We’re not exaggerating, this little pocket of the world is ridiculous.
For somewhere that looks like it should just be sheep, mud and the occasional tractor, we’re surrounded by some seriously good food, proper pubs, and places run by people who actually give a shit.
No chains. No copy and paste menus. Just graft, obsession, and people doing things properly.
We’re just one stop on the map. If you’re coming out here, make a thing of it.
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The Royal Oak, Whatcote
Michelin-starred, but without the nonsense. Hyper-local, beautifully done, and somehow sitting five minutes down the road like it’s completely normal.
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The Bell, Shenington
Proper village pub. Fire on, pint in hand, solid food, no drama. Exactly what you want it to be. (And probably the best Sunday Roast in the area).
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The Butchers Arms, Balscote
CAMRA Pub of the Year and one of the best pints you'll find anywhere, poured straight from the cask. A Hook Norton pub since 1878 and still doing things the right way. Great beer, good people, and a pub that's earned its reputation
The Runway, Shenington
This one’s different. Set on an airfield, it’s all about pop-ups, street food, cocktails, and summer weekends that escalate quickly. One minute it’s a quiet drink, next minute you’re three pints deep watching planes land.
The Indian Queen, Banbury
Multi award-winning and consistently rated as one of the best around, for good reason. Big flavours, proper hospitality, and the kind of place people keep going back to.
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Winchcombe Farm, Upper Tysoe
A family-run retreat with beautifully designed holiday homes, hot tubs, stargazing domes and proper peace and quiet, it’s a seriously lovely base for a weekend around here.
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