The OXINABOX FOOD AWARDS are back! We will be celebrating our sixth OXINABOX FOOD AWARDS ceremony at The North Wall on June 29, with a fabulous after party at OXTWO in Summertown, and the famous ‘morning after’ breakfast at Dishoom on June 30 in Oxford.
Sponsored by headliners Wise Investment, Jolly Foods, The Oxford Collection and SOMA Collab, as well as Oxford Fine Dining, Grape Minds, Dishoom and Tap Social, the voting has kicked off spectacularly, with a different category released every day.
Here to give Oxfordshire’s hospitality industry a much needed boost, a massive pat on the back and the recognition and attention it deserves after such a difficult year, we have really pushed the boat out. And all we need you to do is vote for your favourites.
So welcome to the OXINABOX FOOD AWARDS 2026 and here is our eighth category BEST GASTROPUB 2026. VOTE HERE: https://www.surveyhero.com/c/duk4n3jr
In alphabetical order, the Best Gastropub 2026 nominees are:
Bird In Hand, Whiteoak Green – if you could design your dream pub this might be it. The family run business, managed like clockwork by Andy and Julia Dearie and their son Tom, not only boasts top chef Andy in the kitchen, but has a lovely relaxed atmosphere that cradles you from the word go until Andy’s classical training forces you to sit up and take notice. Vote here https://www.surveyhero.com/c/duk4n3jr
Bat & Ball, Cuddesdon – Now in the Michelin guide, it has a strong community focus, a lovely garden, beautifully decorated interior and even a darts playing area, but the real magic is happening in the kitchen. The more relaxed sister of the Lamb in Little Milton, it’s just as ambitious. Vote here: https://www.surveyhero.com/c/duk4n3jr
Back Lane Tavern, Woodstock – The pace never relents here whatever time of day or night; its fans, regulars, tourists and locals ensuring that it’s always busy. And while exec head chef Johnny Parke is splitting his time between there and new venture OXTWO in Summertown, the quality and standards are maintained, his kitchen team there as committed and passionate as ever. It never disappoints. Vote here https://www.surveyhero.com/c/duk4n3jr
Bell, Charlbury – Daylesford’s tasteful conversion of this historic pub is perfect for its upmarket clientele and anyone fancying a stylish meal. And with many why of the ingredients hailing from Daylesford’s nearby farm, and some refined rooms to boot, it’s the perfect retreat, with a lovely garden to draw in the crowds. Vote here https://www.surveyhero.com/c/duk4n3jr
Bell, Langford – Goes about its business without a big song and dance, while continuing to make waves. Peter Creed and Tom Noest’s pedigree precedes them with numerous pubs now under their belts, but this, their first is as revered as ever. The simple, nostalgic menu is always executed impeccably with a string emphasis on using seasonal ingredients and local suppliers. Vote here https://www.surveyhero.com/c/duk4n3jr
Bull, Burford – The culinary landscape in this popular market town has been irrevocably changed since the likes of The Bull opened, but where to start? So many choices! Pick from Horn, its signature restaurant in the heart of the hotel, whilst Wild can be found in the sunken courtyard as chef Ben Chamberlain takes you on an 11-course fire-based immersive tasting journey. Fancy something more casual? Then Sl’ice its pizza and gelato restaurant will tick the boxes – . https://www.surveyhero.com/c/duk4n3jr
Bull, Charlbury – the foodies go-to thanks to James Gummer and Phil Winser of The Pelican in Notting Hill fame, opening up back in 2023, to immediate acclaim. A destination pub and locals retreat, pop in for oysters and a pint or dine in style in its excellently executed, bucolic dining room. Vote here https://www.surveyhero.com/c/duk4n3jr
Chandlers Arms, Epwell – Another Michelin Guide favourite, this 17th century pub is a real find. Father and son team Anthony and Harry Flockhart have made their mark in the kitchen, the duo producing some inspired and beautifully presented dishes with a really novel, inventive touch. A real find. Vote here https://www.surveyhero.com/c/duk4n3jr
Double Red Duke, Clanfield – while new places open and people move on, this elegant, stylish and upmarket venture continues to draw in the crowds. Endlessly glamorous, its Jacobean building reveals numerous dining areas, and it’s much copied and lauded food covers all the bases, without losing its ability to surprise and tempt. It even has its own excellent branch now at Bicester Village. https://www.surveyhero.com/c/duk4n3jr
Duck on the Pond, South Newington – Husband and wife team Hendrik and Julie Dutson-Steinfeld‘s passion for their wonderful set up shows no sign of abating, continually pushing the boat out on all fronts. Much of the food comes from their own kitchen garden and while Hendrik’s tasting menus are still going strong, the duo have expanded their offering with additional time and wallet friendly options, as well as fixed price menus. Vote here https://www.surveyhero.com/c/duk4n3jr
Feathered Nest, Nether Westcote – With James Erasmus as head chef (of The Ledbury and Cape Town’s La Colombe fame), it’s back in business and producing some truly stunning and original food. It’s hard to give it enough credit, because the dishes coming out of this country pub are next level. Throw in its stunning rural views and refined dining areas and you can see why it’s creating such a big noise. Vote here https://www.surveyhero.com/c/duk4n3jr
Fox, Great Barrington – We love it there – its welcoming, family-friendly, historical bent matched by its food offering. Head chef Mike Burkert ensures it is always bursting at the seams with punters queueing up for the glorious Sunday lunch and tasty specials. Run by Gemma and Terence King, who took over in 2022, this is where to head when you want a warm welcome and some top notch pub food. Vote here https://www.surveyhero.com/c/duk4n3jr
Golden Ball, Lower Assendon, a finalist from last year, husband and wife team Ben and Priya Watson have reinvented the gastropub offering here with its mix of Modern European and Punjabi influenced dishes. Its clean, light, pared back interior and excellent service is as refreshing as the menus. Vote here https://www.surveyhero.com/c/duk4n3jr
Highway, Burford – life-long converts ever since we stepped into its hallowed tapas restaurant Toro, it was a meal that we won’t forget in a hurry. Every dish get its moment in the sun, the respect for ingredients and their Spanish influenced delivery tantamount. Throw in a cosy bar and private dining room and it’s got it all going on. Sister to The Bull up the road. Vote here https://www.surveyhero.com/c/duk4n3jr
Kingham Plough, Kingham – With so many impressive culinary neighbours, nothing daunts the team here, going about its business as usual, confident in its offering. The kitchen is headed up by Ashleigh Farrand, her British offering tickling the tastebuds. A cotswold staple, it’s everything a country pub should be. Vote here https://www.surveyhero.com/c/duk4n3jr
Killingworth Castle – Wootton – With so many accolades and spreads in the weekend papers, it must be hard for owners Claire and Jim Alexander to keep it in perspective. But the reality is that this nationally renowned gastropub stays in its culinary lane with great skill and dexterity, constantly changing it up without ruffling any feathers, its country charm complimented by the sterling efforts going on in the kitchens. A highly polished contender. Vote here https://www.surveyhero.com/c/duk4n3jr
Lamb, Little Milton – Ex-Manoir chef Nat Berney has put this intimate rural pub on the map, and despite its out-of-the-way location, it’s a big hit. Sister pub to The Bat & Ball in Cuddesdon, Ben Tavassoly-Moss is behind the reinvention and reinvigoration of these beloved village pubs, ensuring their survival, while we dine like kings. https://www.surveyhero.com/c/duk4n3jr
Lamb – Shipton Under Wychwood – If God invented pubs this is where he would start. A tiny oasis of an inn, you are rewarded as soon as you arrive. Think sugar pit bacon chop with carrots and parsley sauce or Cornbury Park venison with meatballs, polenta and sage. Quite! But then it’s from Peter Creed and Tom Noest’s stable so what did you expect? Vote here https://www.surveyhero.com/c/duk4n3jr
Magdalen Arms, East Oxford – One of the country’s first ever gastropubs, with Florence Fowler at the helm and her partner Tony Abarno still weaving his magic in the kitchens, its unmistakable appeal continues to charm as guests tuck into the slow cooked lamb shoulder with gratin dauphinoise and pickled red cabbage for two to three, or some of Tony’s homemade pasta. Still up there, its open plan dining room is as accessible and enticing as ever. Vote now https://www.surveyhero.com/c/duk4n3jr
Masons Arms, Clanfield – A gentler, more traditional offering than its sister The Double Red Duke over the road, but its food is equally as eclectic, albeit in a more relaxed and homely location. From ham, egg and chips to half a roast chicken with lemon, parsley & garlic or haddock Monte Carlo, all we know is its curry sauce is the best you’ll find anywhere. Vote now https://www.surveyhero.com/c/duk4n3jr
Nut Tree – Murcott – In a category of its own, having held its Michelin star in Oxfordshire for 18 consecutive years, thanks to husband and wife team Mike and Imogen North’s dedication to their craft. And while their standards never slip, Mike plowing his passion and endlessly enquiring mind into his captivating dishes, things keep evolving – the new outdoor dining area and gardens allowing them to grow their own produce and offer an al fresco dining option. Don’t save it for special occasions! Vote now https://www.surveyhero.com/c/duk4n3jr
Perch, Binsey – perhaps not as fancy pants as some of its rivals, but its enviable riverside position offers you the chance to wind down and kick back. But don’t be fooled because inside its barn like dining area, and on the new terrace outside, the full scope of head chef Craig Thomson‘s pastoral cooking is laid bare, fresh fish a speciality. An enchanting and enduring location. Vote now https://www.surveyhero.com/c/duk4n3jr
Royal Oak, Ramsden – Recently reopened after an extensive renovation programme, it now boasts an extended kitchen, private dining area, outdoor grill, beer garden and more, ensuring that this endearing, bright, colourful, open plan pub will continue to thrive. Its new menus boast small plates and are then divided between sea, farm and land, Think dill & mustard mackerel with an apple & crab tian, lemon emulsion and almond soil, or the lemon verbena posset with poached rhubarb, berry compote and meringue crumb. Walk don’t run! Vote now https://www.surveyhero.com/c/duk4n3jr
Sir Charles Napier – Chinnor – Continually ratcheting it up a notch, thanks to the young and hugely talented head chef Andy Lewis, it’s really making a name for itself again. Already renowned, with food of this calibre and ingenuity it is an absolute treat to dine there, the dishes continually streaming out beautiful to behold and even more exciting to dive into. A step above and one for the little black book. Vote now https://www.surveyhero.com/c/duk4n3jr
White Hart – Fyfield – Husband and wife team Mark and Kay Chandler never let up or rest on their laurels, dedicated to maintaining their beloved pub’s reputation. The food there is magically seasonal, their menus changing constantly and as much is grown on site as possible which means that what arrives on your plate might hail from mere yards away. A firm favourite and as impressive as ever. Vote now https://www.surveyhero.com/c/duk4n3jr
Wild Rabbit – Kingham – It leads and everyone follows. Classy and classic, its open plan kitchen as convincingly busy as ever, the well-heeled are always amply rewarded here in their quest for real Cotswold hospitality. If it’s country chic you’re after then this is it in a very refined nutshell. Vote now https://www.surveyhero.com/c/duk4n3jr
There are 10 categories and we will be announcing one every day for the next 10 days. These include BEST NEWCOMER, BEST PUB/BAR, BEST CAFE, BEST RESTAURANT, BEST VEGGIE/VEGAN OFFERING, BEST CHEF, BEST GASTROPUB, BEST CASUAL DINING, BEST INTERNATIONAL and OXFORDSHIRE HOSPITALITY WOMAN OF THE YEAR
The top four nominations from each category will be invited to the glittering ceremony where the winners will be announced, so get voting and pick your favourite.
You can only vote once in each category, so keep voting every day in all 10 categories! Voting ends mid June. Vote here https://www.surveyhero.com/c/duk4n3jr
