Outstanding Ox cheeks in Oxford

Braised ox cheek with pot roasted vegetables, mousseline potato and bone marrow

On route to Oxford for a mini away break we stopped off for lunch at a Michelin star restaurant called Sir Charles Napier, in the heart of leafy Oxfordshire. The unassuming exterior of this place in the middle of nowhere masks a gorgeous cosy interior and a lucious garden out the back. Strewn through the premises are large sculptures of animals made by Michael Cooper - slightly alarming but all in good fun. It was sunny but cold when we arrived so sadly, sitting outside was not an option. In the back room with the sun shining in and only one other table occupied for lunch we had a pretty intimate dining experience which will not be forgotten.

 

 

My starter of Game terrine was served with a very tidy salad and Hubby had Crab with quails eggs encased in a potato cup. The presentation, taste and textures were outstanding. The level of detail put into each dish explains why they have a Michelin star and have been allowed to keep it for 2013! Within that salad of radishes and beetroot chutney there was a small quinelle of foie gras parfait which went so well with the terrine, that it brought a tear of joy to my eyes. Hubby's main of Ox cheeks had extra details like apple jelly squares and bone marrow.

 

 



The Ox cheek main was so tender it must have been braised for days! However my main course was by far the best out of the two. I ordered the Cannon of lamb and promptly forgot about the bits and pieces it was meant to come with. When it arrived I was delighted to receive not only a fan of tender lamb on a bed of kale but also some sweetbreads AND a side order of lamby hotpot. The lamb was of course local - so local I believe it was from the next field! I was delighted to get an individual pot of perfectly sliced coins of potatoes hiding soft mouth melting cubes of lamb. It was divine. It was sublime. It was .. is making my mouth water right now!

 

Canon of lamb, devilled sweetbreads on a bed of kale and puree of celeriac and cauliflower, topped with pea shoots

 

lamb hot pot with red cabbage as a side order

 

After such a satisfying main there was no room for dessert as far as I was concerned but Hubs went for a sticky toffee pudding with a twist. I decided to check out the cheese board just to have a nosy but once it arrived I couldn't resist! This was one of the best cheese boards I have seen in a while. The only other comparable one I have come across is the one in Chez Bruce in Wandsworth!

Sticky toffee pudding and banana mille feuille with passion fruit sorbet

 

I failed to memorise any of the names of the cheeses I picked - 2 were from England and one from Spain, all were spectacular with the fig jam. This was followed by coffee and truffles filled with salted caramel [!!!] and subsequently resulted in me needing a 2 hour nap in the car on route to Oxford itself. I also failed to buy the chef a drink for such a sumptuous feast. I think I may have to return next summer so we can sit outside to enjoy the garden for an al fresco lunch and buy the kitchen staff some well deserved 'thank you' drinks. Find an excuse to go. Even if you are not heading to Oxford, make a detour. It's worth it!