Bucks &amp; Oxon


<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-location">THE LOCATION </h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="666" src="https://bucksoxon.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2021/11/nicholsons-1.jpeg" alt="" class="wp-image-123379" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2021/11/nicholsons-1.jpeg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2021/11/nicholsons-1-360x240.jpeg 360w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2021/11/nicholsons-1-720x480.jpeg 720w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2021/11/nicholsons-1-150x100.jpeg 150w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2021/11/nicholsons-1-788x525.jpeg 788w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="666" src="https://bucksoxon.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2021/11/yurt-sign.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-123366" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2021/11/yurt-sign.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2021/11/yurt-sign-360x240.jpg 360w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2021/11/yurt-sign-720x480.jpg 720w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2021/11/yurt-sign-150x100.jpg 150w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2021/11/yurt-sign-788x525.jpg 788w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>To call The Yurt at Nicholsons a garden centre café is a bit of a disservice. This bucolic spot in North Aston, a small, serene Cotswolds-stone village in North Oxfordshire that goes back to the Domesday book which is roughly 10 miles away from both Bicester and Banbury, and an enticing 15 minutes from <a aria-label="Soho Farmhouse (opens in a new tab)" href="https://www.sohohouse.com/houses/soho-farmhouse" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Soho Farmhouse</a>. The Michelin-recommended eatery first launched in 2017, and is now part of a wider Nicholsons business that offers a nursery, garden shop, garden and woodland design (with the carefully guarded celebrity client list to prove it), landscape management and environmental and ecological consultancy, which explains why the place has serious National Trust vibes &#8211; think crunchy gravel pathways, plants trailing up archways and elegant sculptures. That said, you don’t need to be green-fingered to visit &#8211; it’s one to bookmark if you’re into locally sourced, imaginative food that’s elegantly prepared and served in a gorgeous setting. So everyone, then.  </p>



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



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="699" src="https://bucksoxon.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2021/11/yurt-interior.jpeg" alt="" class="wp-image-123365" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2021/11/yurt-interior.jpeg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2021/11/yurt-interior-360x252.jpeg 360w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2021/11/yurt-interior-715x500.jpeg 715w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2021/11/yurt-interior-150x105.jpeg 150w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2021/11/yurt-interior-751x525.jpeg 751w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="674" src="https://bucksoxon.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2021/11/Yurt-table.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-123367" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2021/11/Yurt-table.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2021/11/Yurt-table-360x243.jpg 360w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2021/11/Yurt-table-720x485.jpg 720w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2021/11/Yurt-table-150x101.jpg 150w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2021/11/Yurt-table-779x525.jpg 779w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>We visited on a sunny day and the place couldn’t have been more inviting, with the pale oak picnic tables visible through arches of gorgeous scented jasmine and arranged in an arc under an arbour around the yurt. On a sunny day, the sides of the yurt are partly removed and it has a breezy, light feel. Come winter, it&#8217;s cosy and warm for a more intimate dining vibe, eating amid greenery and rattan lanterns under the glow of festoon lighting. It’s a fab spot for special occasions, with a series of private dining huts next to the yurt, all individually decorated and with cute names like The Potting Shed. It’s not pretentious here, with young, engaged and friendly waiting staff and, on the day we went, diners of all ages including families with young kids.</p>



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



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="666" src="https://bucksoxon.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2021/11/yurt-menu.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-123375" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2021/11/yurt-menu.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2021/11/yurt-menu-360x240.jpg 360w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2021/11/yurt-menu-720x480.jpg 720w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2021/11/yurt-menu-150x100.jpg 150w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2021/11/yurt-menu-788x525.jpg 788w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="668" src="https://bucksoxon.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2021/11/Nicholsons-food-2.jpeg" alt="" class="wp-image-123327" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2021/11/Nicholsons-food-2.jpeg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2021/11/Nicholsons-food-2-360x240.jpeg 360w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2021/11/Nicholsons-food-2-720x481.jpeg 720w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2021/11/Nicholsons-food-2-150x100.jpeg 150w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2021/11/Nicholsons-food-2-786x525.jpeg 786w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>There’s a big focus on local and seasonal, with much of the ingredients sourced from The Yurt’s own kitchen garden and the rest from as close as they can get it. Even the bottled water is from Oxfordshire &#8211; Blenheim Palace’s own. We started with monkfish scampi, which had a good texture: not chewy, which is how monkfish can get if it’s cooked a second too long, but delicate and fresh, mixed with crab and coley and with a super crisp and crunchy crumb around it. The accompanying fricasse nailed the whole English summer taste with broad bean and watercress coming through nicely. The beef tataki also looked great on the plate and was perfectly seared outside and tender inside, with aubergine satay, zingy soy, crunchy peanuts and a gentle level of chilli.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Mains also had that fresh feel: pea shoots on pasta, microherbs here and there, and the pink and red of radish and fresh chilli. The monkfish curry of the day also nailed the cooking and was really fragrant, while the pan-roasted market fish with samphire, white bean, saffron and fennel tomato stew was a really decent portion and the tang of the sauce balanced well with the fish.</p>



<p>It’s all beautifully presented and super fresh, so you can see how The Yurt has got its accolades, but the chef isn’t precious. Families eat here and dishes can be adapted with sauces left off, smaller portions and veggie and chip sides for the ultimate back-up.</p>



<p>Puds were great too. The nettle ice cream was a surprise hit &#8211; nice and fresh against the richness of Evesham strawberries and clotted cream. Then there was the rich and decadent dark chocolate mousse with tea-soaked prunes and sable biscuit. Definitely a dish for two to share.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-out-and-about">OUT AND ABOUT </h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="666" src="https://bucksoxon.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2021/11/nicholsons-plants-1.jpeg" alt="" class="wp-image-123378" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2021/11/nicholsons-plants-1.jpeg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2021/11/nicholsons-plants-1-360x240.jpeg 360w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2021/11/nicholsons-plants-1-720x480.jpeg 720w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2021/11/nicholsons-plants-1-150x100.jpeg 150w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2021/11/nicholsons-plants-1-788x525.jpeg 788w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>Combine your visit with some shopping on-site &#8211; either a glow-up for your borders, some snazzy new furniture for the patio, or gift shopping in the boutique, which sells locally made ceramics, bouquets of meadow flowers and gardening gear. If you’re after more garden inspo, the fabulous <a aria-label="Rousham Gardens (opens in a new tab)" href="https://rousham.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Rousham House and Gardens</a>  is a few minutes drive away with its river, sculptures, folly and parterre. You&#8217;re about 15 minutes from <a aria-label="Soho Farmhouse (opens in a new tab)" href="https://www.sohohouse.com/houses/soho-farmhouse" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Soho Farmhouse</a>  and Estelle Manor if you can wiggle in on a mate&#8217;s membership, or further south there’s Blenheim Palace, <a aria-label="Bicester Village (opens in a new tab)" href="https://www.tbvsc.com/bicester-village/en" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Bicester Village</a>, with all the retail therapy you could need. Or just have an amble You can easily amble around North Aston with its the pretty <a aria-label="14th century church (opens in a new tab)" href="https://www.britainexpress.com/counties/oxfordshire/churches/north-aston.htm" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">14th century church</a> in North Aston and gorgeous views out to the Cotswolds.</p>



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



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="666" src="https://bucksoxon.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2021/11/yurt-chairs.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-123376" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2021/11/yurt-chairs.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2021/11/yurt-chairs-360x240.jpg 360w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2021/11/yurt-chairs-720x480.jpg 720w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2021/11/yurt-chairs-150x100.jpg 150w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2021/11/yurt-chairs-788x525.jpg 788w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>A gorgeous spot, especially on a sunny day with knowledgeable and friendly staff. It nails the seasonal and local credentials with attractive and imaginative food. Even the loos are inspiring, each cubicle individually decorated with a different paint and wallpaper combo with elegant plumbing and LA Eva toiletries.&nbsp;</p>



<p><strong>Good for: </strong>Equally great for families, groups or dining a deux, though toddlers who like to rampage will be left wanting a sandpit/playground as tempting though the arches and mature trees here are, they’re not for climbing.&nbsp;</p>



<p><strong>Not for:</strong> This place doesn’t have formal dining vibes so if hushed tones, amuse bouche and upholstered dining chairs are what you’re after, this could feel a little rustic.</p>



<p><em>Words: Ginny Light, Associate Editor</em></p>


Review: The Yurt restaurant at Nicholsons

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