On a grey Saturday afternoon, we escaped the drizzle and headed to The Nut Tree Inn, a Michelin-starred pub tucked away in Oxfordshire. for their lunch tasting menu (£95pp, dinner is £115pp, with wine pairings available at £65). It promised six or seven courses (depending on whether you opt for the cheese board), but we decided to skip the cheese this time, wisely, as it turned out to be the perfect amount of food. Comfortably full, never overstuffed.
The pub itself is gorgeous, with a mini veg patch and paddock out back, plus a dog-friendly garden, ideal for a sunny day. We left Moose at home since the indoor dining areas aren’t dog-friendly, and with the rain, indoors was the only option. Still, it’s good to know we could bring him along for a more relaxed summer meal outside.
Inside, the space is almost two pubs in one: on one side, a bright, modern room with large windows, a fireplace, and contemporary artwork; on the other, low ceilings, beams, and cobbled stone walls for pure cosy-pub vibes. I’d happily return just for a pint and a snack in that snug area.
The service was faultless, warm, attentive, and full of knowledge.
The team were brilliant at talking through the menu and drinks options, particularly Pedro, the sommelier, who was generous with recommendations and tastings. I didn’t commit to the full wine flight, but his guidance meant I still enjoyed perfectly paired glasses throughout.
We started with a glass of English sparkling wine (crisp and celebratory) and Charlie chose a Nero d’Avola/Merlot blend.
Then came the bread basket, a truly impressive spread of freshly baked loaves. It was hard to choose, but the rosemary salt focaccia won us over: still warm, beautifully soft, and generously seasoned.
The amuse bouche was a small bowl of celeriac and apple soup with curry oil, smooth, velvety, and deeply comforting, with sharp little bursts of apple cutting through. I could have happily devoured a whole bowl.
Next up, a chicken liver parfait, paired with a Muscat Pedro suggested. Lighter than port but just as moreish, it was spot on.
The fish course was fillet of sea bass with vermouth sauce, pearl barley, and a seaweed crisp. The skin was perfectly crisp, the flesh flaky and tender, and the salty snap of the seaweed crisp worked beautifully against the creamy sauce.
Then came the star of the show…
Fillet of beef with onion purée, wild mushroom sauce, and autumn truffle.
The scent of truffle hit the table before the plate landed, rich, indulgent, and the perfect nod to the season. Tender, flavourful, and beautifully presented, it was a dish that made me want to wrap myself in a jumper and dive headfirst into autumn.
For dessert, there was whimsy and indulgence in equal measure.
Chocolate mousse, salted caramel, and almond chantilly, served inside an actual eggshell, playful, rich, and silky.
This was followed by the Nut Tree’s garden apple soufflé with blackberry sorbet and Calvados custard. Tall, fluffy, and light, with a delicate hint of apple and the joy of pouring over the custard yourself. A perfect finish.
The Nut Tree Inn is the kind of place that balances precision with charm. Yes, the food is Michelin-starred, but we didn’t feel on edge or unworthy (like some super posh places can make you feel). Instead, it is both sleek and comforting with a nice country charm.
Would we return? Absolutely, next time for a roast in the cosy side of the pub, or perhaps a sunny garden lunch with Moose in tow.
The Nut Tree Inn
Main St, Murcott, Kidlington OX5 2RE
Bitten were invited as guests, all views are our own
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