The Saye and Sele Arms in Cherwell

This was our third visit to the Say and Sele. Outstanding service. We all chose from the Christmas menu. Lots of choice. The turkey actually tasted of turkey. The beef was very tasty as well. Wonderful crispy roast potatoes. My husband said the Christmas pudding was as good as mine! I did check it out, and it was. We will be back.

Had such a lovey Sunday roast, staff really friendly and the 2 men running it were great. We live local but never been before. We will definitely be back

We were recommended the pea , ham and potato pie so we elected to have that ( one mash and the other chips). The fist thing we noticed was it was a propper pie with pasty on the top and bottom. It worked very well and I would like to thank the chefs for an extremely tasty pie. The dessert to follow was a Cherry Slice and we'll, heaven on a plate Well done.

Situated about 250m from Broughton Castle, v welcoming looking pub, bright interior, friendly staff, extensive menu, we enjoyed our Sunday lunch (pork loin), but disappointing bread and butter pud (little taste), excellent beer. Would revisit.

Great hosts giving us a warm welcome. Varied Sunday Lunch menu. Delicious food & thoughtful service. Fine dining on a budget - excellent value.

My parents (and the whole family for special occasions) have visited a number of times. My elderly father unfortunately tested positive for covid and living nearly 60 miles away we felt helpless. We thought about ordering a roast dinner for delivery and called. They explained they don't usually do delivery, collection only but when Mark discovered our situation he re-arranged and as a special they delivered 2 roast dinners which absolutely thrilled my parents and definitely lifted their spirits. What a great team they are there. Can't thank you enough, it's these small gestures that take this restaurant from Good to something special.

Went for a birthday lunch. Staff were fantastic and very attentive. Even added a birthday candle to the sweet! One customer was even escorted to his car under and umbrella! Steak and Kidney pie was the best pie I have ever had. Great size portion and a large serving of veg. Other dishes we had were Sausage, mash and onion gravy - again excellent and a small scampi - warm, good quality and not that small. A fantastic place, made the visit special. Thank you

Stopped here for lunch after visiting Upton House, and a lovely welcome from the two ladies running the pub, could not be more helpful and fantastic service. My husband and friend had the pie which they said is one of the best they have ever eaten .Would highly recommend a visit and stop for a meal as well.

Went for a walk with our dog in Broughton Castle & popped into the Saye & Sele Arms for a quick light snack. Couldn’t have met nicer people behind the bar. Warm, welcoming, home atmosphere. Food was fantastic, as was the beautiful Malbec. Terrific value for money😊👍🏻Will definitely be going back😊 Thanks

From my first contact with Paul to just snacking on a tasty left over I brought home, the service and attention to detail has been second to none. I met Paul and we discussed a tailor made finger buffet which was competitively priced. On the day the pub was closed for our private use for two hours, we overran but felt under no pressure to leave quickly. The buffet was superb, all made on site and totally delicious. The ladies serving the hot food were very friendly without being intrusive. The set out of the pub works really well as 2,3 or 4 people occupy small tables in the bar area, with larger tables in the restaurant, this meant we could walk the length of the pub and talk to everyone who attended without the problems associated with long table dining. The staff were happy to accommodate the use of a screen and projector. Lovely atmosphere, very clean and having been very careful in the last 2 years to avoid C-19 I felt very relaxed at being in a pub again. I would definitely recommend this venue to anyone wishing to have a similar family gathering. Thanks all who made a difficult day less stressful.

Last minute decision to see if we could get a table for the two of us plus 90yo mum-in-law. Yes, places and when we arrived they had no problems moving us as we were under one of the loudspeakers and mum-in-law has trouble hearing. As always, friendly, efficient service, fantastic food (roast beef was so tender), lovely atmosphere and the baked alaska is to die for. 5*, as always.

After, well, years my brother, sister, I and partners managed to get a day when we could all meet up. After many options were considered we persuaded them to come to Banbury and we would all have lunch at the Sale and Sele Arms. It was a quiet Saturday in the pub but we were made to feel so welcome when everyone arrived. Our table was of course ready and the staff were very tolerant of us all being rather excitable having not seen one another for so long. And when the food arrived it was absolutely lovely. I don't need to list what we had as between the 6 of us we just about had everything on the menu. And beyond; one of us wanted a prawn cocktail starter and although this is not on the menu they do a prawn sandwich so a prawn cocktail was produced. Now that's what I call amazing service. What can I say, unreservedly recommended

A must try!!! My husband and I were there for Sunday brunch and it was just incredible! This was our fist time experiencing a pub in the UK and let me tell you it didn’t disappoint! The food was just delicious, every bite was full of flavor. The staff was so friendly and they made us feel so welcomed! We had our 2 puppies with us and the fact that they accept dogs is just a plus! We will definitely go back every opportunity we get! Thank you to all the staff at The Saye and Sele arms!!!

The wife and I went for lunch with our two little lap dogs. The service and the the food exceeded all expectations. I find this place to be cozy, family oriented, friends & pints oriented....and it's walking distance from the majestic Broughton Castle.

From reserving a table through to paying the bill, the service was attentive and friendly. Our meals were well presented and tasty, we could not have asked for more!

Popped in for some lunch last Sunday before going on a country walk with a friend. I booked a table the afternoon before because everyone loves a pub Sunday lunch, and I didn’t want to show up and be turned away! We chose to sit...

Visited the pub today for lunch, what a lovely find. TBH even though it's only 30 minutes drive from our house, we only found out about it as we were visiting nearby Broughton Castle. Food was lovely, staff great, attentive and genuine.

Really lovely impromptu visit to the Saye and Sele. The man serving is always chatty and really makes everyone feel welcome. The food as always was outstanding.

Whilst visiting my dads house in Bloxham my family decided to go out for tea. This is a lovely pub a short drive away and close to Broughton Castle. We all had a variety of starters, mains and puddings and they were all very enjoyable....

Definitely worth a visit, traditional pub food, but very tasty and beautifully presented by very helpful and friendly staff. Lovely beer garden in a quiet village.

Stunning food in a lovely setting. Fantastic staff very accommodating staff and friendly service. The lamb is incredible id highly recommend it. Close to the castle so ideal for day trippers. Parking at a premium locally and hours are limited so make sure to check...

Had visited earlier in the year So decided to visit for Sunday Lunch There were 5 of us So various lunches ordered The beef was excellent Different vsweets ordered Did enjoy Bread & Butter pudding Thankyou to everyone Star of the show Ruby

I had read so many great reviews. Although my cod and chips was very tasty the batter was light and crunchy the size of the fish portion inside was ever so disappointing. I do not know how chef created this optical illusion but both ends...

Lovely waiting staff and excellent food always. I am told the beer is excellent and samples are available for decision making purposes! Food is sizeable and very tasty. Doorstop sandwiches, crisp chips and lovely hot meals. Everyone should be happy!

What a lovely pub, welcoming and charming with friendly staff and delicious food. We visited as part of my father’s 80th birthday celebrations - the pint ‘on the house’ for him was a really kind gesture. The bread & butter pudding was outstanding! Well worth...

We were lucky to find the Saye and Sele Arms just in time for lunch. We were seated outside which was ideal as it was a warm day. The menu had a good choice of Sunday lunch mains, the roast beef was delicious, as was...

A sad day was made a little easier thanks to all the staff Excellent buffet and fantastic service I had not visited in a very long time But certainly will be doing so in the very near future Thankyou all once again.

I wrote last year of our 64th Anniversary spent at "The Saye and Sele Arms" and how special it had been. Paul (the Owner) replied saying that he hoped we would be back for our 65th. Sadly lockdown meant that wasn't possible this year. We...

Honestly a superb pint, very welcoming staff, excellent atmosphere. We'll worth the visit. Would honestly recommend. Superb 👌

We came for a family birthday meal for my partners 60th all had starters main and desserts the starters were great the steaks were exceptional thank-you Patrycja and Eva and the desserts brilliant, the service was spot on from Declan and Madgda a fantastic evening...

We arrived earlier than the pub opened, the landlord saw us sitting in the car park waiting and let us in 10 minutes before opening. Straight away we were offered hand sanitiser and could see that the pub itself was spotless. There was no clutter or dust to be seen anywhere in the pub (believe me I was looking!). The landlord then promptly served us our drinks and saw us to our table whilst talking to us about the local area and things we could do in Banbury and the wider area. The warmth and inviting tone of the pub was further magnified by the Landlords charisma and enthusiasm. We then proceeded to review the evening menu which was incredible. I had avocado and prawn cocktail and it was incredible - the prawns were fresh, the salad crisp and the sauce just right. For the main meal we both decided to have the lamb - on recommendation from the landlord and I am not kidding when I say the recommendation was bang on. The lamb was so succulent and juicy and the gravy - delicious. The landlord and chef told us about how it was cooked (8 hours slow roasted) and for dessert I had the bread and butter soufflé pudding. Incredible. The whole evening was fantastic. How this pub is #13 on the overall list, I don't know - it should be first.

A fabulous pub/ restaurant that has moved from average to exceptional service and food since the new owners took over December 2018. You are made to feel welcome from near or far and since lockdown the pub looked after and retained every team member ( and I mean team), supported our tiny village community and developed a more caring community due to their efforts. Birthdays, quiz nights and special events, they never do anything than offer 100% to your experience. Blessed to finally have a local that welcomes everyone near or far to their establishment.

We had a take away lunch from the Saye &x Sele Arms. The food as usual is superb. We have always had brilliant food eating in and in Take Away. Love the place and all the staff. Easy to get inside in a wheelchair. The lamb is to die for melts in your mouth. The vegetables are cooked to perfection and lovely tasty gravy. Thank you to all

We have just visited the Saye and Sele. It was my first outing since lockdown and having my first baby during lockdown! I booked a garden table ahead of our visit as the weather was so nice. Staff were there to great us as we arrived and show us through to our table which was really welcoming! I felt a little anxious as it was my first time eating out in months but all that anxiety was put at ease as the pub had literally thought of everything to appropriately social distance and protect you. From hand sanitizer at your table to pre wrapped cutlery and individual sauce pots and staff in ppe. The food was absolutely delicious, the service was excellent and the garden is a beautiful setting. Thank you for a great afternoon!

There was a warm welcome from mine host. The portions were very generous and the food was well cooked, I had scampi, my companion a ham dish. I then had a superb chocolate torte for desert. You can sit inside or out and there is ample parking.

What a warm welcome we had. Everything we could have needed, including the cricket scores and a phone charger -the food was pretty good too. Thoroughly recommend this pub. and will go again!

Following Covid this was our first meet up with my husbands parents since December. Thoroughly enjoyed the food, the staff were very careful the service was friendly and attentive. They had all masks, gloves, sanitizer and you felt very reassured. Lovely garden area too.

I got a take away last night, and as a result of not being able to celebrate V E day at the pub with a war time menu, I decided to take that option home. I chose a traditional war time favorite, Steak and kidney suet pudding, new potatoes and pea's, it was excellent, it must have been because the wife ate it all. Compliments to the kitchen staff. Well done, and while I am in the mood for writing, I want to thank you ladies for your £50.00 donation to The Alzheimer's Society, a charity dearest to my heart

My partner is in the fire service and called through on the phone and popped in at lunchtime on his way home to pick up some breakfast baguettes. My partner said the proprietor was really nice and friendly. We have just opened them and WOW they are packed with fillings and are a substantial size definitely worth the money. I think I will be eating the other half for dinner !!

We stumbled upon this gem by mistake and went in for lunch. We had fish and chips in the most amazing batter. (I don't normally eat the batter but it was delicious) We then succumbed to an equally delightful home made bread and butter pudding. Compliments to the chef well deserved. The welcome we were given was second to none, and the landlord recommended a route around the castle grounds that was manageable for my disability. All in all a great day out, and I will definitely visit again if I am in the area.

We booked the Saye and Sele for my mother's wake. It was perfect. They closed to the general public allowing us to have the rooms to ourselves. The food was excellent and beautifully presented. The staff were in the background, nothing was too much for them. We placed money behind the bar and we were served by a charming gentleman who was as chatty as he was required to be. Tea and coffee pots were kept filled and discreet clearing away of used plates was inobtrusive. After a funeral this was exactly what was required and we would not hesitate to recommend this venue. They really did us proud.

We had a superb lunch -- the steaks were great -- cooked to perfection. As it was Pancake Day, we had the delicious pancake desserts. We are regular diners here so are always happy with our meals but it was lovely to receive a card from the Owners, our special waiter and waitress (Mark and Brenda) and also signed by all in the kitchen.

Great food and staff.we have a club meeting on the first Monday of the month and nothing is too much trouble always pleased to help.

My friend and I stopped off for lunch on the way home from the hospital, it was just what we needed. As a vegetarian had never seen so many options for me, so not used to having so many options found it really hard to choose. I had the savoury pancake spinach and ricotta which was delicious, my friend had the pie of the day. The wonderful friendly welcome we received was just what was needed on a cold January day. Will definately be going back

We received a polite and friendly welcome in time for our Sunday lunch booking. Our food was served in good time and hot and tasty.

We went for a specific night which celebrated burns night with a special three course menu of speciality Scottish cuisine which included haggis, and gave alternative menu if you didn’t like it. We have to say that every course was superb especially the tots of whisky and there was a few. We will definitely be back next year same time and hopefully with a few more people. I’m sure we will visit again before then

This pub delivers on all fronts - proper pub food in good sized portions, a cheery and warm welcome, and wide range of beverages on offer. It was not busy on our lunch stop but service was prompt and we were made to feel welcome. It has a olde world feel to the place, low ceilings and wobbly tables are all part of the charm. Worth a visit.

Everything you should expect from a small country pub. The landlord and landlady are natural pub owners - friendly and chatty and welcoming. Good beer and nice bar food . Not a full on gourmet pub and not quaint - this is a friendly local with great hospitality and everything you need from that.

After a lovely walk around Broughton Castle we stopped as this very friendly pub for lunch. All the staff were very cheery & helpful. The menu has a good range of food and at the bar there are some great local ales. We chose pies from the main course selection and they were tasty genuine ‘pub grub’. Just what we needed after our walk. The pub was warm, old traditional style with a cosy feel.

We met our younger daughter and her sons here for lunch last Sunday. We chose the pub because it is roughly half way between our homes and were delighted by the warm reception and good service we received. Although not exceptional, the food was very good and we were able to enjoy it at our leisure. We were most impressed with the spotlessly clean high chair which was provided for our one year-old and the approach and manner of the landlord and his young staff alike.

Picked the Saye and Sele Arms from TripAdvisor. We had travelled from outside of the area.. Loved the traditional pub style. Choice of 4 roasts, fish and another couple of vegetarian options. We chose the lamb and pork in our group. They were very tasty. Loved the crispy potatoes with the pork and the mint mash was something we had never had before - very nice. Good range of desserts. Mr H said the bread and butter pudding was as good as mine - compliments. We will be back during the summer to try out the mid week menu. Great service

Had an excellent Christmas meal with the neighbours last night. A party of about 20 of us all sat in the beautiful restaurant, nicely decorated and a lovely Christmassy atmosphere. Everyone was pleased with their meal which was served hot, plenty of gravy, and very tasty. Will be going back next year to experience their themed evenings, which I understand a very successful. Thanks to all the staff

My husband and I drive past the Saye and Sele arms daily on our commute to work and have said for the past year or two that we should stop by to try it out. This weekend we took a bike ride through the countryside and found ourselves in the area and thought that now should be as good a time as any!

We like to try new places and hadn't visited in over 3 years.

We went to this establishment yesterday while driving round the Cotswolds I had homemade pie and chips plus veg and my partner had haddock and chips and it was perfect the meals were hot and plentiful would go back there again

Had lunch today. This pub has a very welcoming atmosphere. The service is excellent. Their Steak and Ale pie is well above the average and their salmon well done. Coffee was excellent. I hope to visit again

Have eaten in the restaurant a few times now and the food is amazing! Great staff and great environment. Will defiantly return :-)

Great pub with a lovely atmosphere and a building vegan menu which is fab :)

A welcoming pub with lovely food and great hosts. Menu has lots of choice and food was cooked perfectly. Service was excellent. We will definitely go back.

Called in for drinks whilst on a walk from Bodicote. The meals looked good what was being served. Friendly staff.

The previous owners had been there for 14 years and had an excellent reputation

The Saye and Sele is a great village pub just south of Banbury. Good beers on tap, many many gins, and the food is good. Will be coming back!

Called in here on the spur of the moment and was not disappointed by the food or the service, although they were very busy they made room for us and then served one of the best sunday dinners I’ve had for a long time , the meal was great and the service-even better would highly recommend to anyone and will definitely be going back

We are a group of superbike fans who had come to Silverstone for the Moto GP. On riding out into the country, we came across this little gem just outside Banbury. What a great pub! It has so much character with the flagged floor and original beams etc. We were only going to have a quick drink, but on looking at the menu we decided to stay for a meal and I'm so glad we did. There is a good selection of food from sandwiches right up to a three course meal. We had a main meal and some of us had a dessert. Not a single one of us was disappointed. The food was hot, fresh and tasty with generous portions. The Landlord and the staff made us feel so welcome, almost as it we were locals. We wanted for nothing in terms of attention from the staff, who, although quite young were very polite and who seemed to be genuinely interested in providing a good service.

Firstly, noting previous reviews I have see how the new owner has a rather aggressive manner when responding to anyone who dares to be less than complimentary to his establishment. This was our first visit since it was taken over recently. For a Saturday it was mostly empty. Service was slow, had to go to the bar & ask for menus as no one came to offer us one

Visited the Saye and Sele arms with friends for Sunday lunch and just need to say how absoulutely enjoyable the visit was. Staff were very friendly and attentive from the moment we arrived at this picturesque Oxfordshire pub. The meal itself was thoroughly enjoyed by all and I have to say the roast beef was the best I have tasted in a long while. Thanks to all. will be back!!

This continues to be a favourite stop off for a beer on way home from office. Staff and owners really care about how you like your real ale. Unlike a lot of “foodie” pubs, plenty of space to sit at bar and drinkers welcome.

Went there with my children to celebrate my Mother’s birthday. This was our first visit since it was taken over recently. It was noticeable that for a Saturday it was mostly empty.

Celebrated a family birthday here on Sunday and I was extremely impressed. I had the lamb on minted mash accompanied by a lovely serving of fresh vegetables, just delicious! To finish I had to try the chocolate torte which went down a treat. When speaking to the waiter it was lovely to hear all the meat is sourced locally and food ,unlike many modern day establishments is made from scratch and not just stuck in a microwave!

Came in as a single diner and was delighted with the service, I had the Fish Goujons In tempura batter and must say it was lovely!

Having used this pub/restaurant many times and enjoyed thoroughly unfortunately yesterday for Sunday lunch was terrible. Traditional roast - roast potatoes rock hard and tasted green, vegetables for two people would of fitted on one spoon, four frech beans, quarter of a carrot and a bit of shredded cabbage, had been reheatd so badly they had a skin on them. Also they sereved up American yellow mustard and called it English. Sadly we will not be using this establishment for food again.

I've never written a poor review before I much prefer to celebrate great places and people.

A nice friendly atmosphere and good menu and certainly good service but the food does not justify the price

Staff were all so helpful and friendly, which just made the visit even more enjoyable. The food was amazing. We visited as a couple but will be returning with our family. Highly recommend a trip. You won’t be disappointed.

Had deep fried brie starter Lamb with mint mash main Chocolate torte with cream desert Just over £30, drinks extra, but about £3.50 each.

We have visited the saye and sele arms twice now and we cannot fault it. The food is far from ‘pub grub’ it is exceptional. The owners and staff are extremely attentive and approachable and in my opinion are a big part of the experience. There is not one bad thing to say about this lovely lovely place! Thank you for having us and we will certainly be back!!!

Nine of us for a birthday meal on a Saturday night, warm welcome from the staff when we got there, some of the food was brought out wrong but was quickly sorted out, food was good and hot .

What pub in prime dog-walking countryside doesn’t allow dogs anywhere inside?! Manager said the pub is too cramped for dogs and she’s worried about staff tripping up over them. But the same could be said for small toddlers who suddenly run out from behind a table. Are you going to ban small children as well? My local pub is an extremely small pub and they manage to welcome dogs at all times.

Visited with family, had a great welcome from the staff. The Guinness is well recommended

A very warm welcome met us when we stopped off for a break in our journey to Banbury. A lovely old but newly refurbished pub fairly busy with diners but our order of coffee and a sandwich was made fresh and delivered quite quickly, good quality food reasonably priced.

Had a fantastic meal here with friends, I had the schnitzel which was superb! Will definitely be returning!

Superb. Staff very friendly. Melt in mouth lamb. Beautiful tasting meal. Sweet was to die for. Lovely little touch at the end, mother was given a red berry/custard tart wrapped beautifully. Will definately go back soon.

We continue our tour of country pubs radiatong out from Warwick and this was another excellent lunch. Nothing pretentious, just a traditional pub. Service was spot on with polite well trained, friendly young staff. Proprietor gave us a personal welcome. I had roast beef again to keep a consistent comparison. Top side cut cooked perfectly. Good roast potatoes and an adequate but not perfect yorkshire pudding. Pate for starter was first class, lovely flavour. Finished off with dark chocolate and grand Marnier torte. Perfectly presented and very tasty. Can recommend this and we would definitely go again.

Nice surroundings with good plentiful food and good friendly service. We will certainly return for a relaxing experience.

We've had a fantastic evening meeting the new owners of The Seye and Sele. The food was amazing and the service brilliant. Huge selection of gin! Definitely recommend here for a fabulous meal : )

Oxfordshire is a problem for real ales as many customers like flat beer - I don't. Use of sparklets properly can enhance flavour as well as appearance and no need for wasteage. Paul and family are new to the pub / restaurant trade and are very keen to please, getting high scores on beer presentation. Also keen to listen to ale choices rather than a narrow range. Well done Paul, Gale, Callum as well as Magda and Brenda

a lovely place to visit at any time an interesting menu to temp you good range of wine and beer well kept

Excellent food gracious hosts providing a warm welcome Very clean comfortable surroundings . Visited several times always high standard.

I popped into this place whilst travelling through. So glad I did. Food selection was fantastic and tasted even better. Nothing was to much trouble for the staff. Some of the previous reviews said it was pricy but you get exactly what you pay for. Excellent food, vast array of drinks. Excellent customer service. Would highly recommend to everyone if your in the area.

Welcoming new owners, friendly staff, request for vegan food not a problem and tasty (vegetable ragout), still a bit pricey as before.

12 of us came for a family birthday meal, lovely food, friendly atmosphere and staff very helpful, definitely recommend

This place has a lovely atmosphere with a very welcoming and friendly staff. There is a nice selection of drinks and every dish we ordered was brilliantly presented and delicious. Would definitely recommend!

We stopped by for a fairly quick lunch. The Arms is apparently under new ownership. The staff were extremely friendly and helpful. We both had the duck which was very good (and the chef even added more butter to the mashed potato when we mentioned that a good mash needs lots of butter!) All the food is home made and the desserts were particularly good.

I went with a friend to Broughton Castle for the day and after stopped off for dinner at The Saye and Sale Arms. Not only was the food outstanding but the guvna' and his wife were both amazing hosts for the evening, checking on us throughout the evening despite having two large groups in too and backed-up by some amazing staff.

Had a light lunch after a walk. The beef and cheese sandwiches were dismal. Thin sliced brown bread, thin sliced overdone beef and thin slices of processed cheese. I would have thought the chef would know about decent bread - warm baguettes, ciabatta, or panini. Perhaps he ought to buy his sandwiches from M&S; or Pret a Manger for £3! I paid £6.95 for a pathetic sandwich and won't be recommending this venue to any of my friends.

Lovely little pub with good hearty meals. Easy parking and very attentive staff. Highly recommended.

We visited Broughton Grange in the morning (fabulous garden) and were on our way to visit Broughton Castle in the afternoon. We walked between them and this spot is in between. We didn't order appetizers and were glad of it since the mains were very large. I had the lamb which was so so tender! My husband had the chicken breast - very good. They cook the lamb for 6 hours to make it that tender. For dessert we had the bread and butter pudding with custard - a huge serving - and we cleaned up every morsel. Why is this type of food so hard to find - upscale restaurants have innovative food and lower cost ones can't afford to make food this good.

Today we went again to the pub The Seay & Sele in Broughton near Banbury for the 7th time for Sunday lunch. The food is superb. Very tasty and the food is hot on hot plates. Danny is an excellant chef and host. He and his team are always smiling and friendly. Price of Sunday lunch is very reasonable. Service is excellant and the whole place is very clean and tidy.

Great pub food, created on the premises. We stop here on the way to France & it never fails to provide good honest, down to earth food. Well worth a visit for lunch

Eight of us visited here on a Saturday night.We were given a warm welcome, looked after extremely well and the food was delicious.All of us were in agreement that the food was good and all would certainly return.We also liked that we were not hurried out after we finished our food.pleasant atmosphere, lovely waitress.