When we lived in SE London, just around the corner was a pub-restaurant called Babette. It’s no longer there, but we fell in love with the concept and kept going back. The Corner House in Eynsham feels like it hits many of the same notes.
The Corner House doesn’t have extensive opening hours, but it does host the occasional evening pop-up. On arrival it feels Parisian chic: stylish, understated, and effortlessly cool, with a beautiful counter for dining. The open kitchen dominates the back of the room, leading out onto a small courtyard complete with its own plum tree. This is a proper neighbourhood spot, with a lovely array of drinks to start. The vibe is timeless and cool rather than chasing “hipster” trends. It’s not packed with Instagrammers (apart from me), but word is spreading, helped by mentions in the national foodie press.
We started with a Nectarine Bellini (£7) and a Vinho Verde (£7.50). The menu here is small but perfectly formed.
Snacks and small plates
- Olives, smoked Catalan almonds, and focaccia
- Greek salad: gem lettuce, croutons, parmesan, and anchovy dressing (£10)
- Charcuterie and pickles (£8)
- Cheese plate with rhubarb chutney (£12): a brie, a hard cheese, and a creamy goat’s cheese
The focaccia arrives as four chunky slices with balsamic and olive oil for dipping.
Doughy, salty-topped, and irresistible, we demolished it before anything else landed. The cheese plate offered three cheeses with crackers, and the rhubarb chutney was a sweet, clever accompaniment.
The charcuterie board featured three types: salami, prosciutto, and (I think, thanks to a tentative Google Lens check) soppressata, an Italian salami.
The Greek salad was incredibly crisp, generously topped with parmesan and crunchy chunky croutons. I’m not usually an anchovy fan, but the creamy, salty dressing was so lightly tossed that it kept the salad fresh and balanced. If all salad tasted this good, I’d happily eat it every day for the rest of my life.
Sadly, I couldn’t make room for pudding this time – though the almond sponge and strawberry and elderflower granita both sounded tempting.
Value for money here is excellent: a meal for two with drinks came in at just under £45. On a balmy summer evening, The Corner House transports you somewhere else entirely.
This is a place that works for both a special date night and a casual roll-in before or after the pub for some nibbles – exactly the flexible vibe owner Jimmy Rossiter seems to be aiming for. We’re completely here for it.
Best to book in advance via Instagram or email.
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