Review: The White House, Bladon, Oxfordshire

January 3rd, 2017

“Give us the tools and we will finish the job,” said Winston Churchill in 1941.

In the village of Bladon near Woodstock in Oxfordshire, opposite the grave of Winston Churchill, is The White House. This 16th century building has recently been tastefully refurbished to create a warm, welcoming pub, run by friendly staff.

Focusing on local ingredients with a short but varied and well-thought-out menu, they serve up dishes packed with big flavours. On my visit I shared a terrific deli platter with my wife, which included a lovely baked Camembert studded with garlic and rosemary, followed by a locally-sourced, oven-roasted belly of pork with black pudding mash, sticky red cabbage, creamed leeks and a cider jus. To finish I had a warm chocolate brownie, perfectly soft and melting in the centre, coupled with a decedent scoop of clotted cream ice cream. My wife enjoyed a main of pan-fried hake on a bed of creamed Savoy cabbage and pancetta mash. You can also choose lovely rustic stone-baked pizzas, fantastic Sunday lunches and leave with an artisan loaf baked fresh that day on the premises.

The residents of Bladon and the surrounding area are lucky to have such a great place on their doorsteps!

PHOTO: Matthew Winn

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.