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 Chandlers Arms, Epwell

One of those places that quietly blows your mind. Seasonal, thoughtful, and the kind of cooking that reminds you why going out for dinner is still worth 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 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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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.

Crofts Barn Campsite, Epwell

If you’ve overdone it here (you probably will), this is where you go to recover. Crofts Barn is quiet, rural, and miles away from anything resembling chaos. No crowds, no noise, just open countryside, fresh air, and the occasional deer judging your life choices.

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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.