Review: The Perch, Binsey, Oxford

February 21st, 2017

Gerald Manley Hopkins lamented in 1879 about the loss of the poplar trees in his poem “Binsey Poplars”; I wonder whether he stopped off at The Perch for a repast and to contemplate the loss of his beloved trees?

This wonderful 17th century village pub with thatched roof and gardens running down to the Thames – where you can see the aspiring college rowers going through their paces – is a must!

Serving British food inspired by seasonal ingredients with a good selection of real ales and wine, this pub is sure to delight.

My meal started with the Butcher’s Board, which consisted of smoked goose, home-cooked corn beef, Kelmscott salami, game terrine and a lovely warm mini loaf served with pickled vegetables. To follow I had the daily special: a lovely piece of hake fillet accompanied by a Spanish-inspired butter bean and Cotswold chorizo stew and chargrilled courgettes – absolutely delicious!

To finish I had a lovely St Clements posset with blackberries and lavender shortbread. My wife particularly enjoyed her pot-roasted lamb shoulder with roast baby onions, celeriac, kale and redcurrant jelly, and her dessert of spiced plum, blackberry and almond crumble served with stem ginger ice cream.

I am looking forward to my next visit!

The author:

Philip lives in West Cambridgeshire in the Parish of Catworth with his wife. He loves eating out which he does for both pleasure and business. His other interests are collecting cookery books and menus, driving his tractor and working on the renovation of their old farm.