The Marlstone Tavern, Puddingface The Pie Place in Cherwell

This pub came well recommended, and the reviews were great. I called the day before and spoke to a very professional member of staff called Jack, who helped book us a table for the following day. I'm glad we booked because when we arrived at lunchtime the car park was full, as was the pub. On arrival, the staff were very professional and explained how their system worked. We sat at our table and gave our order to the polite waitress that attended us. Some pies come in short crust pastry or puff pastry, and some have no choice at all; check the menu. Each pie comes with chips or mash, and we also received a pot of veg and some gravy to share. There were two of us, we could have shared a pie tbh as they don't scrimp on portion size. I tasted both, and I can say that both pies, the mash, the chips, and the veg all tasted amazing. Drinks were a decent price, and by the end of our meal, we were both stuffed solid. I had a Chicken and Honey Roasted, Parsnip Pie in shortcrust pastry. The wife had Morrocon Lamb with Apricot in a puff pastry. Excellent visit, and we'll be back at some point for sure. Only mistake was a mix up in the tonic requested for a gin, but that's very minor and doesn't mar our visit. Great venue.

Delicious steak and kidney pie, with good sides. Very hearty and warming. Great atmosphere and friendly staff. Very clean too.

Great food and service. Pies are the main food on the menu.

Couldn’t fault anything so happy to award 5 stars. The food was excellent and generous portions. The staff were very efficient and friendly. The establishment was clean and comfortable with a pleasant atmosphere. Definitely go back and no hesitation in recommending.

First time at this venue after recommendation from a friend. Very friendly staff and a pleasant atmosphere. Very clean establishment and a large car park. The food was excellent and good value. I can recommend the spiced Moroccan lamb with apricot which was delicious and a generous portion. It comes with mashed potatoes or chips with vegetables and gravy. I will definitely go back and no hesitation in recommending. All the waitresses deserve a mention as they were efficient and looked like they were enjoying their work which nowadays is quite a rarity.

I didn’t like the way everyone was crowded up one end of the room . People were taking their coats off over my food . Servers were constantly going backwards and forwards very close to our table . We felt rushed took our chips away before we could finish them .

Lovely pub, great food and wonderful service, the atmosphere is very relaxed except when you get a noisy table next to you! Then it goes, pah noisy male sports team!

After having a wonderful meal with friends I suddenly felt faint and dizzy on standing up. I decided to sit down again to recover, but my plan did not work as my condition did not improve. After that I found myself laying on the floor, with a cushion under my head with a member of your staff saying 'welcome back'. Many thanks to my friends and your gallant staff for coming to the rescue, with very calming influences. Jenny J

The best steak and kidney pie I have eaten in ages.

We've been there twice. Can't fault the premises.. The food is absolutely excellent..the variety of pies is phenomenal. Will definitely return.

Lovely food , lovely atmosphere and service was good. The food came out so quickly and we were both very full after definitely worth the money ! 😋 😋 😋

Great vibe with the pub set in a cozy village location next to a stunning church. Plenty of parking space to make it easy for travel for the designated driver. A downsound, the backroom was far too hot and some people were going out to get some cool air. The food was good pub grub but nothing spectacular - well priced and great portion size.

Delightful pub inside and out...and the pies...o.m.g!!

These pies are the best! Good variety and it's the second time I've been here. Good value for what you get as you won't be leaving hungry. Choose your pie wisely as you can get food envy if one of your companions lets you try a bit of theirs!

Great tasting pies. Quality ingredients.

Went with a few friends and even without a reservation they made room for all of us! We got to sample quite a few items on the menu and we all enjoyed our dishes! Go on an empty stomach so you can eat the whole pie!

Their pies are classic with many different fillings. A great place to take your partner or family and friends for that special treat.

The customer service has been appalling as we walked through the door at 6:40pm with an infant being ‘welcomed’ with kids are not allowed after 7:30pm continued by you need to keep the path clear and point us to the available table where it is impossible to do so, followed by will you finish by 7:30pm? We were made to feel like having a 3 month baby who goes to bed at 8:30pm are not allowed to eat even though we were within the timeframe set by the management. The management should have a good reevaluation of their staff and how they address paying customers. We will not return there and we will let all our friends with babies know how we were treated, to avoid the establishment.

The pub is in a quiet country lane. It wasn't loud and chaotic unlike some other pubs on Sunday lunchtime. The pie menu is extensive but only vegetarian options. The curried vegetarian was satisfactory. The chocolate fudge cake for Dessert was light and tasty which was a change from the usual stody and bland variety you get in most cafes and restaurants. The service was fairly prompt except for the delay in bringing out the veg following a couple of reminders which we had ordered to be served separately. The outside garden has seating tables with parasols which is always good to have on a hot sunny day. The toilets were clean and well stocked with necessary items.

Absolutely the best pub and restaurant for miles.

First time visit and hopefully not the last !! Don't think I've ever seen such a wife choice of pie fillings and they were absolutely excellent. Just need to make sure you're hungry before you go. If you love pies, you'll love this place

Absolutely delicious. The perfect traditional pub and excellent pub grub

Fantastic food! Great portions. Hot & tasty! You won’t be disappointed! Great friendly service. Reasonable prices. Terrific value for money. Highly recommended 😃👍🏻

For a first visit I was very impressed and will definitely be back .

Wonderful service great atmosphere good food and friendly staff.

On recommendation, my partner and I booked a table at The Marlstone Tavern in Milton, Oxfordshire, for Sunday lunch. I’ve never seen such a wonderful choice of pies ( all home made ) and looked absolutely delicious, though I went for the Sunday roast beef, which not only was so tasty, there absolutely loads of it!! I can only rate it 11 out of 10!! The pub itself too, is such a typical traditional old Cotswold pub, full of charm and character, with a good choice of real ales on, including my favourite, Proper Job! We both agreed, it certainly won’t be the last time we visit here! Well done to the extremely pleasant staff and my full complements to the chefs, and owners! Keep up the brilliant work!

Fantastic. The pies - incredible, as a family of 5, we shared 3. Plenty. Essentially Sunday roast, cheeseburger and tandoori chicken, all incredible pies. Will certainly be back. Staff were all really friendly, and the pub was filled with history, character, but still felt welcoming and suitably updated. Lovely pub walk nearby. A real gem!

This pub in North Oxfordshire between Bloxham and Adderbury has been through several reincarnations over the years. For many years it was known as The Black Boy but Marco Pierre White took it over and changed the name and whole concept. Alas it didn't seem to work but now it is called The Marlestone Tavern. They call it "puddingface - the pie place." And that is just what they do - provide a huge selection of pies - no starters and we were unsure weather they actually did serve puddings as well. This, we were told, is an offspring of a similar operation of theirs in the nearby village of Deddington. Our pies were excellent - up to 20 to choose from and we were certainly well pleased with both the quality and quantity of what we were served. A young, well trained, enthusiastic team, good selection of beers and wines and the prices were very reasonable. We had a lunchtime reservation but no evening reservations are taken. They suggest you pith up, have a drink, examine the menu and you will be seated just as soon as a table becomes available. A tip for families. Babies and young children have to be off the premises by 7.30pm - obviously their bed time!

Fantastic place for a pie meal, or even just a drink

Two fantastic visits. Everything fresh and served piping hot. So much food we had to take doggie bags for the children. As a mum and grandma I was very impressed with the cleanliness of the toilets, particularly as my daughter is disabled. Thank you. We will return soon.

Great experience 10 out of 10! Lovely lady and brilliant food! Recommend the pies and the cider! 🤤 fast and friendly! 🥳

This was quite an experience! Amazing choice of pies, totally rate the Beef and Stilton!! We sat outside with our dog and it was so relaxing

Make sure you arrive hungry, cool place. Great food.

Absolutely delicious savory pies (think steak and ale). One of the best restaurants in the Banbury area, no question. Seems to be pretty busy! Offerings are variable daily and run out, are visible in real time online.

Excellent pub. Quality of the food is very high, selection of drinks is good & the waiting staff were a delight.

Amazing pies 🥧 with great service. Would highly recommend

Our favourite pub, a clean country pub with great beer and lovely friendly bar staff. Haven't eaten here yet but it's only a matter of time before I have one of thier pie's.

We had a lovely family meal here Friday just before the Father's Day. They have a limited menu, but the pies they have available are delicious and have a good choice of vegetarian, chicken and meat pies. There is no kids menu available but they are welcome to share an adult dish. Kids free zone from 7.30pm.

If I say, “You cannot have a bad meal here,” it might sound like pandering - but it’s true. Over the years, they have been consistent in their quality of food and service, and gently and progressively inventive with the flavours. I always bring my guests - from near or very far - and they always have the same experience: Splendid, delicious food in an atmosphere which epitomises the very best of “British Pub!” Treat yourself!

Lovely lunch. Got there early and was glad we did. Filled up quickly. I had the pork and sage stuffing pie while my daughter had a chicken, ham and leek. Both were scrumptious. Service was excellent and the pub atmosphere was authentic.

Such a good selection of pies, was hard to choose just one! Friendly staff, nice atmosphere and lovely food. Big portions so came away very satisfied after a good hearty meal. We will be back for more!

Went for the first time today had the beef and mushroom pie , very nice tasty pie with chips and .Frendly staff .Recommended

Amazing pies, highly recommended!

Perfect in every sense. On arrival was greeted by a friendly member of staff. The pies are something else, so many to choose from. If in the area please give it a try, you will not be disappointed.

Great place, great food, great service.

Six of us had lunch here yesterday what a treat. Beautiful pies all piping hot and delicious service was fantastic. We will definitely be back as we thought that we had great value for money too.

A family birthday was organised for my ten year old niece. Almost 20 adults and 10 children in total. On initial greeting, the waitress was rude and abrupt. To then be told we can’t put tables together. Requesting an explanation the manager came out to answer. He said “didn’t want a function room”. Then refused to serve us. I’ve never been so shocked. Don’t allow a group of 30 to call and book then. I’ll never return.

We love this place! And despite not being able to book tables, the Tavern is still worth that 30 minute wait time! Staff, as always, were warm, welcoming friendly and helpful. And the food.... My gosh! The pies NEVER disappoint! Freshly prepared, and always plenty! Theyre so tasty, you never want to leave them unfinished! They have some seriously amazing choices of pie fillings, and a nice little choice for anyone who doesn't want pie. The deserts menu is just as wonderful and tasty!

The first time there since just after it opened all very nice didn't rush us, which was nice .food good very enjoyed.

We booked a table for a family of four plus two children and were not disappointed. The pies are delicious! and there are quite a few to choose from. They are a great price and come with mash or chips and a dish of vegetables. We all thoroughly enjoyed it. Highly Recommend and will definitely be returning.

Oh my word, this place was amazing. They only do pies and it’s such a great concept. We were lucky and got a table on a Friday night without issue but it does get very full and you can’t book a table. The pies we had were both stunning - peppered mushroom and Moroccan lamb. They have a generous side of mash or chips and veg and gravy to your liking. They’ve got a live feed of the menu board which is clever. Food vegetarian options. Would have liked to have seen a fish pie on the menu. Sad we don’t live closer but just stopped in the area for a weekend!

Amazing meal really friendly staff. Would highly recommend a visit.

Good food, excellent service and great atmosphere, and not forgetting, good value for money. Can’t fault the quality of the pies and range of choice. If I had to make one comment (and this is certainly not a complaint), it would be that the veg could be a bit more exciting. Really enjoyed it though 👍

My friend took me to the Marlstone Tavern today as the pub is famous for its pies. We were warmly and quickly welcomed. Checked all the available and wide range of pies on the board. Quick and friendly service. The pies are very generous in portions and absolutely delicious. You could easily share one pie between two and you get to chose between mash or chips and veg too. Nice ambience and atmosphere too. (Hint, you can't reserve at evenings, need to show up and wait) I'm definitely going again.. go hungry and make sure you have an appetite 😋

We booked a table for lunch for a group of 9. Pre-lunch drinks in the bar was a great way to start. Once we were seated at our table, our orders were taken promptly and the food came quickly. The wines were very palatable and most reasonably priced. As usual, the meals were delicious and the staff friendly and efficient as ever. All in all, another first class experience. We shall be back!

Went there for the first time with wife and two friends and had 4 lovely pies would defo go back again absolutely lovely. Dont think I've seen so many different pies would definitely recommend to friends and family.

Loved it. Yes we did eat all the pies!!!

If you are a large group, avoid the Marlstone Tavern! We arrived early (5.30pm) having been here numerous times before, knowing that food service didn't start until 6pm and waiting for 1 of our party of 8 to arrive. We were informed that we wouldn't be seated until all of our party had arrived (which we have NEVER experienced before). When questioned why this was, we were informed that it was just in case they had a rush on (on a rainy Tuesday night in February!!!), even though there were 2 people in the whole place at the time, and even when we left there were only 6 tables occupied! When we were eventually seated, it was made obvious to us that there were going to be further problems! We had to request a drinks order be taken after staff had walked past us several times and ignored us. As the drinks order was taken, at 5.59pm we asked if we could also order our food, to be told they couldn't take the food until 6pm!!! As a group we have visited the Pie Pub several times and have never had a problem being seated and ordering drinks whilst we wait for 1 of our party to arrive. What I assume was the land lady was confrontational and rude and we will NOT be visiting again.

Really nice food, staff are very polite.

Please don’t change a thing ! This was our first visit , wonderful food ,service and atmosphere ,plus good value. We we definitely be back.

A one off for us but it was a great idea.. Food was hot, fresh an massive! Quick service and friendly staff.. Area was clean an ready to use.. definitely must use more often 5*

The food was awesome everyone needs to go an have a pie. Lots of different fillings lovely place

Really nice spot, dry January so did not partake with the beers, but looked like a good selection. Menu heavily weighted towards pies, with a wide variety offered. I bucked the trend and had scampi and it was than adequate. Muddy boots were left outside and they were in situ when I left, so all good!!

Scrumptious pies in a warm and hospitable pub, with great ales. What more do you need?

Excellent food choice and service. Friendly country pub and would not hesitate to recommend and will be returning.

Menu changes regularly. Wow, delicious pies. Area for the dogs, outside seating and a fire. Big portions, always get some to take away. Good selection of drinks

Great local pub, delicious pies, friendly efficient staffs and very upfront about their children policy: we had a 5yo with us: all very clear and overall a great experience!

Excellent quality pies and not to be missed when in the area.

As per usual it’s been an absolutely delightful experience at the Marlstone Taven. The cozy ambiance added to the charm, making it a must-visit for pie enthusiasts. Friendly staff and prompt service made the whole visit even more enjoyable.

Fabulous meal. Pies are delicious and the service is superb. Would recommend a visit.

This surely is one of the best pie restaurants there is. The servings are humongous, none of our ladies could finish it and I struggled. The flavours are excellent. I had the pepper steak which was really good. Just be cautious as it comes our piping hot. I would suggest to study the menu online before the time as there is only one menu on a board when you enter. So you have to choose before you go to your table. Service was good, even too fast. And if you want to tip, take cash as they do not except tips with a card.

Does exactly what it says on the tin. Very very good

First the pies. Pies are not your usual pub pies i.e. small, they are proper large. From the short crust pastry ones you can tell they've been cooked in the bowl rather than made by taking a cooked stew and popping pre-cooked pastry on the top immediately before serving. Great pies, you will not be disappointed. Venue. Is excellent, quaint village pub next to the church. Interior clean and well maintained. Staff. Plenty of people employed so service is excellent rather than hurried as it is in some pubs. Bonus. No piped music.

The choice of pies was wonderfully confusing as I changed my choice numerous times before ordering. The pies were large & very tasty. The staff fun & friendly. I would thoroughly recommend this place.

Brilliant pies! Always try a new pie each time I go and they’re always awesome and great to share!

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Fantastic food and service lovely place

Marvellous flavoursome food served to the table piping hot and with a selection of fresh vegetables, it could not be faulted. Huge portions and the service second to none. Lovely environment, very pleasant. Also great value, was shocked at bill, expected to be a lot more!! Highly recommended!

absolutely delicious! We cannot fault the staff, we had a lovely waitress and a lovely young man helped my elderly guest up the stairs. Couldn’t have been more welcoming. We will be returning Thank you so much Marlstone Tavern.

Great food and price, would definitely recommend that you visit.

Love the new place,pie are just as good if not better.

Good as long as you don't have kids.not welcoming towards kids under 16 unless there working for them for nothing.

First time coming with brother and sister in law , just moved around here from M/K and to know it is such a lovely friendly village and area is so beautiful and buildings too and too find this pub too was extra bonus and food pies were perfect x Be coming back again

A delightful delicious fantastic place to enjoy great British pies. The atmosphere is so enjoyable. Parking is great. The pies are so tasty. The service is good. Highly recommend.

Great place if you like pies very welcoming doggie friendly good beer 😋🍻

Visited the pub yesterday and I have to say it has to be one of the nicest pubs we have been to. The pies were amazing as were the chips veg and gravy. The place is beautiful inside and out. And the staff were very friendly and helpful.

FAB! A must go again pub. And we are taking our friends !!!!

Been hoping to come here for a while and was not disappointed! Got served quickly, the selection of pies is great and actually hard to decide as wanted to try them all. Pie filling was so tasty and had the puffiest pastry I've ever seen. Had space for a lovely dessert too. Hoping to make this a more regular occurance!

Great meal, pie was very tasty. Had the steak and kidney, made a change to see so much kidney in a pie. Would definitely go again. Value for money

What a lovely surprise to fi nd this little gem on pour way back home !! 🥰 The pies were awesome and we had a warm welcome (thanks a lot from our dog 😉) For sure we will have a stop here on our next trip, trying to keep room for the dessert !

We were in a hotel nearby and a google search bought up this place, so why not and we weren't disappointed. We turned up and the place was pretty busy around 6pm so booking in advance like we did is advised. We decided against starters and just had a drink each, we then saw the table near us have their pies delivered and not having a starter seemed like a wise decision as they were huge. Our vegetarian and BBQ beef, cheese and bacon pies arrived and took over the table, with a side of chips, mash and veg also. Did we finish it, yes, did it take a couple of rest breaks, yes, did we slide in a dessert afterwards between us, again yes. No hesitation recommending here as despite the portions being large the quality of the ingredients is also top notch with the average price per pie being £15.00. Feeling hungry? Give it a go.

Excellent pies, great selection to choose from. Would recommend, certainly worth a visit.

Been looking forward to having a chance to visit this place and it didn't disappoint, we visited for lunch and the pies were generous portions and very delicious!

Waiter was grumpy, but everything else was fantastic

We had booked our lunch time table although it wasn't particularly busy when we dined at this lovely place, but a nice, peaceful atmosphere with pleasant, smiley staff. Both our pies, served with mash, vegetables and gravy were delicious. Very filling and super tasty. We didn't need to eat dinner that evening! Highly recommended!

What a fantastic place. From Bath visiting family. Had the pork, stuffing, and apple sauce filling. Full of flavour and the amount of filling was amazing. Along with chips, vegetables, and gravy, it was more than enough. Highly recommended. The choice of fillings to choose from will have you changing your mind too many times to mention.

Friendly welcoming and great food

Greatest pies in the world! We have been coming back to pie place multiple times and never been let down. We started to go to pie place since it was in old address but new pub is lot bigger spacious but taste has not changed! Definitely recommend!!!

American family with two modern teens and we loved everything about this wonderful place. Only pies (with a couple exceptions). Even the steamed veggies (that are served with the pies) are excellent. The grounds are awesome. Cozy warm and delicious. Come hungry.

If you like pies and lots of carbs this is for you. But only one vegetarian pie offered when we went