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The Harcourt Arms

Oxfordshire, Stanton Harcourt - Modern British - Pub with rooms - ££

Overall Rating: Good

Uniqueness:Does the establishment stand out in the context of the local area? Very Good

Deliciousness:How delicious is the food? Good

Warmth:How warm is the service and the hospitality in general? Good

Strength of recommendation:How enthusiastically and widely would you recommend the establishment? Good

Between Oxford and Witney, Stanton Harcourt is a handsome Cotswold village blessed by this substantial 17th-century pub with rooms. Wood smoke from a firepit on the terrace provided us with an aromatic welcome. A new team has sensitively refurbished the place, although the sizeable bar area has retained its flagstone flooring and ceiling beams. Wood-burners, leather armchairs, an upbeat soundtrack and quirky touches such as a table lamp fashioned from a cornet heighten the modern country-pub feel. The dining room at the far end also manages to be roomy yet cosy and includes a serving hatch into the kitchen. Food is split between eye-catching bar snacks (rabbit chops, say) and a short restaurant menu, with the Josper grill and some Spanish influences bolstering the seasonal line-up – although our visit revealed a need for some minor recalibrations. A starter heralded as a 'spring green broth' had enjoyably robust onion flavours rather than abundant greenery and even included pickl...

Between Oxford and Witney, Stanton Harcourt is a handsome Cotswold village blessed by this substantial 17th-century pub with rooms. Wood smoke from a firepit on the terrace provided us with an aromatic welcome. A new team has sensitively refurbished the place, although the sizeable bar area has retained its flagstone flooring and ceiling beams. Wood-burners, leather armchairs, an upbeat soundtrack and quirky touches such as a table lamp fashioned from a cornet heighten the modern country-pub feel. The dining room at the far end also manages to be roomy yet cosy and includes a serving hatch into the kitchen. Food is split between eye-catching bar snacks (rabbit chops, say) and a short restaurant menu, with the Josper grill and some Spanish influences bolstering the seasonal line-up – although our visit revealed a need for some minor recalibrations. A starter heralded as a 'spring green broth' had enjoyably robust onion flavours rather than abundant greenery and even included pickled silverskins, while chips or oily ‘triple-cooked’ pink fir roast potatoes were the only carbs available (and charged extra). Simple boiled spuds would have better complemented our hefty main course – a dense and flavoursome pork chop, which arrived with satisfyingly sticky gravy but nothing else. On the plus side, a salad of smoked trout, spring peas and ricotta was a well-judged vernal assembly boosted by sprigs of fresh dill, while a serving of ‘coal-fired’ spring greens sang with enticingly smoky notes and seasonal vibrancy. To conclude, rhubarb and almond custard was a tangy, comforting treat. The short wine list (including a few Spanish bottles) is backed up by cocktails and local ales. 

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VENUE DETAILS

Main Road
Stanton Harcourt
Oxfordshire
OX29 5RJGB

01865 416516

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OTHER INFORMATION

Accommodation, Separate bar, Wheelchair access, Parking, Family friendly, Dog friendly

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