The White Lion in Cherwell

Glad I found this place ideally located near Banbury train station. I enjoyed my veggie burger and slush and an extra thanks to the owner for providing a warm welcome to a weary traveller.

Really chill vibe, and great cocktails for a super reasonable price. Worth a visit in its own right, but also a perfect place to stop whilst browsing the other stalls at Lock 29!

From the outside, the Swan Inn might appear to be a simple village pub, but step inside, and you’re in for an extraordinary experience. Upon entering, we were immediately impressed by the open view of the professional kitchen, where chefs could be seen meticulously preparing dishes. It was clear right away that this was not just another gastro pub. We were warmly welcomed and seated, and our waiter, Joe, guided us through the menu with care and clarity. His thoughtful explanations made choosing our dishes an enjoyable experience. Before our starters arrived, we were treated to freshly baked bread served with two types of butter: honey and malt. The combination was sensational and set the tone for what was to come. For starters, I had the venison, which was incredibly tender – it melted with a single fork stroke. The flavours were perfectly balanced, allowing the venison to truly shine. A delightful surprise was the inclusion of two mini onion rings, lightly battered and utterly delicious. My wife opted for the burrata, complemented by a delicate candied orange peel. It was a brilliant pairing, and we’ve already decided to replicate it at home. For mains, I had the rib-eye steak, cooked to a flawless medium-rare. The quality was outstanding – a well-hung steak that true steak lovers will immediately recognize as exceptional. My wife chose the Thai curry, which was a masterclass in balance. Unlike many other curries, this one wasn’t overwhelmed by cream; instead, the fresh, fragrant ingredients took centre stage. If The Swan Inn were located in a more densely populated area, I have no doubt it would be booked out weeks in advance. It’s a hidden gem that delivers in every way. We loved every second and will absolutely be returning. Five stars, without a doubt.

A Disheartening Departure from Excellence I visited this Deli with high expectations, having previously experienced its beautiful atmosphere, delectable food, and superb service. Unfortunately, my second visit left me utterly disappointed. The food fell far short of the excellence we enjoyed last time, and the service, to put it mildly, was exceptionally unfriendly. Regrettably, I found myself unable to voice my concerns during the meal, as I was with friends whom I respected too much to disrupt our gathering. It's disheartening to witness such a decline in quality, and I must admit that, despite my initial positive experiences, I won't be returning to this establishment. PS: Unfortunately, I do not have any picture of my second visit (

Best coffee and cake in town, friendly staff who take time to know your name (and your dogs).