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/3/2024/11/Untitled-design-2024-11-05T120842.878.jpg" alt="Inside The White Hart, Fyfield, Oxon" class="wp-image-176131" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/11/Untitled-design-2024-11-05T120842.878.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/11/Untitled-design-2024-11-05T120842.878-800x800.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/11/Untitled-design-2024-11-05T120842.878-400x400.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/11/Untitled-design-2024-11-05T120842.878-500x500.jpg 500w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>Head along the lane to <a href="https://www.whitehart-fyfield.com/">The White Hart</a>, a restored half-timbered 15th Century chantry house, and you’ve stepped firmly into West Oxon’s Cotswolds territory. It’s down a no-through road of honey stone houses in the village of Fyfield so a quiet spot that relies on its rep to get bums on seats. Good job then that The White Hart has won countless awards including Best Destination Pub in the Muddy Awards 2024 (beating Tom Kerridge and Daylesford no less) and has held onto two AA rosettes for 18 years. It’s between Oxford and Faringdon, so in ‘night out’ catchment for either, as well as places like Abingdon, Wantage and Witney. If it’s not already on your radar, read on. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-vibe">THE VIBE</h2>



<p>The White Hart has all the cosiness of a proper historic village pub, which isn’t easy when you’ve got a vast vaulted ceiling and medieval banquet hall vibes (think huge iron chandeliers and exposed stone), but the low lighting, upholstered antique chairs and pale wooden beams softens the vibe, and there are wow-factor elements like the minstrel&#8217;s gallery. Plus it’s warm and there’s decent music &#8211; not of the elevator variety (I caught <em>The Lightning Seeds</em> and <em>The Commitments</em> soundtrack the night I visited, all played at a good volume). </p>



<p>On the Tuesday night we went, the bar tables were all occupied and we stepped over a dog snoozing at its owners feet to amble into the restaurant, which was equally buzzy, with couples, families and groups of friends making up the mix. Not an easy achievement for a rural restaurant, so this place clearly manages to be many things to its punters &#8211; smart but not stuffy and with a varied food offering that includes a kids menu, Sunday lunch, nibbles, pizzas in the summer and the full bells and whistles à la carte.</p>



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



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/10/Kitchen-Garden-1.jpg" alt="The kitchen garden at The White Hart, Fyfield"/></figure>



<p>Dishes change with produce available, lots of which comes from the restaurant&#8217;s own kitchen garden so there’s a regular churn of new offerings alongside old favourites that would have the regulars stampeding the place if they were taken off the menu.&nbsp;</p>



<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/3/2024/11/Untitled-design-2024-11-05T120756.160.jpg" alt="Cocktails at The White Hart, Fyfield, Oxon" class="wp-image-176130" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/11/Untitled-design-2024-11-05T120756.160.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/11/Untitled-design-2024-11-05T120756.160-800x800.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/11/Untitled-design-2024-11-05T120756.160-400x400.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/11/Untitled-design-2024-11-05T120756.160-500x500.jpg 500w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>But back to the start of the evening and we kicked off with a couple of cocktails &#8211; bagsy to not be designated driver as the cocktails here are seriously good. We had a negroni and the intriguing Waldorf, inspired by the salad and served with walnut-infused vodka, celery-infused Martini, apple and grape syrup, lemon, and walnut bitters and served with a Stilton garnish (I imagine the kitchen is like a witch&#8217;s emporium). The Waldorf was really tasty &#8211; fresh and it weirdly worked having a nibble of cheese with each sip.     </p>



<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/3/2024/11/Untitled-design-2024-11-04T134242.386-1.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-176133" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/11/Untitled-design-2024-11-04T134242.386-1.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/11/Untitled-design-2024-11-04T134242.386-1-800x800.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/11/Untitled-design-2024-11-04T134242.386-1-400x400.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/11/Untitled-design-2024-11-04T134242.386-1-500x500.jpg 500w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>Nearly everything is made from scratch, from the breads to the horseradish sauce served with the roasts and the ice cream. The bread board is hard to resist and served with chive and rosemary butter. If I was really nitpicking then I would have preferred the butter room temperature for that indulgence of a spreading whipped soft butter, but it was delicious nonetheless. The nibbles of duck bon bon and Korean chicken were excellent. The smell from the tangy and just sweet chicken with a smoky gochujang chilli hint was seriously mouthwatering and the bon bons avoided the dreaded dryness, and yet weren&#8217;t fatty either &#8211; a masterclass.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="667" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/11/Untitled-design-2024-11-04T131914.182-1000x667.jpg" alt="Starter at The White Hart, Fyfield" class="wp-image-175962" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/11/Untitled-design-2024-11-04T131914.182-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/11/Untitled-design-2024-11-04T131914.182-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/11/Untitled-design-2024-11-04T131914.182-400x267.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/11/Untitled-design-2024-11-04T131914.182.jpg 1500w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>My starter of portobello mushroom tatin had the sweetness of tatin, balanced with earthy mushroom but was still light and scattered with fresh rocket. The terrine was served without bread but actually didn’t need it as it was more like a pressed meat dish, delicately flavoured like a grown-up coronation chicken and with a fresh mango accompaniment.&nbsp;</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="667" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/11/Untitled-design-2024-11-04T132049.773-1000x667.jpg" alt="Signature slow cooked pork and monkfish dish at The White Hart, Fyfield" class="wp-image-175963" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/11/Untitled-design-2024-11-04T132049.773-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/11/Untitled-design-2024-11-04T132049.773-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/11/Untitled-design-2024-11-04T132049.773-400x267.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/11/Untitled-design-2024-11-04T132049.773.jpg 1500w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>The mains were substantial, including the monkfish bourguignon with smoked pancetta, wild mushrooms, Grelot onions and red wine jus. Chef Grahame explained to us afterwards that this method of cooking has taken them weeks to perfect. It was super tender yet cooked through and richer than your average fish dish. </p>



<p>Our other choice was the restaurant&#8217;s signature 12-hour slow cooked Kelmscott pork belly with Parmentier potatoes, apple, carrot, crackling and cider jus. This is a wow dish with its sword of crackling and was also beautifully executed with tender pork and artfully placed veg. A perfect hearty winter dish.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="667" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/11/Untitled-design-2024-11-04T132114.244-1000x667.jpg" alt="Desserts at The White Hart, Fyfield" class="wp-image-175965" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/11/Untitled-design-2024-11-04T132114.244-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/11/Untitled-design-2024-11-04T132114.244-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/11/Untitled-design-2024-11-04T132114.244-400x267.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/11/Untitled-design-2024-11-04T132114.244.jpg 1500w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>We couldn’t settle on dessert so we were served with a taster board of three &#8211; the custard tart with nutmeg, poached pear, honeycomb and pear ice cream; the spiced pumpkin baked Alaska, and the apple and Calvados mousse with oat crumble and blackberry ripple ice cream. You can see for yourself how exquisitely presented they were &#8211; the crisp outer to the apple and calvados mousse on biscuity base and with a collar of fresh berry gel was really unexpected and insanely moreish.  I&#8217;d heartedly recommend the chef’s trio of desserts (£26) if you’re struggling to choose, plus there’s a menu of British cheeses, many local to The White Hart, if savoury is your thing.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>



<p>The wine list had seven whites and reds by the glass and 20 by the bottle of each so plenty of choice without it turning into a vintner&#8217;s War and Peace.  It featured the classic Old World wines plus less obvious choices from the likes of Greece, Germany, and South Africa. The low and no alcohol list was impressive too, with four alcohol free wines by the bottle and a no-booze fizz by the glass as well as soft cocktails like the Driving G&amp;T and Seasonal Spritz with 0% Cava, spiced pumpkin and honey.&nbsp;</p>



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



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/10/James-KH-Exterior-High-Res.jpg" alt="The White Hart, Fyfield"/></figure>



<p>Having this central spot just off the A420 puts The White Hart in a good location for all sorts of add-on days out, from full-on Oxford sightseeing with its colleges and museums to something more outdoorsy. <a href="https://www.frilfordheath.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Frilford Golf Course</a> is on the doorstep then there’s the <a href="https://www.oxfordsailing.club/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Oxford Sailing Club</a> at the Farmoor Reserve a few minute’s drive away and walking out from Faringdon to see its folly or visit Buscot Park or Uffington with its white horse. If you fancy some interiors mooching you could book a viewing at <a href="https://bucksoxon.muddystilettos.co.uk/little-black-book/directory/mallams-auctioneers-oxford-and-abingdon/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Mallams</a> in nearby Abingdon to see what&#8217;s coming up in it next auction, or there&#8217;s <a href="https://www.giltandgrain.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Gilt &amp; Grain</a> antiques and vintage just down the road. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-muddy-verdict">THE MUDDY VERDICT</h2>



<p><strong>Good for: </strong>The White Hart is one of those unusual venues that works as well for a special occasion as a mid-week supper. Go for a relaxed evening date night or a meal out with friends getting stuck into cocktails and the menu. The insta crowd will find the food is here seriously photogenic. The large patio makes it a great choice for summer months. Service for food starts at 5.45pm Tues &#8211; Saturday so ideal for those wanting to feed younger children.</p>



<p><strong>Not for:</strong> Hard to say really, though those with a seriously unadventurous palate are probably a bit wasted on this place. There&#8217;s a stonking fish and chips and a great sirloin but the joy of the White Hart is in its innovative modern British cooking.</p>



<p><strong>The damage:</strong> Starters are around the £10 mark and mains £21 right up to £90 for the Chateaubriand for two. There’s also a great value Weds mid-week supper deal with two courses from a set menu plus a bottle of wine per couple for £35pp. </p>



<p><em><a href="https://www.whitehart-fyfield.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The White Hart</a>, Main Rd, Fyfield, OX13 5LW, UK; <a href="mailto:info@whitehart-fyfield.com">info@whitehart-fyfield.com</a>; 01865 390585</em></p>


Review: The White Hart, Fyfield nr Oxford

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