Where to Eat in Banbury: The Best Restaurants and Bars

November 14, 2017 Sheron Bogner

Banbury /ˈbænbrɪ/ is a historic market town on the River Cherwell in Oxfordshire, England. By road, the town is situated 74 miles (119 km) northwest of London, 42 miles (68 km) southeast of Birmingham, 27 miles (43 km) south of Coventry and 23 miles (37 km) north-by-northwest of the county town of Oxford. It had a population of 46,853 at the 2011 census.
Things to do in Banbury

1. White Horse

2 The Square | Village of Kings Sutton, Banbury OX17 3RF, England Reservations, Outdoor Seating, Private Dining, Seating, Waitstaff, Parking Available, Validated Parking, Highchairs Available, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar, Free Wifi Bar, British, Pub, Brew Pub, Gastropub, Vegetarian Friendly, Vegan Options, Gluten Free Options Lunch, Dinner, Brunch HK$55 - HK$220 +44 1295 812440
Excellent
81%
Good
14%
Satisfactory
3%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

5 based on 628 reviews

White Horse

A beautiful cotswold stone public house with restaurant in the heart of Kings Sutton village. Overlooking the green and Parish Church. We offer a relaxed and warm environment where you can pop in for a pint, have a snack at the bar or come for a meal in the restaurant. We would love you to come and visit. Deli Bar and pub open 7 days a week - (Monday and Tuesday -No restaurant) Coffee and Cake from 10.30am every morning. Our Restaurant is open Weds, Thurs, Fri Lunch and Dinner then Saturday from 12pm-9.30pm. Sunday Lunch we have 2 lunch sittings 12pm-2.30pm and 3pm (serving until 4:30pm. Sunday Night Steak Night 5.30pm-8.30pm Dogs, Children and Walkers all welcome!See you soon, Julie & Hendrik

Reviewed By Nev G

We visited the White Horse on my wife’s birthday having read a number of good reviews for it. The food didn’t disappoint; the potted duck pate and confit with brioche, the duck egg with spinach and the lamb pie were all excellent. The ambiance was as you’d expect from a gastro pub and was well presented and nicely lit. However, the waitresses all rushed past at an almost alarming pace and trying to get their attention took a lot of work. Even though the place was relatively busy, they did seem to be overly rushed.
This rushed feeling extended to the waitress who served our table in the main, too. She was particularly surly from the outset and made us feel like she had no time for taking our order and we should just get on with the task at hand as quickly as possible. Her attitude toward us certainly took the shine off the evening and we decided to ‘cut and run’ without having dessert or coffee. Even at that point, as we felt we were being almost hounded out of the door, it was hard to get anyone to provide us with our bill.
There was a noticeable change in our waitress’ attitude as she presented me with the card reader sou could make payment. Suddenly interested in where we had driven from and how long it had taken to get to the White Horse, she seemed to believe this late flash of humanity would result in my leaving a tip for the poor service we felt we’d had.
It’s very unusual for me to say this, but I’m not sure I’d give the White Horse a second shot. What should have been a nice evening out for my wife’s birthday was somewhat marred.

2. Moon & Sixpence

Main Street | Hanwell, Banbury OX17 1HW, England Outdoor Seating, Seating, Waitstaff, Parking Available, Free Off-Street Parking, Highchairs Available, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar, Wine and Beer, Accepts Mastercard, Accepts Visa, Free Wifi, Reservations, Validated Parking, Accepts Credit Cards Seafood, Grill, Healthy, Soups, Pub, Gluten Free Options, Vegetarian Friendly, Vegan Options Lunch, Dinner HK$86 - HK$306 +44 1295 730544
Excellent
64%
Good
21%
Satisfactory
8%
Poor
4%
Terrible
3%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 323 reviews

Moon & Sixpence

Situated on the outskirts of Banbury in the beautiful North Oxfordshire village of Hanwell, The Moon & Sixpence is a very popular destination.Run by chef Hylton Bradley, the pub's highly trained brigade of cooks and equally trained waiting staff work together to give customers a meal experience second to none.

Reviewed By Rebecca M - Banbury, United Kingdom

The name of this place is completely beguiling and the food is almost to match.
We have dined here and not been disappointed tho the prices are quite steep. The staff have been overstretched on most occasions but are extremely friendly. I think the piece de resistance must be the puds!

3. The Red Lion

High street | Culworth, Banbury OX17 3NG, England Reservations, Outdoor Seating, Seating, Waitstaff, Parking Available, Highchairs Available, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar, Wheelchair Accessible Bar, British, Pub, Contemporary, Vegetarian Friendly, Gluten Free Options, Vegan Options Lunch, Dinner, Brunch, Drinks +44 1295 760050
Excellent
74%
Good
21%
Satisfactory
3%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 343 reviews

The Red Lion

Reviewed By Gill057 - Rugby, United Kingdom

I just love this place; the staff are lovely and the food is excellent. My friend has allergies to dairy and soya and they adapted her choices and suggested options so that she had a wonderful meal.
We both had crispy Thai calimari followed by slow roasted pork. I had the cabbage and they did separate vegetables without butter for my friend. We shared a dessert and I ate the ice cream and she had the rest! Then we both had coffee ( hers black of course) and rolled home. Yum!
We were there for ages chatting and never felt rushed, nothing is too much trouble at the Red Lion Inn.
For obvious reasons you need to book!

4. The George & Dragon

1 Thorpe Road, Chacombe, Banbury OX17 2JW, England Reservations, Outdoor Seating, Seating, Waitstaff, Parking Available, Highchairs Available, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar, Free Wifi Bar, British, Pub, Vegetarian Friendly, Gluten Free Options Lunch, Dinner, Late Night HK$55 - HK$212 +44 1295 711500
Excellent
56%
Good
33%
Satisfactory
5%
Poor
3%
Terrible
3%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 260 reviews

The George & Dragon

A traditional country pub, in a idyllic surrounding. Set in the peaceful village of Chacombe, the George and Dragon is only 1 mile from junction 11 of the M40. The George and dragon is the perfect place for all occasions, whether it be for entertaining corporate lunches during the day, cosy dinners, family get togethers or a drink with your friends. The pub dates back to the 17th century and still has original beams and fire places. During an extension 20 years ago a hidden well was discovered, which has long become a big attraction of the pub, along with the unique brass bar. There is a large patio area which can seat up to 40 people during the long and thirsty summer months.

Reviewed By PurpleJuice11 - Brackley, United Kingdom

Came by The George & Dragon on our way home one evening and enjoyed the drinks this pub has on offer. We also stopped by on another occasion for a meal - the food was fantastic - the vegetarian options were great.
We will be back again, this is a great, quirky pub.

5. Pizza Calzone

36-37 Parsons Street, Banbury OX16 5NA, England (Formerly San Carlo) Takeout, Seating, Waitstaff, Validated Parking, Highchairs Available, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar, Accepts American Express, Accepts Mastercard, Accepts Visa, Accepts Discover, Reservations, Accepts Credit Cards Italian, Pizza, Vegetarian Friendly, Vegan Options, Gluten Free Options Lunch, Dinner, Brunch HK$78 - HK$165 +44 1295 703073
Excellent
77%
Good
14%
Satisfactory
5%
Poor
3%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 517 reviews

Pizza Calzone

Enjoy sumptuous, authentic Italian cuisine for lunches and evening meals. Relax in an inviting and contemporary restaurant, looked after by our friendly and welcoming staff. Call today to make your reservation or to order your 'take away' Parties or private functions are always welcome at the Pizza Calzone Ristorante Pizzeria. Whatever the nature of your celebration, e.g. birthday, anniversary, office party, etc, we will be able to create a special atmosphere for your guests. (Christenings can be held in the Sundays when the restaurant can be booked exclusively for your guests.)

Reviewed By AnnGrah - Coventry, United Kingdom

Second visit on one of our occasional trips to Banbury. Quiet time around 5.30, staff very welcoming. Restaurant is attractive and well laid out, lighting subdued. Great choice on menu, particulary for those like me who don't eat meat. Generous portions and good quality. We asked for mocha coffees which our waiter didn't manage at first attempt, but tried again and it was fine - but he let us have them on the house anyway. That's the kind of customer service I appreciate. We'll be back, can't wait!

6. The Crown & Tuns - Puddingface, The Pie Place

New Street, Deddington, Banbury OX15 0SP, England Outdoor Seating, Seating, Waitstaff, Street Parking, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar, Accepts Mastercard, Accepts Visa, Free Wifi, Wheelchair Accessible, Wine and Beer, Accepts Credit Cards Bar, British, Pub, Vegetarian Friendly Lunch, Dinner, Drinks HK$102 - HK$173 +44 1869 337371
Excellent
70%
Good
24%
Satisfactory
4%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 508 reviews

The Crown & Tuns - Puddingface, The Pie Place

Welcome to PuddingFace Do you have a penchant for pies? Puddingface offers a whole host of pies including traditional meat and vegetarian, fish and game, as well as some less conventional recipes. All Homemade!Lunch times bookings are taken Monday to Saturday 12-2pm and Sunday 12 to 2.30 Please call the pub to book. No evening reservations/bookings taken, come along have a drink at the bar, let our staff know you wish to eat and we will seat you as soon as a table comes available or will endeavour to keep you informed on how long the wait is likely to be.Largest single table we are able to accommodate is for 8 people due to the size of our pub and the nature of our business baking pies to order we are not really suitable for larger groups. If you insist ...Larger groups will have to be treated as individual smaller tables and your food order taken as they come available during the evening.Due to licence restrictions young children (under 5) can not remain on the premises after 7.30PM and all children (under 14) past 9pm Telephones are manned pub opening hours (not office hours)

Reviewed By yeuch - Banbury

Couldn't be bothered to cook. The pies had been recommended to me so we (family of 5) decided to try. Wasn't disappointed. Although it was very busy, the staff kept us informed of when our table would be ready, when our orders would be taken and how long the pies would be. We all had a different one and all tasted amazing.Will definitely go back.

7. Siam House

48 Parsons Street, Banbury OX16 5NB, England Delivery, Takeout, Seating, Waitstaff, Serves Alcohol, Reservations Asian, Thai, Vegetarian Friendly, Gluten Free Options Lunch, Dinner HK$133 - HK$275 +44 1295 275088
Excellent
72%
Good
20%
Satisfactory
2%
Poor
4%
Terrible
2%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 149 reviews

Siam House

Thai cooks have never been in the habit of recording measurements of ingredients or time of cooking. They cook by experience and " feel" and the art of ancient recipes handed down in families, by practice. The Thai make much use in their food with such condiments, seasonings, sauces and flavourings such as fish sauce ( nam pla), including cardamom, coriander, anise, and other seeds, cloves, nutmeg, ginger and cinnamon. Lunch is a light meal of noodles or fried rice. The main meal, one of rice with two or three dishes, is eaten in the evening. The dishes are not courses and are served all at the same time with plain steamed rice. You are meant to take a mouthful of this and a mouthful of that, some rice in between, in whatever order you like, enjoying the different tastes and textures of each mouthful.

Reviewed By Eeyore49 - Banbury, United Kingdom

Our friends wanted to take us for a curry. That's a problem in Banbury on a Tuesday lunchtime. We settled on this small place in the Old Town. Glad we did. From the off we were welcomed and served by the friendly staff. A set lunch menu with a lot of flexibility. We were pleased with the starters. The hot and sour soup and chicken satays. The mains were lovely and the sweet s were fabulous.

8. The Saye and Sele Arms

Main Road | Broughton, Banbury OX15 5ED, England Reservations, Outdoor Seating, Seating, Waitstaff, Parking Available, Highchairs Available, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar Bar, British, Pub, Vegetarian Friendly, Gluten Free Options Lunch, Dinner 01295-26-33-48
Excellent
74%
Good
14%
Satisfactory
7%
Poor
3%
Terrible
2%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 214 reviews

The Saye and Sele Arms

I want to write a review but your procedure is messing me about and putting me off.

Reviewed By Mery W

Went with friends as a new vegan and had a wonderful adapted meal and desert. Mark is extremely helpful and goes well out of his way to supply good / friendly customer service Truly recommended

9. Purple Mango

Hanwell Mews Rotary Way | Rotary Way, Banbury OX16 1AP, England Delivery, Takeout, Reservations, Seating, Waitstaff, Parking Available, Highchairs Available, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar, Free Wifi Indian, Asian, Balti, Vegetarian Friendly, Vegan Options, Halal, Gluten Free Options Lunch, Dinner, Brunch +44 1296 276900
Excellent
81%
Good
12%
Satisfactory
3%
Poor
2%
Terrible
2%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 437 reviews

Purple Mango

Contemporary Indian cuisine At purple mango you will find truly unique menu with original ideas and a refreshing change from your regular curry house. Our selection of freshly prepared food includes fresh vegetables, chicken breast and tender lamb dishes. All our dishes have a distinctive taste,aroma,texture and individual flavour, guaranteed to satisfy any plate. Why not let our chef add a twist to popular dishes from around the continent using only the finest ingredients and traditional cooking experience methods and exclusive to purple mango.

Reviewed By PistonPierre - Swindon, United Kingdom

Moved to Banbury in Feb, and live quite close to this restaurant. Been meaning to go in for a while. My wife booked for Thursday (just before Easter) at short notice and they did get busy while we were there. But despite getting busy, staff were great, including Fay, and food was hot, tasty, well cooked and delivered to the table within 15 minutes if I had to guess. We had poppadoms and pickles while we waited. We will go again, once I can move. Ate too much as usual . Oh they’ve just got 5 stars in their food hygiene inspection as well. I read some bad reviews from a couple of years ago. I believe the whole place changed hands last year, so that could explain that. We certainly felt welcomed.

10. The Duck on the Pond

Main Street | South Newington, Banbury OX15 4JE, England Reservations, Outdoor Seating, Seating, Waitstaff, Parking Available, Validated Parking, Highchairs Available, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar, Free Wifi Bar, British, Pub, International, Vegetarian Friendly, Gluten Free Options Lunch, Dinner, Brunch HK$110 - HK$330 +44 1295 721166
Excellent
77%
Good
17%
Satisfactory
4%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 345 reviews

The Duck on the Pond

Reviewed By yeuch - Banbury

Excellent food. Excellent service. 7 of us and all had a different starter and main course - everyone enjoyed what they had. Nephew said it was the best roast dinner out he had had - high praise indeed. Will definitely go back.

ThingsTodoPost © 2018 - 2024 All rights reserved.