The Duck on the Pond in Cherwell

Was falsely sold this pub as coeliac friendly. Out of 4 mains only 1 truly freefrom. Appetiser was gf but no bread and only 1 pudding option which wasn't on the menu. As a coeliac very disappointing for choices. Definitely NOT gluten free but could adapt. Lovely meal otherwise

Outstanding pub! The staff were so lovely, kind and genuine! The food smelt great but sadly I didn’t have any this time! The beer was lovely and fresh. The two ladies behind the bar were so friendly, happy and accommodating. It’s one of the nicest pubs I have been to in a long time!!

Amazing food. Beautiful setting. Great staff. Everything in this place is great from the decor, to the staff, and the food is exquisite

We stayed nearby and came here spontaneously for lunch. Everything was exquisite. My boyfriend voted it to be in his top 10 lunches haha He had the 3 course menu and each one was incredible, the cheese and beer soup was delicious so was the pork and custard desert. I had the poached chicken, which was nice, although I think I prefer a crispy skin but that's on me. However the meat was still delicious and so were the sides and gravy. Service was fab and attentive. We got a little greetings from the chef at the beginning, which is always a nice touch and a little chocolate to finish The table was set beautifully and everything was spot on. Great small selection of beers. Nothing to complain

A large group of us had the 8 course tasting menu on a Saturday evening. The food was delicious and the service was very good. Really recommend!

Nice table, waitress a bit preoccupied with I don’t know what. Starter very nice Main course Meat ok Veg ok Roast potatoes clearly the chef hasn’t a clue Yorkshire pudding stodgy Gravy jug had 15 chips in it clearly a food and hygiene issue of which whoever is running the kitchen let alone the waiting staff should have picked up on . I think that the food is overpriced and if that’s the standard of food that is served and the crockery used avoid at all costs

Excellent service and perfectly cooked fresh foods. The veg was so fresh it retained all its great flavour. Good sized portions.

Great Sunday lunch. Service was excellent, polite and efficient. Could not knock the food quality, in fact 2 of us had three courses which we generally never do. Extensive wine list with many interesting bottles. Not the cheapest Sunday lunch, but worth the money as good value

We randomly stopped here for lunch on the way home from a well known Farmhouse stay. We chose the 3 course set lunch menu. It was the best pub food I have had for a very long time. We started with a complimentary bon bouche of home made mushroom soup which had exceptional flavour and perfect consistency. My main was pork belly which was lovely quality meat, not too fatty, with a crisp crackling and not salty as it so often is. The mashed potato was also excellent, complimented by a good well flavoured gravy. The piece de resistance was dessert of Hay cream custard crumble. I had no idea what it was when I ordered but it was utterly divine. Subtle flavours, excellent consistency and something different. The ambience was calm, the pub clean. Service was diligent, efficient, knowledgeable, and friendly - a perfect combination. I will definitely return and will go out of my way to do so.

Three of us lunched here for the first time and were extremely impressed indeed. It's very well done out with comfy seats, log fires, lots of duck paintings, proper ales and a charming waitress which all added up to a lovely atmosphere. The food was superb, about as good as it gets for a pub. We had four courses including some treats and everything was delicious and well presented. I imagine the outside area would be brilliant in spring or summer. We are only in the area occasionally but just can't wait to visit The Duck on the Pond next time we are near.

Service exemplary and food great too. Loved the setting.

Lovely place a drink and bite to eat.

Only had drinks but a nice pub great service

Been here couple of times; once for lunch and my husband took me for my birthday meal. We had pork belly and beef fillet on this occasion. Absolutely stunning. They serve the most delicious fresh bread with butter. We always enjoy their homemade cut chips and beer cheese soup. They really go the extra mile here. The menu doesn’t change often so you can enjoy dishes for longer. You can’t go wrong with anything you order here! When so many places are constantly changing their menus which always seems to be at the detriment of the diner either in quality, consistency and value. This place has never disappointed.

Great service by Reena! Probably the best chips I’ve had in a while. Plenty of parking

Didn't eat. Just a quick drink en route to Leafield. Will definitely call in again.

Had first visit last Friday. Highly recommend

The meal was delicious and presentation was beautiful. The staff was responsive and welcoming. The lady who worked the front of the house was so kind to our family. We enjoyed our experience so much we came back for lunch later in the week. Highly recommended.

It was lucky that we had planned a leisurely lunch for our recent visit, as the extraordinarily slow service didn’t really bother us. There was an incredibly long wait to order and an even longer wait for food. Top-up drinks were required while we waited & we wondered whether they had lost all their trays since drinks were all brought on separate journeys. When our food eventually arrived an hour and a half after ordering we were delighted with the bowls of shared veg but aghast that the ‘roast potatoes’ were, in fact, (wait for it)…….. deep fried potato chunks that tasted of chips. Soooo disappointing since the rest of the food was pretty good. Also, as we left, we noticed all the other tables had Christmas crackers - strange that our table was missed off on the cracker distribution round.

We and our friends had excellent meals and wines with friendly and attentive service in this cosy restaurant. I couldn't fault a single thing. We'll definitely visit again next time we visit the area.

It is one of the most welcoming place. With gorgous food and very well presented. Staff were very attentive and friendly, especially Rina. As soon as you got in, you will receive a very warm and friendly welcome. Its a most recommended place for couples and family alike. Looking forward to the next time.

Never been here before but what a wonderful place. There is nothing that is a negative. The place is beautiful, warm and welcoming. The staff are friendly and very engaging. The food was exceptional with a few additions. I strongly recommend people go to this delightful pub.

We booked in for Saturday lunch as this was a convenient location to meet a freind. Greeted warmly and shown to our table the menu arrived - a compact range of dishes , which in my experience is always a good sign - huge choices always mean a good few come directly from the freezer. Food was wonderful - three courses of culinary delight, all served with a brief explanation of contents. An enterprising kitchen at its best - and very good value. We will be back.

Had a steak fillet with ox cheek yummy

Tremendous lunch again. Dairy Cow Fillet of beef with Ox cheek was fantastic as was the starter of smoked trout. We’ve been before and will be back

Fantastic food superb service and very friendly staff highly recommended 👍😄

A nicely & tastefully renovated pub, with a very cosy, friendly ambience. The menu is quite narrow, with a choice of 3 mains but the produce for each is locally sourced, seasonal and beautifully put together. The belly pork was one of the nicest I've...

Would absolutely recommend. Lovely place and lovely people. If you want great food then this is the place to go

What a wonderful surprise Left the motorway on our journey home and found this gem. Good food, wine, beer and service. Highly recommended.

The food here is always delicious & innovative. Beautifully executed with skill & style. Yet again, we had a wonderful lunch today with friends. It is always a pleasure to dine here. This is not only because the Chefs excel themselves but also that the...

Excellent location Amazing food Dog friendly Welcoming atmosphere

Mushroom Wellington like I’ve never know. The potatoes… roasted to perfection. I can see why everyone is talking about this place and the new ownership is doing bits.

Came for Sunday lunch. Three courses for £35 - incredible value for such good quality food. Highly recommend!

Excellent family Sunday birthday lunch. Five adults and a child. My grandsons menu was a good sized pizza which he enjoyed with lashings of ketchup. The Sunday roasts were all good sized, well presented and reasonably priced. I have driven past here many times now...

Booked for our anniversary. Was supposed to be at the bar (as normal bookings were full), but they had a table for us, which was the first nice surprise. First visit with the current owners, who seem to have really moved things up a notch...

Gorgeous little countryside gem with delicious seasonal food and great service

Absolutely fabulous meal here last night. Would highly recommend to all. Delicious food and excellent value. Fresh ingredients and a chef who clearly knows what they’re doing! Thanks so much to all at the Duck on the Pond!!!!

Arrived beautiful ambience, had 2 x drinks , 2x chips , my daughter had a special packed lunch which we brought in with us as she has alligeons to food , to be told we wasn't allowed to do this inside the pub , it made us as a family feel unwelcome. My daughter was upset , we had our food and drinks and left ! It's such a shame what a nice pub all it needs is a happy atmosphere .

Had a great meal here with some close friends. We all had a mixture of things from the menu from the pate to the salmon, the soup to start, all was delicious. A nice selection of beers and wines are available, and the atmosphere is great. The staff are super attentive and look after you well. Can recommend highly.

We were passing by and stopped at this pub for a quick break. Our daughter had packed lunch, and we ordered chips and drinks. We were quite taken aback when we were told our daughter was not allowed to eat food brought from home. We explained that she had a special dietary requirement, but the server didn't say anything and left... The place is nice and clean but it has no atmosphere or ambience. Also, it's quite expensive compared to other similar places we've visited in Oxfordshire.

Fantastic night to celebrate my 60th birthday with my adult children. Amazing food and service and lovely surroundings. Thank you Julie and Hendrick.

Lovely restaurant. Expensive but the food was worth it. Really nice food. Beautifully cooked and exceptionally well presented. They grow their own veg and you know where the food comes from. Garden was full of butterflies around the pond. Decoration is very tasteful. Will go...

A great place to eat. Fantastic service, great staff and welcoming management. The food is tasty and exciting. Fresh out of the garden in many cases. The wine selection is excellent as well.

Tasting menu was one of the best I have had. Really great staff, we weren't the easiest customers with a new born baby - so they were great with delaying the next item on the menu!

Nice atmosphere....with Ritz class food.

An unexpected gem! Beautiful surroundings as you’d expect from the area but the food was unexpected. Fantastic quality and the flavour combinations were amazing. Wish the prices were a little lower just so we could visit more often.

Lovely and chilled place. Dog friendly too.

Incredibly good Sunday afternoon roast, will definitely be back for an evening with friends.

We booked for 9 at short notice for lunch on a Saturday. The staff could not have been more accommodating. The food was outstanding and the whole experience made us very happy our original planned venue let us down. Highly recommended!

As soon as we walked in, we knew we were in for what I call... a proper restaurant. The tables, chairs and ambience, set the scene for what was a superb evening from start to finish. The staff were a credit to Hendrik the chef...

Really enjoyed lunchtime meal. Good choice of menu with gluten free options. We'll worth another visit

Three of us had an early dinner here after spending the day at Hidcote Manor. It was the end to a perfect day. Wonderful food for us all, beautifully prepared. Dietary restrictions must be a nightmare for chefs. Or maybe they look upon it as...

In Banbury for overnight stay. En route back to Portland I chose the Duck 🦆 on the Pond, after researching online, to stop for lunch. Great choice. Lovely setting. Super staff , Smiley Emily was our waitress. Unexpectedly served with delicious Amuse Bouche to begin....

Fantastic food and amazing service. The appetisers for Starr and chocolates at the end were such a lovely touch. The manager and her staff looked after us so well ...really impressed. We both had the fillet of beef which was fantastic quality and extremely well cooked

Multiple menus with same items made it a bit confusing to choose from, and overall not much variety available. However, the food and ingredients felt like they were good quality and service was immaculate. The garden to plate (0 mile) aspect of our meal really did make a huge difference to us, we loved knowing that we were eating locally produced food. We had hoped the outdoor seating tables would have better placement and views so as to not be next to the car park, but nevertheless it was quiet and pleasant there for a Saturday afternoon.

We went here for a birthday dinner and it was perfect from start to finish. The beer and cheddar soup starter is the best soup I have ever had - don’t miss it!! Staff were very nice and the restaurant itself is beautiful. Absolutely can’t...

Absolutely fantastic from start to finish! Lovely service, just right… amazing menu with the food miles provided. Great use of local produce and producers. Beautiful setting with a relaxed feel, yet we were made to feel special. The food was absolutely delicious but the desert...

9 for lunch and it was fabulous. The Beetroot cured trout was one of the best things I have ever eaten. As it was a Sunday we mostly had the roasts, belly, pork, chicken or beef. One of us had the vegan option which was...

Not eaten yet, only ever had a quick drink in the garden. But everything seems lovely. Always a smile from the staff etc. Would.lovento try the place out to eat as I've heard great things and the food I've seen looks great.

We have been 5 times since Julie and Hendrik took on the pub and always enjoy the Sunday lunch.

What a fabulous discovery. We ate off the 3 course set menu which was great value. The food was excellent, tasty, good portion sizes and different. We sat outside on the patio area with a parasol covering us from the sun. It was an idilic...

A wonderful lunchtime pub set in beautiful countryside surroundings. Enjoyed a fabulous meal with my family sitting outside in the sun, but under a parasol. Enjoyed a varied choice of great food from the 3 course set menu - absolutely delicious. Wine was delicious too. Not too expensive, and a super memory of a special family lunch - thank you!

fantastic meal - sunday lunch menus can sometimes be formulaic but this was varied and delicious. it was the best sunday lunch out i think we've ever had, and we go out alot! we like to try out different venues so very VERY rarely does...

Very good Martini, lovely food - vegetarian food was full of flavour. Good reasonably priced wine list and really good service with a smile.

We chose pate and toast. The pate was very soft, slippery in texture, and the three tiny bits of toast were brick hard, enough to do damage to dental work! It cost£8.25! The manager was very polite, apologised and brought some edible toast. I can...

Wonderful Family Experience. Once again another wonderful meal. Excellent quality food served in a lovely restaurant. Faultless to be honest. Attention to detail was superb. The waiter and staff were fabulous as well. I was very impressed with the service. We will be back again...

Fantastic pub. Very friendly staff and fabulous food

Absolutely delicious. Sunday roast was exceptional. We will be returning for sure. 10/10

We have been looking forward to trying this eatery since was taken over because it has been much hyped in our area. Sadly all 4 of were disappointed in our food. The pork belly, which we total understand is a fatty product, was virtually 100%...

If you're looking for a place to enjoy good food and great views, then Duck on the Pond is the perfect restaurant for you! From the moment you step into this cozy and inviting space, you're greeted with warm smiles from the staff who are always ready to lend a helping hand. The menu boasts an impressive selection of dishes, with something to suit every taste bud. Whether you're in the mood for fresh seafood, succulent meat, or even vegetarian delights, Duck on the Pond has got you covered. All of the dishes are prepared to perfection, using the freshest and highest quality ingredients available. But what truly sets this restaurant apart is its picturesque location. The view of the pond is simply breathtaking, making your dining experience even more memorable. You can choose to have your meal inside, surrounded by the stylish decor and cozy ambiance, or you can opt to dine outside, soaking up the sun and enjoying the tranquil atmosphere. The service is impeccable, with the staff always going above and beyond to ensure that you have an enjoyable dining experience. They are knowledgeable about the dishes and are happy to make recommendations based on your personal preferences. Overall, Duck on the Pond is a must-visit restaurant for anyone who appreciates good food, great views, and exceptional service. I would highly recommend it to anyone looking for a warm, welcoming, and unforgettable culinary experience.

We love this restaurant. Last minute booking at Easter Weekend. We were very fortunate to get in on the Friday night at 7.15pm with 3 pooches also. The staff were all very professional and welcoming and looked after the doggies also. The food was outstanding....

Wonderful surprise, and beautifully presented by charming lassies. Definitely recommend.

A group of six of us had the most wonderful lunch today at The Duck on the Pond. It is a delightfully relaxing environment, which has been tastefully updated. Lunch was excellent with something for everyone. The tastes & textures were divine & carefully thought...

Have been here a few times, and can’t fault the service or food. It’s a step up from any restaurant in the area, with some lovely touches Sunday roast was great, and also enjoyed a meal with friends mid week

Discovery by chance but exceeded expectations. A beautiful wander thru the Cotswold lanes then a fabulous lunch at the duck. As we would say in Australia “Off the beaten track” but a gem!

Amazing sunday lunch. Three of us had the roast beef today for sunday lunch and it was absolutely superb. The food is amazing, the staff are all excellent and its a very nice restaurant. What more can you ask for. Its not expensive either. Re...

Scrumptious food served in a pub that had lots of character whilst showing great touches of sympathetic renovation. The menu was not overly long but everything cried out quality, taste and enjoyment. The ethos of using locally sourced ingredients adds to the pleasure of dining at the Duck. Service was charming and attentive without being overbearing. A good selection of beverages too. Commended.

We had the fortune to get a 7.15pm table for two and dogs were allowed inside. Good Friday just gone. We loved the cosy atmosphere and the staff were very friendly and professional. What followed was the most amazing meal we've had in a while! Fantastic Ale and cheese soup which we ordered because we could smell as the table next to us had ordered. Had the Pork Belly and my partner the chicken main....both absolutely delicious and the pudding to share also beautiful. Staff were fantastic- great job! Highly recommend!

Casual dinner in bar area .Felt like we were in a fast food restaurant. Cold evening & low heating very unwelcoming.Tables in this area organised in a row & close together .Food good but felt overpriced due to atmosphere of the bar area .Maybe better...

My wife and I went for dinner on our wedding anniversary on the basis of reviews that I'd seen on Tripadvisor. We found a very slim menu and the dishes that we chose were substandard. The impression gained was that the chef was trying to...

Incredible find ! Amazing value for money and the food is worthy of Michelin stars ! Will recommend to all my friends / family. Such fantastic flavours, superbly executed food . We will be back very very soon . Thank you team

A great place to eat just a few miles out of Banbury. The food was excellent - but a long wait for our order to be taken although only one other table of guest at the time. The amuse bouch was most enjoyable and the...

Having visited a number of times before, we were interested to see what the experience would be like with the new owners. We visited for sunday lunch and received a warm and friendly welcome. It’s clear the new regime has stepped up the quality of...

Very disappointed nicely presented but poor quality meat very chewy and tasteless veg poor and small portions over priced compared to other local restaurants then to add insult to this poor quality meal they added 10% gratuity to the bill without pointing it out or mentioning it when we added a tip for the waitress needless to say we will not be returning any time soon.

We had been walking around Rollright Stones and chose this as our lunch venue. It was lovely from the moment we walked in - great reception from the staff, lovely food and wonderful decor. Just great.

Ate here while on a canal trip. A few minutes walk from the canal (one of about 7 pubs nearby!). Looks plain from the outside but warm and welcoming within. Social distancing was good, service good, pub was clean and tidy. Food was a reasonable standard for the cost, menu a little limited related to Covid. Overall a very enjoyable evening. Would visit again.

Good Sunday lunch, one chicken, one beef. Let down by the service. When clearing away our dishes from the main, asked for dessert menus, waited for over 10 minutes, non appeared, so when finally caught the eye of one of the staff, asked for the bill. Will not go back due to the poor service.

Lovely evening meal Slight problem with card machine, so got distracted. Did not notice 'optional service' on bill. Gave waitress £5 cash (she apparently knew service was included on our bill) So we ended up paying £14 tip. Lesson earned, put spectacles on.

We passed this restaurant/pub on the way to our hotel and glad we booked for dinner. Delicious homemade bread, olives, oil/balsamic to share. Fabulous mains of pork belly and duck confit (honemade Aberdeen Angus burger & chicken breast goujons for the kids). The best creme brûlée we have had for a very long time!! The food was really, really good, the service was exceptional, the setting is very beautiful.... wish we lived a little bit closer so we could visit more often!!

An amazing Sunday roast, super service, made to feel welcome. Food was totally delicious, we would definitely recommend.

We went to celebrate our son's birthday and had a most enjoyable experience. Our varied choices , one special, Tartaflette, Duck, Thai curry, and Roast beef, were all great. Desserts were well received too, apple crumble, parfait, creme brulee and a cheese board. Staff were very friendly and attentive. They served up a bought birthday cake perfectly. Will certainly be back again.

We had a fantastic lunch on a Saturday afternoon. The staff were very welcoming and attentive. Our two little ones (aged 2 and 3) loved their meals, huge portions so the Daddy's helped them finish. The service was great and the pub had a lovely relaxed atmosphere. We walked outside to see the ducks in the pond and to take a look at the river.

Recommended by friends so a good start. They were chipper on the phone when I booked and charming when we arrived having kept our table despite a late arrival. We enjoyed no-rush ordering and prompt service from cheerful staff. The relaxed atmosphere suited us and the food was a delight. Tasty well prepared starters and delicious roasts including the best Yorkshire pudding outside Yorkshire. We are all very happy with the experience.

Three of us were meeting to discuss some events we would be organising so asked for a quiet corner when booking. We ordered our meals which when they came looked average, not impressed with the baby carrots they were very spindly, would have preferred normal carrots. The meals were ok but nothing to rave about. Unfortunately there were some rowdy men in so very noisy which spoilt the evening as we couldn't talk over their noise. Service was pleasant enough so no complaints there.

Lovely place for Sunday lunch! Food and service was great, would highly recommend. Dogs are welcome too :)

Lunch at this lovely restaurant in a lovely spot. Welcome and service excellent. Sunday lunch, car park and restaurant full. You should book! Decoration, upholstery of seats and even the decor of the tiny toilets, tasteful and look brand new. Food was ample and really good. My apple crumble was one of the best ever.

Had a birthday lunch with the family, all thought the food and service was very good. Dining room was clean and staff friendly. Have booked for next birthday lunch.

Very good service, and tasty food. Good place for a family meet up. Nice looking building from Cotswold stone.Nice village location

Just moved to the area, stopped by chance. Excellent food. Very friendly staff, Service was excellent Will return.

The staff & food at the The Duck on the Pond are exceptional. We will be back again next year. Thank you