We must admit, this review didn’t come with quite the usual amount of anticipation or excitement. The Evenlode, a large pub on the A34 between Witney and Eynsham, has had mixed reviews, to say the least. But being reviewers isn’t just about visiting the best places and singing their praises—it’s also about giving an honest appraisal of local pub grub.

Upon arrival, we saw a few people braving the cold but bright spring evening outside, and first impressions were positive. This 1930s pub is an attractive building, and stepping inside, we were greeted by a friendly front-of-house team. Having read that the pub was dog-friendly, we brought along our four-legged companion and were immediately escorted to the doggy bar, stocked with treats and water bowls—a thoughtful touch that set the tone for the warm service throughout.

We were seated at a candle-lit table by the window. Despite the pub’s size, which almost forms a horseshoe shape, it felt warm and cosy.

The menu is classic pub fare, with no major surprises but plenty of comforting choices. To start, we opted for the Caesar Salad (£6.95) and the Prawn Cocktail (£7.25). The portions were generous, with fresh salad ingredients. The Caesar salad, while enjoyable, could have benefited from a richer dressing, and it featured slices of bread instead of croutons. The prawn cocktail was a strong start—Marie Rose sauce had just the right thickness with a lovely hint of paprika, and it was served with fresh lemon. At these prices, it’s hard to complain.

For mains, we tried the Cumberland Sausage with creamy mash, seasonal vegetables, and onion & rosemary gravy (£16.95), alongside the Chicken Schnitzel with Lyonnaise potatoes, garlic and herb butter, rocket, and parmesan (£16.50).

The Cumberland sausages were topped with crunchy onions, adding an enjoyable texture. While the sausages themselves lacked depth of flavour, the mash was creamy, and the fresh, well-cooked greens were delicious.

The Chicken Schnitzel was an impressive sight, stacked atop the potatoes with a garlicky aroma wafting through the air. The chicken was moist, coated in a crisp batter, and the dish was well-balanced overall. The Lyonnaise potatoes, however, were slightly too soft for my liking but remained rich in flavour.

To finish, we ordered the Sticky Toffee Pudding (£6.95) and a Lemon Meringue Pie (a special).

The desserts arrived with cream and fresh strawberries. The meringue initially looked synthetic, but it turned out to be delightfully light and not overly sweet—I demolished the whole thing. The sticky toffee pudding also hit the spot, capping off a solid meal.

Each course was cleared with empty plates, and the service remained warm and attentive throughout.

We did wonder if we were receiving special treatment with this being an invited meal, but after observing other tables, it was clear that this level of service was standard.

Despite it being a Saturday night, the pub was surprisingly quiet. We noticed they offer a mid-week 2-for-1 pizza deal, which has received good reviews online. While The Evenlode isn’t a classic foodie destination, it serves up traditional pub grub with friendly, unpretentious service. If you need a convenient meeting spot, a meal while staying in one of their rooms, or simply a reasonably priced dinner when you don’t feel like cooking, it’s an option worth considering.

The Evenlode definitely surprised us in a good way. Some of the more critical reviews may stem from the sheer size of the venue rather than the food or service quality. It may not be groundbreaking, but it’s a solid and inoffensive option for classic pub dining.

The Evenlode
Old Witney Rd, Eynsham, Witney OX29 4PS

Bitten were invited as guests, all views are our own