Where to eat The historic perfection of The Perch
The Perch Inn , Binsey , Oxford OX2 0NG www . the-perch . co . uk
You look happy . You ’ re beaming like nobody ’ s business . Why the big smile ? I ’ ve just come back from a lovely lunch at The Perch in Binsey and I ’ m still on a high . Is it that good then ? Well , I ’ d even go out on a limb and say that it is one of the most perfect pubs I ’ ve ever been to . Really ? That sounds exciting . Why ’ s it so good ? Where to start ? The menu was exquisite with everything from Ox cheek stew to plaice . Everything is cooked to order and served with a smile . It ’ s very close to high dining but in a very relaxed atmosphere . It prides itself on preparing food which has a classic British farmhouse focus , allowing seasonality and quality of ingredients to lead their menus with dishes such as casseroles , river & sea fish and hedgerow desserts . How does that grab you ? Wow . How about for drinks ? The Perch update their drinks selection as often as their food menus , working closely with breweries of all sizes to bring a magnificent and ever-changing selection of ales , ciders and perrys , so there ’ s always something new to suit the season . The pub takes good drinks just as seriously as they take good food . How about the garden ? It ’ s the perfect Oxfordshire setting with huge willow majestic willows making you forget all your cares as if you ’ ve gone back in time . Is it an old pub then ? It ’ s one of the oldest pubs in Oxford and has been around for 800 years . In that time , the pub has been a favourite of some of Britain ’ s best poets and authors – this is the very place where Lewis Carroll first gave public readings of Alice in Wonderland . The Perch was also a frequent haunt of Inspector Morse as well as being established as one of the most influential venues in the British Jazz scene . As of Spring 2015 , a full scale renovation was conducted to bring a traditional pub into the modern world ; and ensure another 800 years of trading ! So what else goes on there ? Their events reflect the seasons , just like the menus ! The Perch host special nights dedicated to intriguing new dishes and ingredients because they love great food and love to share it ! In the summer , they host many other events including their annual Beer and Cider festival , an outdoor movie night and the “ All Tamara ’ s Parties ” Festival . Right I ’ m going there right now . How do I book ? Give them a call on 01865 728891 or by visiting their website : www . the-perch . co . uk .
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