Banbury chef in Cherwell

Very friendly and welcoming. Food and service were both first class and would recommend this restaurant to anyone who wants a delicious and pleasant meal in an enjoyable place

A very friendly Greek and Mediterranean eatery, welcoming and family feel. Souvlakis, either with chicken or pork, are our favourites.

Really chill vibe, and great cocktails for a super reasonable price. Worth a visit in its own right, but also a perfect place to stop whilst browsing the other stalls at Lock 29!

From the outside, the Swan Inn might appear to be a simple village pub, but step inside, and you’re in for an extraordinary experience. Upon entering, we were immediately impressed by the open view of the professional kitchen, where chefs could be seen meticulously preparing dishes. It was clear right away that this was not just another gastro pub. We were warmly welcomed and seated, and our waiter, Joe, guided us through the menu with care and clarity. His thoughtful explanations made choosing our dishes an enjoyable experience. Before our starters arrived, we were treated to freshly baked bread served with two types of butter: honey and malt. The combination was sensational and set the tone for what was to come. For starters, I had the venison, which was incredibly tender – it melted with a single fork stroke. The flavours were perfectly balanced, allowing the venison to truly shine. A delightful surprise was the inclusion of two mini onion rings, lightly battered and utterly delicious. My wife opted for the burrata, complemented by a delicate candied orange peel. It was a brilliant pairing, and we’ve already decided to replicate it at home. For mains, I had the rib-eye steak, cooked to a flawless medium-rare. The quality was outstanding – a well-hung steak that true steak lovers will immediately recognize as exceptional. My wife chose the Thai curry, which was a masterclass in balance. Unlike many other curries, this one wasn’t overwhelmed by cream; instead, the fresh, fragrant ingredients took centre stage. If The Swan Inn were located in a more densely populated area, I have no doubt it would be booked out weeks in advance. It’s a hidden gem that delivers in every way. We loved every second and will absolutely be returning. Five stars, without a doubt.