The Navy Oak

Having moved to Leafield recently, the first thing my husband and I had to do was visit the local pub. How lucky we are to have this fantastic place on our doorstep. We now visit at least once a week, and are never disappointed. The menu changes regularly so we are always spoilt for choice (my husband has to have a portion of Alastair's handcut chips though with everything) I like to eat heathily and I have come to trust the navy oak in that everything is fresh and cooked simply, no yukky sauces or deep fried things. This place is well worth a visit.

camilla (Unverified), 03/07/07

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Went there very recently. Good friendly reception which made me feel welcome.

My home smoked salmon starter was good if not particularly generous. My T-bone steak was also quite good but not thick enough, and the "hand cooked" chips, whilst neatly stacked, were neither crisp nor appetising. Presentation was let down by taste.

It wasn't a bad attempt at service, but they really must leave the bread on the table or offer it more frequently, and when you employ very young waiting staff, and offer more than one (excellent) breads, you do have to tell the staff what is in the bread basket before sending them to the table.

The whole experience would have to move up a gear to make me spend that amount again in this particular restaurant.

Roger (Unverified), 18/03/07

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The Navy Oak has become a firm favourite as a Sunday lunch venue. It is tucked away in deepest Leafield, but is well worth the trouble of braving the country lanes. The menu is simple but imaginative, and changes every day according to what is fresh and in season.

Never had a bad or disappointing meal in six or seven visits. Nice friendly people in unpretentious surroundings.

29/01/07

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We first visited the Navy Oak after seeing an advert in the local paper, and despite the 40 minute drive from Oxford, it has become a firm favourite. Sarah and Alastair Ward extend a warm welcome to their guests in a cosy country pub environment. The menu has never disappointed, and is of a consistently high standard. Apparently Alastair worked for some time for Rick Stein in Cornwall, and indeed his fish dishes are always exceptional. Highly recommended!

Hannah (Unverified), 05/01/07

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I visited the Navy Oak in June 2005 after it had been recommended by a local B&B establishment. The atmosphere with the open fire in the bar/lounge area was cosy and the selection of ales was exciting. The attention and service was exemplary although it was very quiet, especially for a Saturday night. The menu was imaginative and innovative. I chose the rabbit casserole and was slightly disappointed that the meat was a little tough but overall the meal was good. My major criticism would be that the wine list was short, and although that isn't necessarily a bad thing in itself, it also lacked variety. However, I am looking forward to visiting the Navy Oak again on my next trip to the area. For an atmospheric pub+restaurant it is as good as one could expect. 8/10.

coolboarder (Unverified), 22/05/06

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I have lived in Witney for years and my husband and i have always gone to the same resturants/pubs to eat. One day my husband suggested going somewhere different and we decided to go to the Navy Oak in Leafield and WOW, what great service, choice of ales and delightful food. Have been back many times and would recommend it to anyone.

Jasmine (Unverified), 20/04/06

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This is a restaurant well worth taking the time to find. On the edge of the Wychwood Forest it is situated at the east end of the village of Leafield (lower end). I have now visited this establishment many times and have never been let down by the quality and service. A good selection of wines and real ales is also available to complement the fine cuisine. Gastronomic nights are very popular and well attended. Book a place now, you won't be sorry!

Graham (Unverified), 16/01/06

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