The Nut Tree

Last week I was treated to a dinner at The Nut Tree by my little sister as my 21st birthday present. The restaurant is tucked away in a cute village just outside Oxford, and is housed in a 17th Century thatched village pub. It also is the proud holder of a Michelin star for 5 years running, so I was expecting Great British Food for this meal.......and I was not disappointed :)

Ells decreed that we were to have the tasting menu, and unusually for me, I did not put up a fight! We proceeding to indulge in at least 7 courses of exquisite food; excellently balanced plates, generous portions, and all explained in great detail by our charming and attentive waiter. At no point did we feel rushed and the conversation flowed all night long.

The building itself added such charm to the meal. Make sure you ask for a table by the fireplace in the old room as it has a great atmosphere. So without further ado, I shall let you feast on our fantastic meal with your eyes.....

White Bloomer, Wholemeal granary, Ham Pâté and Olives

Cream of Parsnip soup with Onion Bhaji

Home smoked Salmon fillet with Whipped Horseradish Cream and Avruga Caviar

Eagle split of Chicken Liver and Foie Gras Pâté with Fig and Orange Rind Chutney served with toasted Brioche

Cornish Mackerel served on an Onion Tart with Tomato Relish, Tapernade and Peppers

Slow roasted Belly of Pork with Celeriac Puree, Apple Gravy and a Potato Twirl

Prune and Armagnac Soufflé with Caramel Ice Cream

Peanut Butter Pavoir served with Banana Ice Cream, Toffee Sauce, a Chocolate Ganache and a Chocolate Wafer

For me, the highlights of the meal were the Celeriac Puree- it was so smooth, yet full of wintery earthy flavour, the Eagle Split Pâté- the combination of the meats danced happily on my tongue, with the chutney adding a necessary element of tanginess and the soufflé- a regular dish on menus, yet this one provided such depth of flavour with 2 ingredients, I could have happily just had that and would have been a very content diner!

I had a wonderful evening, and it was lovely to be spoilt to a girls dinner out! I definitely recommend this restaurant; whether you fancy a celebration meal, a pub lunch or just a few drinks after a countryside stroll.