The White Hart Eynsham

Just down the road from Blenheim Palace, this well-run restaurant is found inside the impressive Feathers Hotel. A gorgeously refurbished property, its elegant style extends to the chic dining room, where the building’s 17th-century features are blended with a light pastel palette. The assured cooking delivers expertly balanced flavours and textures in each enticing dish – just be sure to order a side of the terrific crispy layered potatoes with truffle salt and parmesan. The service team are engaging and attentive yet free of fuss and formality.

Located at the heart of a pretty little stone-built hamlet, this 18th-century pub has a quirky, cottage-like charm, with low ceilings, exposed brickwork and an open fire in the bar. In the summer months, the large tiered terrace and garden are a great place to enjoy an appealingly straightforward menu listing modern British dishes alongside some pub classics. The unifying theme is high-quality ingredients cooked with the respect they deserve, with the chefs' impressive technique adding extra depth of flavour. The efficient service team work with a smile on their face.

With its constant buzz of well-fed diners, relaxed atmosphere and bohemian feel, you can bet you'll have a good time at Arbequina. A simply furnished tapas bar, it occupies a former chemist's and features a vintage stainless steel counter. The concise menu of generous, authentic and flavourful dishes mixes Spanish classics (the 'tomatoes on toast' is a sure-fire winner) and a few Middle Eastern infuences, such as beetroot borani. For drinks, choose between cocktails, plenty of Spanish wines and a few natural wine options from around the world.