Bucks &amp; Oxon


<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-lowdown">THE LOWDOWN&nbsp;</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2025/04/CrazyBear-restaurant.jpg" alt="Exterior of Crazy Bear restaurant Stadhampton" class="wp-image-187415" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2025/04/CrazyBear-restaurant.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2025/04/CrazyBear-restaurant-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2025/04/CrazyBear-restaurant-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2025/04/CrazyBear-restaurant-400x267.jpg 400w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



<p><a href="https://crazybeargroup.co.uk/">The Crazy Bear</a> has been a Stadhampton staple since 1993 (its sister site opened in Beaconsfield in 2008), when it burst onto the Oxfordshire hospitality scene with its cheeky personality and can’t-believe-your-eyes décor &#8211; from its souk-inspired bar (below), zebra print carpets, and a bright red Routemaster bus greeting guests at reception.&nbsp;</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2025/04/Crazy-Bear-Interior-restaurant-and-bar.jpg" alt="Crazy Bear interior low lighting by the bar" class="wp-image-187421" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2025/04/Crazy-Bear-Interior-restaurant-and-bar.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2025/04/Crazy-Bear-Interior-restaurant-and-bar-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2025/04/Crazy-Bear-Interior-restaurant-and-bar-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2025/04/Crazy-Bear-Interior-restaurant-and-bar-400x267.jpg 400w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



<p>Since the beginning of the year <a href="https://crazybeargroup.co.uk/stay/">the hotel</a> has new owners, and a hefty investment to freshen it up for guests. First to enjoy a glow-up is the old English restaurant; welcome <a href="https://crazybeargroup.co.uk/oak/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">OAK</a>, the first new Crazy Bear restaurant in a decade.&nbsp;</p>



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



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="857" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2025/04/oak-fine-dining-restaurant-crazy-bear-stadhampton-oxfordshire-.jpg" alt="Crazy Bear Stadhampton restaurant OAK with plush red seating " class="wp-image-187458" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2025/04/oak-fine-dining-restaurant-crazy-bear-stadhampton-oxfordshire-.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2025/04/oak-fine-dining-restaurant-crazy-bear-stadhampton-oxfordshire--800x457.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2025/04/oak-fine-dining-restaurant-crazy-bear-stadhampton-oxfordshire--1000x571.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2025/04/oak-fine-dining-restaurant-crazy-bear-stadhampton-oxfordshire--400x229.jpg 400w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



<p><a href="https://crazybeargroup.co.uk/oak/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">OAK</a>. OK the clue&#8217;s in the name. Think: English hunting lodge meets 1920s gentleman’s club. Oak-panelled walls (hence the name), parquet flooring and leather banquettes give a nod to the 500-year-old history of the original public house, while fresh flowers and cosy table lamps add a modern elegance.&nbsp;The staff are attentive and knowledgeable and ready with food and wine recommendations, should you need them.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>



<p>The house music playing in the background shouldn’t go with the stately surroundings, yet somehow it does, creating a younger, more energetic tone that sets it apart from other fine dining restaurants in the area. This is one of those places where hours (and bottles of wine) have a habit of disappearing out from under you.&nbsp;</p>



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



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1875" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2025/04/starter-dish-at-Crazy-Bear-restaurant.jpeg" alt="starter dish next to glass of wine" class="wp-image-187439" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2025/04/starter-dish-at-Crazy-Bear-restaurant.jpeg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2025/04/starter-dish-at-Crazy-Bear-restaurant-640x800.jpeg 640w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2025/04/starter-dish-at-Crazy-Bear-restaurant-800x1000.jpeg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2025/04/starter-dish-at-Crazy-Bear-restaurant-320x400.jpeg 320w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2025/04/starter-dish-at-Crazy-Bear-restaurant-1229x1536.jpeg 1229w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



<p>Heading up OAK is Callum Holyland, who honed his craft at Michelin-starred Northcote, and triple AA Rosette restaurants, Ingham Swan and L’Ortolan, and now brings his 14 years of fine-dining experience to the Crazy Bear table.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Holyland’s forté is giving a twist to familiar British flavours, and the menu is hot on seasonal, locally sourced products – many from the farm shop up the road. Each course includes a veggie option.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>



<p>I started with Hay Baked Carrot, with carrot top pesto, (genius &#8211; definitely trying to make this pesto at home) and smoked yoghurt, £16, a dish so pretty it seemed a shame to eat it… but I did, and it was delicious.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>



<p>The next course was a battle between two dishes – I saw the Oxford Down Lamb, £36, being delivered to another table, and it looked incredible. But eventually I decided on the Chestnut Parfait, with legume ragù, confit shallot, watercress and almond dressing, £34, because I’d only heard of chestnuts being used in sweet parfait dishes and was intrigued to see how this would work. It was worth it &#8211; rich and creamy, the shallots lending texture, and the red-veined sorrel giving a subtle citrusy bite.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1875" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2025/04/main-dish-at-Crazy-Bear.jpeg" alt="main dish on plate with dinner lamp in background and glass of wine on the left " class="wp-image-187441" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2025/04/main-dish-at-Crazy-Bear.jpeg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2025/04/main-dish-at-Crazy-Bear-640x800.jpeg 640w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2025/04/main-dish-at-Crazy-Bear-800x1000.jpeg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2025/04/main-dish-at-Crazy-Bear-320x400.jpeg 320w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2025/04/main-dish-at-Crazy-Bear-1229x1536.jpeg 1229w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



<p>When it came to dessert, however, there was only one dish in the running. Yes, Peanut Parfait, with salted caramel, chocolate and caramelised milk sounds like a sweet dream come true, but it was only ever going to be the Rhubarb Soufflé, with red tea &amp; rhubarb compote and crème fraiche ice cream, £14.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1917" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2025/04/Crazy-Bear-Dessert.jpeg" alt="Dessert on a plate next to table lamp" class="wp-image-187436" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2025/04/Crazy-Bear-Dessert.jpeg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2025/04/Crazy-Bear-Dessert-626x800.jpeg 626w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2025/04/Crazy-Bear-Dessert-782x1000.jpeg 782w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2025/04/Crazy-Bear-Dessert-313x400.jpeg 313w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2025/04/Crazy-Bear-Dessert-1202x1536.jpeg 1202w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



<p>The soufflé was melt-in-your-mouth fluffy, the compote was thick and fruity, the ice-cream a perfect cold, creamy contrast. </p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2025/04/Coctail-CB.jpg" alt="Crazy Bear drinks and cocktail" class="wp-image-187424" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2025/04/Coctail-CB.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2025/04/Coctail-CB-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2025/04/Coctail-CB-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2025/04/Coctail-CB-400x267.jpg 400w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



<p>For the indecisive, the Tasting Menu will see you right; eight decadent courses for £85 pp, £55pp for the accompanying wine flight. There’s also a Sunday lunch set menu, £60pp, plus optional paired wines.&nbsp;They also have a Coravin menu, where you can try top-end wines by the glass (from £13-£42) rather than forking out hundreds for a bottle. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-kids"><strong>KIDS</strong></h2>



<p>Children over 12 years old can dine at Oak from Tuesday to Saturday, with all ages welcomed on Sundays, when starters, sides and desserts are served ‘family style’ and designed to be shared around the table.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-dog-friendly"><strong>DOG FRIENDLY</strong>?</h2>



<p>Furry friends are asked to stay at home if you’re dining in Oak, but are welcome in the terrace and main bar area. &nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-accessibility"><strong>ACCESSIBILITY</strong></h2>



<p>Fully wheelchair accessible, as are the toilets, located just outside the restaurant.&nbsp;</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1842" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2025/04/Crazy-Bear-interior-decor.jpg" alt="interior decoration picture frame with image of fish " class="wp-image-187445" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2025/04/Crazy-Bear-interior-decor.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2025/04/Crazy-Bear-interior-decor-651x800.jpg 651w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2025/04/Crazy-Bear-interior-decor-814x1000.jpg 814w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2025/04/Crazy-Bear-interior-decor-326x400.jpg 326w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2025/04/Crazy-Bear-interior-decor-1251x1536.jpg 1251w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



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



<p>You’re 10 miles (25 mins) from Oxford city centre but if you want to stick to the countryside, start with an amble round the back of the Crazy Bear to the excellent <a href="https://thewildpig.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Wild Pig</a> farm shop (also, fabulously, you can pick up a <a href="https://thewildpig.com/hot-air-balloon/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">one hour hot balloon ride</a> while you’re there for £189pp) before zipping 10 minutes in the car to the lovely <a href="https://www.obga.ox.ac.uk/visit-arboretum" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Harcourt Arboretum</a>, part of Oxford Botanic Gardens&nbsp; – visit in April/May when the bluebells are in a frenzy and the peacocks are strutting around.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>



<p>Car buffs will be thrilled with a side trip to the <a href="https://amht.org.uk/museum/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Aston Martin Heritage Trust</a> five minutes’ drive up the road, which has a rotating range of James Bond’s classic cars on display (£10pp, must be booked in advance) or hop in your own Aston Martin – I mean, we all have one, right? – for 20 minutes until you reach the Wormsley Estate for <a href="https://garsingtonopera.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Garsingon’s famous opera season </a> from May to July. Have kids? You’re 15 minutes from Abingdon with its lovely lock, riverside walks and extensive children’s playgrounds and lido.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>



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



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2025/04/Crazy-Bear-OAK.jpg" alt="oak panelled restaurant OAK crazy bear stadhampton oxfordshire " class="wp-image-187454" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2025/04/Crazy-Bear-OAK.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2025/04/Crazy-Bear-OAK-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2025/04/Crazy-Bear-OAK-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2025/04/Crazy-Bear-OAK-400x267.jpg 400w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



<p><strong>GOOD FOR</strong>: Special occasions with friends, romantic date nights, anyone looking for urbane pleasures in a rural setting.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>



<p><strong>NOT FOR</strong>: Younger children. Unless your kids have impressively refined palates, this menu will be too fancy for the burger and chips brigade (though the Thai restaurant which is about to getting a flashy new reboot too might be more up their street).&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>



<p><strong>THE DAMAGE:</strong> Starters range from £16-£25, mains from £30-£38, and desserts from £14-£18, so two people enjoying all three courses can expect to pay between £120-£160. Wine by the glass starts from £7, or £16 for French bubbly. The tasting menu is £85 pp, with the option of adding the wine flight for £55 pp.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>



<p><a href="https://crazybeargroup.co.uk/oak/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>OAK</em></a><em>, Crazy Bear, Bear Lane, Stadhampton, OX44 7UR.</em> </p>


Review: OAK, The Crazy Bear, Stadhampton

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