We were invited to try the autumn menu at The Prince, Iffley Village – and honestly, it’s mad it’s taken me this long to go, given I live about five minutes away.
I walk past it all the time on dog walks, so finding out it’s dog-friendly was all the excuse I needed. Charlie, Moose, and I headed over there on a recent Friday night.
It was absolutely pouring down, and we arrived soggy and windswept, but the second we stepped inside it was that perfect cosy local pub vibe.
Warm lighting, the hum of happy weekenders, and that comforting mix of chatter and clinking glasses. The menu hits that sweet spot – interesting options, but not so many that you’re paralysed by choice. I had a pint of IPA, Charlie went for the house red, and we were off.
For starters I had the crab waffle – two mini crisp and golden buttermilk waffles slathered with a layer of punchy chilli jam before being topped with a generous pile of fresh crab on top.
A really clever balance of sweet, spicy and savoury. The mix of white and brown crab was light and fresh, the lime and chives really elevated the freshness, and the three textures married perfectly together. Points for a light starter that doesn’t kill your appetite but still makes you feel satiated and ready for more food.
Charlie went for the pork spring rolls…
These were a decent size (none of that miniature nonsense here!), had a great crunch, and were very generously filled with shredded braised pork, carrot, ginger, and spring onion.
There was no scrimping on the meat here. Well seasoned, and the dip and pickled cabbage side brought a punchy freshness that cut through the meat very well.
For mains, Charlie chose the pan-fried chicken breast with celeriac purée and potatoes.
The chicken was perfectly cooked and really juicy – proper hearty autumn fare. The celeriac puree (a favourite of both of ours) was creamy and moreish, and the sauteed savoy cabbage complemented the dish well. Again, very generous portions here, you’re not leaving this place hungey! The dish was a tiny bit on the salty side for Charlie, but otherwise spot on and this can often be down to personal preference and how much of a salt fiend you are.
I went for the beef sausage casserole with mashed potato, which honestly could not have been more perfect for a cold, rainy evening. The spiral sausage (which is always fun) had a really strong and punchy flavour. The buttery mash was heavenly, perfectly smooth and swirled into the tomato and beef sauce felt like winter personified. Accompanied by loads of lovely autumn vegetables – it was one of those comforting, slightly messy-looking dishes that delivers all the flavour and warmth you want this time of year.
We were definitely too full for dessert, but I couldn’t resist the mini waffle and ice cream option.
You can get a tiny waffle with one scoop of ice cream in your choice of flavour – such a smart idea. It’s just enough to get a sweet fix without feeling stuffed. Loved it. (A very waffly evening for me!)
The staff were so friendly, and the whole place had this really lovely buzz that made me want to come back asap. Extra points for being properly dog-friendly too – Moose was instantly given a water bowl by Sage, which was such a nice touch.
The Prince is the kind of place that makes you wonder why you don’t already treat it as your local. I’ll definitely be back, whether it’s for a pint by the fire or that apple sundae waffle I missed this time due to being a bit too stuffed.
The Prince Of Wales, Iffley
73 Church Way, Iffley, Oxford OX4 4EF
Bitten were invited as guests, all views are our own
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