The Nut Tree Inn

It’s hard not to be seduced by the Nut Tree, the 15th-century pub-restaurant in an Oxfordshire hamlet that chef Mike North and his wife Imogen have run to great acclaim for almost 20 years. The low-slung thatch may be showing its age, but scrambling roses, a vegetable garden, and homely pubbiness (especially in the older bar area) make up for any rooftop bedragglement. In any case, you’re here for the food and drink.

Drop in for a pint and a pub classic in one of the cosy alcoves. Fish and chips fly out during the week, ditto flavour-packed cod brandade with runny quail's eggs and luxuriously creamy mushroom velouté flecked with chives and a soupçon of truffle oil. As one regular reported: 'No matter what I go in for, whether it's dinner, a snack or a drink, I'm welcomed just the same.' 

The kitchen’s ambition shows on the tasting menu, where beautiful ingredients are prepared with classical confidence and minimal showmanship. Settle in for the full six courses (plus excellent bread and an optional cheese course) or ask for servings to be scaled up to build a conventional three-course deal. A piece of pearly turbot comes with smooth baba ganoush, spring vegetables and a lightly aerated vermouth sauce; it’s a delight with an Austrian Grüner Veltliner (Domäne Baumgartner 2023). Beef fillet with morels and more vivid greens is a standout, the meat exceptional in its tenderness, the accompanying Madeira sauce glossed with luxury, while a ripe Côte du Rhône (Domaine Arbouse 2022) provides strong berry-cherry support in the glass. To conclude, an eggshell filled with salted caramel, chocolate mousse, Chantilly cream and popping candy is a fun pre-dessert fixture, while a passion-fruit soufflé and sorbet with a little jug of coconut and rum custard is refreshingly, tropically zesty. 

There’s a loyal following locally for the Norths’ brand of gracious hospitality and classical cuisine delivered in a super-comfortable setting – and we also say 'yes' to the padded seats, white tablecloths and sparkling glassware. Prices reflect the times but also the exceptional quality of produce. Worth it? Absolutely.