Welcome to the OXINABOX FOOD AWARDS 2025 and here is our exciting sixth category BEST GASTROPUB 2025.
The awards will be held on Monday May 12 at The Ashmolean, with a fabulous after party at Dishoom’s Permit Room in Oxford. Vote here https://www.surveyhero.com/c/fm3riudp
Sponsored by headliners Goldstar Recruitment and The Feathers, with Brandpay and Jolly Foods, as well as Oxford Fine Dining and Grape Minds on board, and Raymond Blanc of Le Manoir fame lined up to host, the voting has begun.
In alphabetical order, here are your nominees:
Angel, Burford – A longstanding and much loved hostelry which is always busy despite being hidden in the back streets, with a welcoming ethos, log fires and a hearty menu, great classics board and traditional British dishes. Vote here: https://www.surveyhero.com/c/fm3riudp
Back Lane Tavern, Woodstock – Endlessly popular, the dining room totally separate to the busy bar, its relaxed ambiance allows the onus to be on the the food. One of the first to introduce sharing plates, each one executed with immense detail, Johnny Parke’s menus continue to excel and delight. The service is excellent too. Vote here https://www.surveyhero.com/c/fm3riudp
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. Vote here https://www.surveyhero.com/c/fm3riudp
Bell, Langford, the first and not the last, but when Peter Creed and Tom Noest opened this little gem, they knew exactly what they were doing and its endless awards and accolades would concur, as they continue. Vote here https://www.surveyhero.com/c/fm3riudp
Bull, Burford – A very stylish addition to Burford’s culinary line-up, it has set the cat amongst the pigeons, giving locals and visitors alike a slick, contemporary space with its restaurant offering BULL headed up by chef Adam Harris and WILD in The Bull’s sunken courtyard where Ben Chamberlain approaches every evening like a dinner party around the communal chefs table. Reinventing the gastro-pub month by month, there’s also a summer dining option planned. Vote here https://www.surveyhero.com/c/fm3riudp
Bull, Charlbury – such a big contender, 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. And while anyone can do a sausage roll and a log fire, it not only covers all the bases, but executes everything with immense modesty and style. From a swanky dinner to a pie and a pint, nothing is too much trouble. Hip as hell, and a Sunday papers favourite, its clientele hail from far and wide. Vote here https://www.surveyhero.com/c/fm3riudp
Chandlers Arms, Epwell – A proper family affair, this 17th century pub is a real find. The father and son team Anthony and Harry Flockhart in the kitchen have certainly been making their mark, the duo producing some inspired and beautifully presented dishes with a really novel touch. And if you’re lucky you might find famous chef Tom Aitken propping up the bar. Vote here https://www.surveyhero.com/c/fm3riudp
Crown in Church Enstone, Matt and Katie Beamish, who also run The Hare in Milton-Under-Wychwood and The Kingham Plough, made the right move bringing in head chef Jason Christie whose passion for pickling, bottling and curing ensures that his menus stay exciting, sustainable and seasonal. Add in some lovely indoor/outdoor eating options and this is precisely what a village pub should be about. Vote here https://www.surveyhero.com/c/fm3riudp
Double Red Duke, Clanfield – Endlessly glamorous, with numerous dining options to choose from, all elegantly decorated and faultlessly delivered, its hype is undimmed and its menus sing. A finalist in last year’s OXINABOX FOOD AWARDS it has lost none of its appeal. Vote here https://www.surveyhero.com/c/fm3riudp
Duck on the Pond, South Newington – we love it there, chef patron Hendrik Dutson-Steinfeld‘s passion for his craft pushing the boat out on all fronts. Much of the food comes from their own kitchen garden and his endless ambition shows no sign of abating with much if the menu using fresh produce grown on site. A real accolade for Oxfordshire. Vote here https://www.surveyhero.com/c/fm3riudp
Feathered Nest, Nether Westcote – Now that James Erasmus has taken over as head chef, he of The Ledbury and Cape Town’s La Colombe fame, it’s back in the frame. Already making his mark, James’ menu make full use of seasonal produce from the surrounding countryside, with a little of his homeland’s influence thrown in for good measure. Unashamedly refined with views to die for, it’s another firm contender. Vote here https://www.surveyhero.com/c/fm3riudp
Fox, Great Barrington – a new favourite – this fantastically welcoming and well run pub, bursting at the seams with punters queueing up for the glorious Sunday lunch and tasty specials, is run by Gemma and Terence King, who took over in 2022. One you the into account its gardens framing the Windrush, and you’re onto a winner. Vote here https://www.surveyhero.com/c/fm3riudp
Fox, Oddington – unashamedly upmarket, Daylesford has transformed this historic venue into a real oasis of taste and comfort with a charming menu, a stunning interior and a garden just crying out for some sunshine. With Alan Gleeson in the kitchens you’re guaranteed some good tucker too. Vote here https://www.surveyhero.com/c/fm3riudp
Golden Ball, Lower Assendon, run by husband and wife team Ben and Priya Watson the 17th century pub just outside Henley is making quite a name for itself with its mix of Modern European and Punjabi influenced dishes. Vote here https://www.surveyhero.com/c/fm3riudp
Highway, Burford – another new contender – bounding into the arena with a stellar offering – sister pub to The Bull up the road, it has made a big impact with its informal and bijou Spanish style tapas restaurant Toro, private dining room and drinking bar. Uber stylish and refined. Vote here https://www.surveyhero.com/c/fm3riudp
Kingham Plough, Kingham – With Ashleigh Farrand manning the kitchens of this esteemed hostelry, it continues to thrive alongside its high falutin neighbour The Wild Rabbit up the road. A calm oasis with a picturesque dining room and a deft touch on the food front. What’s not to like? Vote here https://www.surveyhero.com/c/fm3riudp
Lamb, Crawley – An absolute jewel in Oxfordshire’s crown, this is the kind of pub every village needs. Think long Sunday lunches, friendly service, excellent cooking, bustling atmosphere and a really communal vibe, it is understandably beloved by its loyal clientele and for good reason. Vote here https://www.surveyhero.com/c/fm3riudp
Killingworth Castle – Wootton – Owners Claire and Jim Alexander run their historic pub with great pride. Putting Adam Brown in the kitchens was a smart move, as was introducing rooms to the Cotswold pub, making it the ultimate getaway. Vote here https://www.surveyhero.com/c/fm3riudp
Lamb, Little Milton – has literally gone from strength-to-strength since opening last year, and with ex-Manoir chef Nat Berney at the helm it’s causing a big noise, the Sunday supplements and guides already sniffing around with two AA rosettes and a mention in the Michelin Guide, what’s next for this tiny village pub? Watch this space. Vote here https://www.surveyhero.com/c/fm3riudp
Lamb – Shipton Under Wychwood – If God invented pubs this is where he would start. A tiny oasis of an inn nestled in the forest, it’s tiny but serves brilliant food at excellent prices. But then it’s from the stable of Peter Creed and Tom Noest so what did you expect? Vote here https://www.surveyhero.com/c/fm3riudp
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. Vote now https://www.surveyhero.com/c/fm3riudp
Masons Arms, Clanfield – recently opened and already making a big impact, it’s a gentler offering than its sister over the road, The Double Red Duke, but its food is equally as scintillating, albeit in a more relaxed and homely location. A new favourite. Vote now https://www.surveyhero.com/c/fm3riudp
Nut Tree – Murcott – Has held its Michelin star in Oxfordshire for 17 consecutive years, thanks to husband and wife team Mike and Imogen North’s dedication to their craft. Their standards never slip, Mike plowing his passion and endlessly enquiring mind into his captivating dishes, a move that’s still paying off. Always a treat! Vote now https://www.surveyhero.com/c/fm3riudp
Perch, Binsey – Yes its an institution, but for good reason, not only thanks to its enviable riverside position and bucolic disposition but its culinary consistency never wavers thanks to head chef Craig Thomson, whether you dine in splendour on the garden terrace, in the refined orangery or the historic pub itself. The Sunday lunch is also mighty fine. Vote now https://www.surveyhero.com/c/fm3riudp
Royal Oak, Ramsden – we were introduced to this charming pub by one of its regulars, its beguiling set up setting you instantly at ease, the friendly service and heart-warming food completing the picture. Continually popular, its open plan dining area and imaginative menus ensure a constant stream of customers through its doors. Vote now https://www.surveyhero.com/c/fm3riudp
Sir Charles Napier – Chinnor – Another top Oxfordshire gastropub making waves due to the young and hugely talented head chef Andy Lewis. His beautifully executed, delicate food, matches the artful decor and landscaped gardens, making it a unique experience every time you visit. Vote now https://www.surveyhero.com/c/fm3riudp
White Hart – Fyfield – Mark and Kay Chandler never let up on their quest to entertain their guests with their prowess in the kitchen and hospitality respectively. Even the cocktails are given the same revered treatment. And with its historic wood panelled interior, and immaculate service, it’s quite an offering. Vote now https://www.surveyhero.com/c/fm3riudp
Wild Rabbit – Kingham – Unremittingly chic, it sets the standards for the Cotswolds, the combination of bustling bar and convivial open plan restaurant, enhanced by exec chef Sam Bowser whose focus on provenance and impeccably high standards keep the well-heeled flocking in. And with guest cottages and rooms to die for, it’s got the whole package going on. Vote now https://www.surveyhero.com/c/fm3riudp
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 INTERNATIONAL, BEST FOOD HERO and 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 for all 10 categories! Voting ends at the beginning of May. Vote here https://www.surveyhero.com/c/fm3riudp
