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Another day, another restaurant! I’ll end up rolling around the county if I carry on like this.

I mentioned The Nut Tree in Murcott in a round-up of the best eateries in the area back in December (see it here), with the caveat that it was recommended by a trusted friend, as I hadn’t been there.

Well I went on Thursday night, so I now have an opinion of my own (as usual).

You may have already heard of, or eaten at the The Nut Tree, as it’s had a Michelin star for the last three years. The restaurant, in a rural village a couples miles south of Bicester, looks like a typical thatched country pub, and the central bar area is as you’d expect, with bank notes pinned to the beams, comfy sofas, window seating and relaxed, tasteful decor.

There’s a scattering of tables across from the bar area (above), which is where we sat, and another, purpose built barn-style room further along – very modern, with crisp white walls, so a big contrast to the main area, which I rather liked.

The food, as you would expect, was excellent, and actually not that expensive – a tasting menu was £50 per person, but a set two course dinner was only £18. The sting in the tail is always the wine, and our enthusiastic sommelier found a willing victim in Mr Muddy, who loves nothing more than being ‘sold’ to. The £30 half-bottle of sweet wine (to go with the chicken liver) just wasn’t going to cut it for Mr Muddy, who was seduced by wine-tasting jargon, and bought the £55 half bottle instead.

There was a bottle of red to complement the mains at £35. And then there were the two glasses of champers when we arrived…. So the meal ended up costing £200. Not insubstantial (particularly when yours truly was picking up the tab – grrrrr!), but don’t let this put you off, as I’m sure you’re not stupid enough to spend over £100 on booze.

I’d definitely recommend The Nut Tree, and will definitely go back – I’m thinking it will be a fab stop-off point to-or-from Bicester Village. If I had to be fussy, I’d say the service was slightly over-familiar, though that’s just a matter of personal preference; and unusually I really struggled to find an entree I wanted to eat, but I guess the menu changes regularly and I was just unlucky.

Check it out, and let us know how you like it.

Perfect for: foodies, special occasions.

Not for: small children. Not a fishfinger in sight.

£££: For a Michelin-starred restaurant, it was reasonable. Just make sure you don’t look the sommelier in the eyes or you’re lost.

The Nut Tree, Main St, Murcott, Oxfordshire, OX52RE. Tel: 01865 331253