The Trigger Pond in Cherwell

An impromptu visit on a Wednesday with family who had never been to the Trigger Pond before and it was perfect timing - 2 for 1 burger night! The portions were very generous and perfectly cooked (the chips are particularly amazing). Special mention to Tyler who gave us faultless service - attentive, courteous and charming. We heard another table complimenting him too. A real credit to the pub. Thanks for a lovely meal!

We met friends for dinner and while the pub is good and the staff are friendly, it is overpriced. The sign outside says “Great food, reasonably priced.” That is a subjective statement and I don't agree with it. £20.50 for a Roast Beef Sunday roast is excessive when you get half a carrot, a few roast potatoes that have sat on a hot plate for hours and a small side dish of vegetables. Then there is a 12.5% service charge; sorry but that is not reasonably priced, it's terrible value for money. They offer a cheese platter for sharing so I assume it's to be shared between two mice. Three small pieces of cheese which all represented two small bites, one strawberry and two figs for £12.50 plus 12.5% It was only made bearable because we hadn't seen our friends in years. As I said, the staff are friendly, but for those prices and the service charge, I'd expect better. It's an hour-and-a-half journey for us and we won't return.

An average meal, but the whole experience was rather spoiled by deceitful wording on the menu. Underneath the list of dishes offered with prices, it states that "We have added a discretionary 12.5% Service Charge". To me, this means that the prices shown include the discretionary 12.5% Service Charge, so that, for example, the price of a Sirloin Steak at £27 would comprise £24 for the meal plus a discretionary £3 service charge. But No. A discretionary 12.5% Service Charge was added to the final bill, so that the Sirloin Steak listed at a price of £27 in fact cost £30.37. Is there a need for this sleight of hand? Or was the person who wrote out the menu unable to distinguish tenses in English? It's disappointing that the menu couldn't simply have stated that "We will add a discretionary 12.5% Service Charge". In fairness, when challenged, the waiter offered to remove the service charge but I declined because the service was OK. The meal itself was all right, but the Sirloin Steak hadn't been trimmed adequately and included a large piece of fat. I don't think I'll rush to return.

This place was recommended by friends so we thought we would give it a try. When we arrived we were told that there would be a reduced menu due to an issue with the plumbing and the kitchen . We therefore had the choice of pizzas or burgers neither of which we really wanted. However we both chose the Cajun burger expecting something flavourful and spicy. What we actually got was bland chicken in a bap with absolutely no hint of spice at all. The chef obvìously has no idea about Cajun cooking. At £18 a pop we thought we had been ripped off . The waitress never checked to see if the meal was ok . We left feeling quite triggered and needless to say we won't be going there again.

Sharon and the rest of the staff were very friendly, the food was amazing, service was fast and the pub is very beautiful, clean.

Great looking pub and great cosy pub inside. Very friendly and efficient service. The food was perfect. My wife asked for her Asian salmon to be left slightly raw in the middle and it was. My steak and ale pie was tremendous. Crusty crust with a rich filling extra gravy, smooth mash and lightly sautéed vegetables. The sticky toffee pudding was light and tasty just needed some more sauce.

We had a fantastic lunch at this restaurant! The food was delicious, and the atmosphere was warm and inviting. A special shoutout to the lovely young man who served us—his friendly demeanor and attentive service made our experience even better. We’ll definitely be coming back!

Food was great as always as well as the staff and atmosphere. Emma , Mason , Charlie and Katie are very friendly and happy. Will definitely be back again.

Family lunch with 2 children. Attentive and friendly staff, really yummy food. Substantial kids menu and they’re big portions. Kids fish and chips are proper battered fish, no birdseye freezer nonsense. Big garden with added bonus of a bouncy castle!

Excellent food. Soup was just not to hot, just the right temperature with lovely tasty bread. Well presented. The turkey roast was lovely with plenty of veg bought out and extra gravy was bought out when requested. Christmas pudding Eaton mess, was different, very tasty and decorated with orange pieces Staff were helpful and polite Would recommend and would definitelygo again.

Great service and lunch 4 of our party were 90 minutes late due to the train strike the pub was amazing moved tables around and held our meal until everyone arrived Would highly recommend this pub the owner Graham went the extra mile to help us

Booked in for Sunday lunch with the extended family. The pub is absolutely lovely, we got such a warm welcome when we arrive. The staff were attentive and couldn’t do enough for us. Most of the table chose the roast beef and we all agreed it was top class. Food and service was second to none. Will definitely be back

Terrible service started as soon as we walked in the door. The lady who greeted us pointed to our table whilst being preoccupied whilst picking up the phone. Had to ask for menus after 20 mins of being sat at the table so they had clearly forgotten we were there. Nobody checked in on us to see we were happy with our meal. Small bowl of veg to share amongst 5 adult Sunday roasts. Really disappointing service, we needed to get their attention if we needed anything (sauce, extra heavy). Don’t like the 12.5% service charge added on the bill. Shame as the decor was lovely so was the food but service was substandard. Very disappointing. Have eaten here in the past and had a much experience. Such a shame.

Lovely pub and location.lm afraid to say that the food was awful.we both had the beef and guineas pie,there was hardly anything below the sunken pie crust, one was full of gristle a cabbage leaf add colour ,a spoonful of mashed potatoes finished the plate of food. No I wouldn't eat there again. And certainly did not pay the £5 service charge . I would add that the service was excellent,and was impressed when the girl relaying the table dropped a fork and fetched a clean one .Disappointed. K.A.E .

Lovely pub, great lunch and the team looked after us really well. Real ale was first class. We look forward to going back.

Went in for lunch on Saturday. Dog friendly, so OK. Service welcoming and quick. Food was OK, but not great. Had coffee after meal, milk was curdled, sent back. Overall, food, drink, and the unexpected service charge, was, overpriced and not great. Such a shame, as pub used to have a good village pub reputation.

Family members visited from abroad, so we booked a table here. Great choice. Staff could not have been more pleasant and friendly. Plenty of choice on the menu and food was delivered to the table in a decent time after ordering. Steak was said to be delicious and cooked just as requested. Fish and chips were delicious too. Desserts were decent, with enough choice. Bakewell tart was a little underwhelming but the others chose different desserts which were all declared excellent. We will definitely return soon. Personally I prefer to decide upon the amount to tip, however it was stated on the bill that 12.5% had already been added. Given the lovely service, I would probably have given more.

What an amazing place. A real gem. JoJo and her team are on the ball, food is excellent, service is top notch and the actual pub itself is beautiful inside. We were made to feel so welcome on our visit. Staff were attentive and nothing was too much trouble. We will definitely be going back with friends and family. Dog friendly aswell which was a massive bonus for us. Nice big garden xx

We had last diner here about two years ago. This visit was disappointing. The menu seemed much shorter than before; for instance, the range of skewered dishes, always one of the tempting choices, was down to one. We both had Beef and Guinness pie. This was not cubes of steak, as you would expect, but pulled beef. It was dry, and needed the separate serving of gravy to make it palatable. It only had a covering of pastry. I do three beef casserole dishes at home that are more tasty than this; I would expect something extra if I am paying for it. Even worse, the mashed potato appeared to be out of a packet! I had a Bakewell tart for pudding, but it might have been from a pack of 6 from Sainsbury's. I'm afraid the place is living off past glory.

Stopped here on way back from Oxford, quite a busy place mon a Friday evening, to say it’s well of the beaten track, but happy to get a seat, quite a lively atmosphere with friendly staff, I had the fish and chips, a large portion of fish with chunky chips peas and tartar sauce, my partner had the burger and chips off the children’s menu, which still managed to fill her up, a good large piece of burger in buns which looked as if they were chargrilled, and chunky chips too, the little one (7yrs old) had a pizza of the children’s menu too, which was quite large (9-10inch) for her but she nearly managed to finish it off. The quality of the menu looked good with a good selection of meals.

Lovely food in really quaint surroundings and really pleasant helpful staff. Wouldn’t hesitate to recommend. I did have one gripe though, parking was limited and if the inconsiderate drivers had parked a bit better, it would have saved a walk in the rain to the restaurant.

We have been going to Trigger Pond for many years and always loved it. It’s always been a little over priced but we don’t mind if the food, service, ambiance is worth it. Which it always has been. However had dinner with friends this weekend and was really disappointed. At one point there was only one menu to share between us and when we did get more, they were grubby. We found it very odd that there was no steak on the menu, not even as a special. The menu was quite limited. The food we had was ok, burger is always good, Lamb kofter was disappointing for the price but ok but the Pizza looked like it was a pre-made option from a supermarket and not freshly made as it stated on the menu. When it came to drinks I chose Whispering Angel but that was out of stock, then I asked for a Sauvignon Blanc only to be told when I had been given a glass that this was the last of it. Very disappointing in all and I was a little embarrassed as we booked with friends who came up from Kent to see us and we said we would take them to our favourite pub. Sorry Team Trigger Pond,

I remembered this Pub from when I was a child, some 50 years ago! We decided to find it and go for lunch (with our 2 dogs) on a visit to Bicester. The pond across the road was not as spectacular as I remember, but the pub was fantastic. Really warm welcome, fabulous food, generous portions and very reasonably priced. The staff were absolutely lovely and I could not have had a better trip down memory lane or lunch to go with it! ❤️

Gong down hill a lot since covid, still expensive so I expect quality but the quality is gone, I had the pizza that I have had many times before first it was brought out under cooked then even when cooked properly it was no where near as good as it was before ground beef not streak strips no heat, dry base much thicker than normal not even as good as a domino's.. Burger was ok again not as good as pre covid.. The wife had the pie when again was not as nice.. And the burger another time which she did not like. The staff are really friendly shame the food has gone down hill so much.. It was out go to stop while walking now in the area.. We have not bothered to visit for months as the last 2 visits were so bad

Lovely find. Great location & staff very friendly & accommodating. Food lovely & bar manager willing to make drinks not on menu. Great friendly vibe & seems very popular. Big garden where things for kids & dogs allowed in garden. Defo go again when in...

Trigger Pond was our first place to eat during our first vacation in England. Our party of 6 enjoyed every bite and every sip of our food and drink! The place is exactly what you expect from an English type tavern. Service was A1. The...

We had a perfect evening at the Triggerpond . We had a very warm friendly welcome and there was a great atmosphere . The service and food were perfect . It was a busy evening but the service was very attentive and the food fresh...

All I can say is wow and go you will not be disappointed not only by the food but the ambiance at this stunning pub , the decor is awesome, visiting for my birthday wanting to try somewhere different pub style but good food hard...

Had a great time with the lads, good food and brilliant hospitality, Sharon was our host and she was really polite

We booked a table for 15 for a family get together and it was amazing, lovely service and great food. It was beautiful inside and out with friendly staff who where professional and food was so good.

Have done a lot of the village pubs and restaurants in and around Bicester and this is by far the best by miles. Every time we come and visit my mother now we bring her here. Great setting, lovely decor, fantastic food and good service....

A truly loved pub in a beautiful setting, with an amazing team! Couldn't have been looked after better, team has a lot to be proud of!!

Not the pub I remember from years ago. Went for Sunday lunch and thought expensive for the size of portions, not enough veg for the amount of guests and not told what veg you were getting. If you didn’t like you only had meat and...

Busy pub which serves very tasty food and good size portions. Nice atmosphere and pleasant staff. Food came out in a timely manner and was piping hot. The only thing which detracted from the whole experience was the 12.5% service charge added to to bill....

Just love everything about this pub. Have visited several times over the last few years as it’s a great midway point to meet up with dog owning family members. We always receive a warm welcome and sit in the cosy bar area. Staff are friendly,...

We visited the Trigger Pond in the Summer with some friends last year, it’s mid way between where we all live. Sat in the lovely garden and had great food with great service from the team there. Just been again and sat indoors , again...

We were recommended here by friends. Visited on a Saturdsy night with friends. It was very busy. Welcome & ambiance fab. All the food we had was nicely cooked & presented & very tasty. Service was first class. Great evening. Will visit again.

Beautiful venue, excellent food, lovely and proactive staff. Perfect for a romantic lunch! Fun and distinctive design choices.

Friendly staff, however not fully informed abut the menu. Asked a few questions, none of which were difficult, i.e. what's in the sauce with the fish, and wait staff had to ask each other and eventually the chef. We ordered two dishes, one fish (tiny...

Xmas meal with friends, excellent value, hearty food and great service. Staff friendly and polite. Live music & atmosphere, and dancing 💃 The hostess is great and makes you feel valued & welcome. This pub does a great job and makes you want to return

Met here for a family Sunday lunch - the staff were attentive and the food was delicious. We all had different things - 2 x Pork Belly Roast, 1 x Beef Roast, 1 x Hake and 2 x Steak & Cheese Burgers. All the food...

Happened upon this place one Sunday on my way from the South Coast to Liverpool. Enjoyed my meal so much I headed back again today whilst in the area. I wasn't disappointed. It's really unusual to find somewhere that serves a vegetarian Sunday roast that's...

We have had a wonderful meal here today for my dad's 70h birthday. There were 6 of us who enjoyed lunch together. Service was fabulous, meals were exceptional and nothing was too much trouble. Thanks so much.

Great Sunday roast! We have been looking for a good Sunday lunch that is reasonably priced but also good quality. The Sunday roast both pork and the beef were great, lovely Yorkshire puds and tender meat. The staff made a fuss of our young daughter...

Went with family and friends for a meal. Nice cozy pub atmosphere, friendly staff that make you feel welcome and great food, will defo come again!!

After looking around the area for a lunch venue so we could get the family together for my 59th birthday we decided in The Trigger Pond, What a great decision, we booked for 13:30 arrived at 13:15 the table was ready and just cleaned, a...

The restaurant was fully booked, but we were able to find a table outside from which we could order food. We each chose the special Sunday roast with all the trimmings which did not disappoint. Special mention for the exceptional service - we were quickly...

I went to the trigger pond and had the most amazing time at their groove town summer party, the food was incredible! We had the sausage pot and halloumi for starters and then had the prawn and chilli linguine which was so creamy and delicious,...

Arrived here with no reservation. Very accommodating even though very busy. Staff were all lovely. Meal was delicious and arrived quickly. The pub and restaurant and garden are very pretty and we had a lovely evening.

We attended a wedding reception here and had a lovely time, the food was outstanding, good quality, tasty and lots of variety. The staff were all friendly, polite and attentive. We will definitely pop in the next time we are in the area for a...

Fantastic service, food and experience! The team were so friendly and visiting with children was made an easy time! Food was delicious, kids meals were really good value and actually good food (sometimes a rarity) - made a catch up with friends even better! Ps...

Chance find for lunch break, nothing we didn’t like - good menu , good staff, beetroot terrine was delicious

Seven family members visited today. We have been to this pub many times before and have enjoyed it but today we were disappointed. Drinks are expensive (£4.10 for pint lemonade), we were not asked if we wanted half or pint but was assumed a pint....

Great food and atmosphere. Staff were very friendly, very professional and efficient. We would highly recommend and we’ll be visiting again soon! It’s a must!

Excellent food and service. From the first minute the staff were polite, friendly and accommodating. As it was hot, we sat outside, they have large tables with large umbrellas to shade you from the sun. There are 2 tables which are tucked away under bushes...

We visited here for our Anniversary, we were greeted with a candle lit table and a free bottle of bubbly!! The staff were so attentive to our needs and were super friendly. Nothing was too much trouble. I ordered the soup of the day and...

From the minute we arrived, it was a fantastic experience. Really polite and welcoming staff, who couldn’t do too much for us. Great food, drinks and coffee. Food was all home made and generous. Highly recommend. Lovely terrace and garden.

Lovely food at reasonable prices, friendly staff. Served by a nice lady called Sharon. Didn't have to wait long for our food to arrive either, will definitely go there again 😊

We passed through whilst staying up the road. The staff could not do enough for us. So kind caring, friendly with amazing food beer and customer service. You even though we were locals and treated us as such. Thank you everyone for being so amazing!

Thank you to ALL the staff at teh Trigger Pond especially our waiter Alibie! We had what I can only describe as the BEST pub experience I've had in a long time. The restaurant was lovely, we were greeted with smiles and welcome, the table...

Happened upon this pub by taking a short detour while traveling up the M40. What a find! The Sunday roasts were excellent. Get a portion of Cauliflower Cheese as well, just fab. And the staff were just so friendly and accommodating. It was busy, but...

Wow, what a find, a gem of a pub just off the M40. We just found the pub on an internet search and wanted a stop off on route to our destination. The decor is amazing, lots of separate dining areas each beautifully furnished. The...

This was my second visit to the trigger pond and again was not disappointed! Such a stunning pub with a quirky twist! The food has been perfect both times (Saturday evening & Sunday roast) and the staff are so welcoming, friendly and can’t do enough...

We arrived early, but had to ask for drinks at the bar, the food was nice (not the best roast I’ve ever had) Yorkshire pudding was over cooked. Having been a visitor here for over twenty years, albeit not regular, you certainly feel a difference...

Amazing pizza great burger, alway great and did not not disappoint, friendly staff nice outside area fast service definetly worth a visit

I fell upon this amazing pub when I was looking at a halfway point to meet with some friends for Sunday lunch. We have been back a few times now in winter and summer and it's always fabulous. The service is great, the food is...

Went for lunch served cold scallops as a starter then we both had supposed sirloin steaks!! Which must rate as some of the worst steaks we have half eaten altogether a pretty poor experience and also well overpriced

Great food & ambience. Staff really friendly, informative & knowledgeable about drinks & food menus. Not the cheapest but cost outweighed by the experience.

Really enjoyed our first visit. It won’t be our last. Found it on Trip Advisor (thank you!) and lived up to its high rating. Plenty of good food and drink to choose from. Despite being busy, the service was efficient and friendly. Glad we found...

What can I say? We’ve had the best birthday evening thanks to this classy quirky pub. So unique. Welcoming and friendly staff. Food delicious. Highly recommend!

Visited Trigger Pond today to meet a friend for Sunday lunch. Loved the decor - modern cozy cottage feel with pretty flowers and fairy lights and a lovely fire. All the staff were really friendly and attentive and we had excellent service. Our roast chicken...

A very extensive menu but at a cost. Everything was very expensive from drinks through to the ice cream. £5 for a gin + £2.10 for tonic!! Beefburger £16.50 Ice cream (1 scoop) £6.50 WOW The food was nothing exceptional either, it was sort of...

Nice busy atmosphere on a Thursday night, lovely menu with lots of choice. I ordered the hake, for an £18 main course I expected a little more food, the fish was tiny without a crispy skin. I then had the Mars bar slice which was...

The three of us ( me, wife, and son) enjoyed a terrific Sunday lunch on our first visit to this pub. Friendly, bubbly service means the atmosphere in the pub grabs you when you walk in. Excellent food was briskly served. If more pubs operated...

Haven’t been to the Trigger Pond in years so decided to try with friends for lunch today. Very busy and the staff were amazing and efficient. The food was great but had to ask for the sandwich menu. All the food was excellent- some things...

Visited for Family who were staying with us. Sat in the conservatory area which in winter is a bit chilly. Food, service and drinks good as always

Excellent food and friendly staff, came on this pub as a happy accident after taking a wrong turn. The pub is quirky and fun, if in the area will come back again.

Am awesome trendy traditional pub. Call it an oxymoron, but it’s just that. They kept the classical features of the pub with modern interiors. Worked very well. The menu was not too big, but had plenty of choice. I prefer well balanced menus where the...

Been going to Trigger Pond for years. Ordered the Steak tonight as a treat. Apparently a 32 day Dry aged Longhorn Rib eye. Very disappointed . It was very dry, over cooked, and the chips not up to normal standard. Maybe I was just unlucky

We were a party of six and, after a short debate about the seating arrangements/time to relinquish our table, we were settled down bythe fire and proceeded to enjoy some really good food. My Roast Beef, (belted Galloway), was as good a piece of beef...

The decor is delightful, the staff are friendly and courteous. My food was nice but upon seeing my wife and childrens pizzas, I couldn’t help but feel disappointed. The much trumpeted prawn and chilli pizza had 5 prawns on it, and when it’s only 50p...

An ok pub meal - it’s a busy pub no way are the tables socially distanced and not one person including all staff serving food had a mask on! I know it’s not mandatory for masks but the hospitality industry will be the first to...

Very nice location for half way meet-up. We were seated in the conservatory with young families so a bit noisy at times for an adult only party. Staff were very good & not pushy. Food was hot and portions adequate. The drink prices are very...

Had a lovely meal here, pub is clean, has great service and a good menu This is our third or fourth visit, will be back! Book ahead, it's always popular

This visit was planned as a birthday treat, and lived up to every expectation. We booked for 2.00pm and due to full bookings we had to wait a short while for our table. This was politely and efficiently dealt with, well done!! Once seated, service...

Family travelled from Bath, Stamford, Chipping Norton and High Wycombe for a pre- Christmas lunch at Trigger Pond. Inviting smell of wood-smoke greeted us and inside was beautifully decorated for the festive season. Friendly welcome from the staff and table in garden room. Excellent meal...

Popped in here today for a meal with my partner and we were both very impressed! We loved the decor and the atmosphere, it is a very cozy pub! When we arrived we felt very welcomed and were seated despite the fact that we didn't...

Fabulous business lunch in a lovely setting, warm welcome, great surroundings and fantastic food. I had the hotdog which was delicious! This is what great service looks like. Brilliant.

We came here for Sunday lunch, meeting family from Oxford, Swindon and Bedford so a good meeting point. The waitress was a little passive aggressive (when asked for an extra water glass she said "it's because you'd booked for 8 and there are 9 of...

Second visit, the first one was in the summer and they have a very nice outdoor space. The inside is very cosy and the staff is efficient and friendly however, I would say that an average glass of wine and main course each shouldn’t cost...

Went this evening to enjoy a catch up with a friend, struggled to hear ourselves think over the noise of the table of 8 we were sat next to, the only respite to the noise was when they were eating. Asked to move but there...

Long wait for order and meals to arrive, only 3 out of 4 meals delivered so one member had to wait, Chips cold. Over prised

A lovely location. Food was very good. Staff friendly. Overall a great experience. The only down side and it is a personal beef of mine. Food served on wooden boards. Cheese etc no problem but roast dinners on a wooden board is a big no...

What a fantastic pub and the food is out of this world for a Country Pub, if you are ever down this was visiting Bicester Shopping Outlet please pop in, you won't be disappointed. We first came here 2 years ago when we visited Highclere...

We received a nice grerting when we arrived. We had booked in advance so able to go straight to our table. We were sitting inside but they have a lovely garden you can sit in. There was a good choice on the lunch menu but...

Popped in for lunch and what a find. Great menu, tasty food and incredibly friendly and helpful staff. A really great atmosphere and we’ll be back.

We used to live in Bicester 30 years ago and decided to take a trip down memory lane. This pub was always very popular. It has moved up a couple of leagues since then. The welcome was friendly, the service was very efficient and the...

We visited the Trigger Pond a few weeks ago and had difficulty finding anything to eat off any of the menus, including starters. I'm vegan and my partner is vegetarian. I'm willing to be flexible and eat vegetarian as many restaurants haven't caught up yet....

Went to celebrate life and had a wonderful meal with really excellent service. Such attentive staff, real restaurant atmosphere ( for a Wednesday night in a village location). Obviously has a well oiled kitchen and food served with thought and care. Very tasty.

Here for birthday meal the 3 of us , Absolutely love this place the service the food And atmosphere , we had haddock , salmon , hanging skewer and puddings , many thanks to JOJO and here team for making our night so special.