The Marlstone Tavern, Puddingface The Pie Place in Cherwell

We ended up going at a busy time, but was no trouble. Got given a buzzer and details taken. The only issue we had was we felt in the way as the bar area wasn't very big, and as the rugby was on we had to stand near the doorway. Food was lovely, and will definitely return!

Website states you don’t need to book but then you get there and staff say you need to book. Rude and unhelpful staff. Poor parking.

Brilliant place for food... lovely pies. Great ales. Highly recommend. 👍👍👍👍👍

A brilliant restaurant ( need to like pies) a great choice and good prices. Need to move it to Glasgow and then it would be perfect

Hi beautiful food pies were out of this world staff were pleasant no wine menus given no children option apart from scampi and chips which was a bit disappointing my son had chips and gravy no kids ice cream or desserts offered either only adults portion s very quick service which was OK this time as we were starving but a little bit more slower would have been nice but I do understand they get very busy so this is probably due to accommodate everyone oh and no starters either just pie pie pie thank god they were amazing.

Lovely little place with a large selection of homemade pies 🥧 served with chips or mash and veg.

Brilliant! Great atmosphere, great service and amazing selection of pies.

Taken to the Marlstone this evening for a B’day treat. Amazing food, succulent steak pie. Great value for money. Thoroughly recommend.

One of the best places to visit

If you like pies, this is a must, good free car park opposite, steps to get to the front door, nice & homely inside. The offerings are in front of you when you enter. Typical prices can be seen in my picture, nice and polite staff. We wondered how we would each eat a pie as they are generous but we did, they are so nice. Will we return = Yes, can't wait.

Endearing and typical English pub where you can eat luxuriously.....

Second visit this time taking the granddaughter too (9yrs) where we all had different pies and mixes of mash or chips, short crust options as well as puff. One word....awesome! Absolutely fantastic food again. Served efficiently without any huge delays. I've now tried personally two different pies on each visit and looking forward to a return visit to either return to choices I had previously or indeed to try something new, as all our party (X6) thoroughly enjoyed our pies. Excellent work guys....keep up the great work 💕

Met my friend here for lunch today, we’ve never been before. Food was delicious, service was impeccable and lovely polite staff. The downside was 2 couples arrived shortly after us. Both couples had a dog with them, they came and sat at the table next to us and laid a blanket next to our table where the dogs were drinking water flicking it around and constantly moving around underneath our table. Neither of us have an issue with dogs but I don’t want to sit and eat my food with someone else’s dog fussing about around me whilst their owners did absolutely nothing! We ate our main course food and decided to leave. I had to ask them to move their dogs in order for me to get out to go to the bar to pay! I would return as the food was delicious but this definitely put me off today.

Cute country pub, with the best pies ever. So many flavours to choose from, big portions and a pub that had a great atmOsphere with games and more. Its the best. Want a pie, this is the ONLY place to come

Anything as long as its pie. Went to celebrate a birthday. Enjoyed by all. Shame about the mix up with the description of one of the pies. I thought pepper meant red or green , not as in salt an pepper. Strong flavour. Good venue for a celebration, helpful friendly staff

Plenty of parking. Old fashioned pub with great food. Go when your hungry, the pots are very generous and tasty. Lots of different flavours to choose from. Would we return = YES.

Great pies, loads of flavour and good portion size too!

Once again a fabulous time in this beautiful tavern. Plenty of pie choice on a huge board as you walk in. Nicely served in bowls on trays and staff friendly and helpful. We always try to stop off here as we’re not local.

Great pies, accompaniments and vibe. Really hit the spot

What's not to love. Great selection of tasty pies. Excellent service from greeting to leaving. Puds were smashing, and even the bill was presented in a fun way. We loved it and will definitely be back. ❤️

Good pies and good prices! Service is a bit slow and lackluster, but they are helpful if you ask for things. The "not pie" menu is limited, only three items on it when we went, but with over twenty types of pie we were happy as was.

Amazing Experience. Excellent Customer Service! Everything was perfect. The food was delicious and nutritious. Love all of the extras little things that they have thought about e.g. in the bathroom and with the bill. Additionally, they did not charge extra for tap water and they did not add a service charge on which again is really appreciated! We will definitely be visiting again! 😊

Great food as always. Love coming here. Very relaxing with great service.

Appalling!!! Unwelcoming atmosphere, bad attitude, dogs are now only allowed on 4 tables to the right of the bar otherwise not welcome, no food service at the bar area anymore and the pub was cold, so cold in fact some patrons decided to keep their coats and hats on. Can’t understand why you wouldn’t start the fire on a cold frosty morning, ready for lunch service. Hot chocolate was barely like warm, the replacement while not much hotter better was drinkable. The marmite pie was over seasoned with marmite but lacking in cheese making for a very strong flavour, nothing like what it should be (I’ve had it twice before), brandy and pepper steak pies had maybe 20 peppercorns each in them, full unground peppercorns shouldn’t ever be there in the first place. Chicken pie was overcooked with very dry chicken pieces inside. A great shame to see our regular food spot become a shadow of its former glory days, as they as, all good things must come to an end.

We enjoyed an excellent family meal here on a Sunday. Everyone enjoyed their food. The staff were very polite and friendly. The prices are very reasonable for what you get. Overall it was a very good family meal out. The family have been before, but Sunday was my first time. I should definitely like to return again!

Generally good food, but this pub is not family friendly unfortunately. The staff are rude and unhelpful, and there’s no children’s menu. AVOID if you want to take your children. They also provided one sharing bowl of chips, not individual portions, but did not provide enough for those on the table. When we requested more the waiter said the kitchen was closed. He simply did not care. Disappointing experience overall.

Great choice of pies but pay attention to whether it comes with a shortcrust pastry option as most pies are only puff pastry. Have not yet had room for a pudding but have been told their apple pie is also large and tasty. Parking can be difficult so be prepared to spend time finding somewhere to park.

Beautiful atmosphere filled with magical decorations and lights. The pies are really tasty and incredibly big! The steak and kidney pie (shortcut pastry - no options) was delicious, and so was the sausage, sage and apple one (puff pastry by choice). Despite having no room for dessert, the lemon meringue tart was very yummy. Arriving early (6pm) guaranteed us a table for a party of 4. Definitely going back soon!

Beautiful meal in a great pub. Service was outstanding. Highly recommend this for family meals, especially if you love pies.

Beautiful atmosphere filled with magical decorations and lights. The pies are really tasty and incredibly big! The steak and kidney pie (shortcut pastry - no options) was delicious, and so was the sausage, sage and apple one (puff pastry by choice). Despite having no room for dessert, the lemon meringue tart was very yummy. Arriving early (6pm) guaranteed us a table for a party of 4. Definitely going back soon!

Amazing food and service, one of the best pub meals we've ever had. Go when you're hungry, the pies are huge...

An excellent lunch at a lovely venue. Wonderful pies! Service was friendly and very efficient. We will certainly return!

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.

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.

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.

Absolutely delicious. The perfect traditional pub and excellent pub grub

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

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

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.

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

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!

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!

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.

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 😋

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.

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!

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.