m manor is the&nbsp;former home of Jackie Kennedy’s younger sister, Lee Radziwill). The Barn is next-door, serving burgers, pizzas and more next to a huge expanse of Chilterns green-space (this was a lifesaver for Muddy in the Covidy summer of 2020). You have to book ahead for a seat at its trestle tables in the outdoor courtyard – but that’s all part of the intrigue.</p>


Secret gardens! Hidden gems for outdoor dining

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