Nut Tree Inn
Tucked away in the picturesque village of Murcott in Kidlington, the Nut Tree Inn is one of Oxfordshire’s most beloved Michelin-starred gems. Located at Main St, Murcott, OX5 2RE, this restaurant masterfully blends traditional British charm with fine dining finesse-offering an experience that’s anything but ordinary.
From the moment you arrive, the countryside ambiance wraps around you like a warm blanket. Think thatched roof, wooden beams, and a cozy fireplace that adds just the right touch of rustic elegance. But don’t be fooled by the quaint exterior-this is not your average country pub. Behind its doors is a culinary destination where modern British cuisine shines.
One thing that immediately sets the Nut Tree Inn apart is its focus on locally-sourced produce, expertly crafted dishes, and a thoughtful wine list that enhances each bite. This place isn't just known for its aesthetics-it's known for its food. And I’m not talking about your standard gastropub fare.
Let’s talk about the menu, which shifts with the seasons but always hits the mark. Signature dishes like the Valrhona Guanaja Chocolate Soufflé are a must-order for dessert lovers-it’s rich, deep, and perfectly balanced. Another standout is the Foie Gras, smooth and buttery, often paired with delicate accompaniments that surprise your palate in the best way.
Seafood lovers will be pleased to find options like the Smoked Salmon, Scallops, and the perfectly cooked Fillet of Turbot-all presented with finesse and flavor precision. The Loch Duart Salmon, for example, is prepared as a pave and comes with subtle yet complex seasoning that lets the freshness of the fish shine. And yes, their Fish and Chips are on the menu too-but elevated to a level you’ve probably never experienced.
If you’re a meat-eater, do not miss the Duck Breast or Roast Beef, both cooked to melt-in-your-mouth perfection. The Chicken Liver Parfait is another dish that often gets glowing praise, especially among regulars. And vegetarians or those looking for plant-based options aren't left out-expect thoughtful, flavorful plates featuring seasonal vegetables, squash, and even dishes like Red Pepper Soup that are bursting with taste.
The vibe? Warm and intimate. It’s popular for lunch and dinner, and you’ll often find solo diners at peace with a glass of wine and a beautifully plated main. The private dining room makes it an excellent choice for special occasions, too. And while there’s no takeaway or delivery option, that’s kind of the point-this place is made for slowing down and enjoying the moment.
In terms of accessibility, the Nut Tree Inn offers a wheelchair-accessible entrance, seating, and car park, though the restroom may not accommodate all needs, so that’s worth planning around.
Beverage-wise, the selection is one of the highlights. From craft cocktails and robust wines to a fine beer and tea list, every drink has clearly been chosen with care. Their great coffee also deserves a shout-out, especially if you’re ending your meal with dessert (which, by the way, you absolutely should). From Panna Cotta to a show-stopping Blood Orange Soufflé or even a playful touch like Popcorn, their desserts bring creativity without sacrificing flavor.
There's no delivery or takeaway here-and that's a plus. Dining at the Nut Tree Inn is meant to be experienced in full, from the first sip to the last bite. And yes, if the weather’s kind, outdoor seating lets you enjoy your meal in a peaceful, leafy garden setting.
So, whether you’re in it for a special evening out or a relaxed afternoon escape, the Nut Tree Inn delivers a rare balance of refined cuisine and genuine comfort. It’s not just about the food-it’s about how the whole experience makes you feel. And that's why this place continues to draw both locals and travelers looking for one of the best restaurants in Oxfordshire.
Nut Tree Inn Menu
Reviews
Had lunch here for a friends birthday and I must admit was rather underwhelmed by the experience. Staff were absolutely lovely and no fault to them, however I really struggled to see where the Michelin star quality was in the food. Firstly the website was not updated with a current menu, so after browsing on the menu available on their website I was excited for the white onion soup starter and steak main, both of which were not on the menu presented at the table. I settled for the pumpkin and coffee soup, which was a rather odd combination and personally didn't feel these flavours complemented one another. The soup was topped with a very strong garlic oil, which completely overpowered the pumpkin in the dish. The coffee flavour was quite earthy and detracted from the sweet, nutty, creaminess of the pumpkin. I had the fish and chip main, and was left very dissapointed by this dish, the fish and batter were both extremely bland and had next to no flavour at all. After eating about 2/3 of the fish, I then bit into some uncooked batter, which spoiled the rest of the already tough to eat meal. The chips I would prefer to call 'potato stones' as they were so overcooked and crunchy I could feel my dentist watching over my shoulder biting into them, rubbing his hands together for when I inevitably shattered a tooth. The saving grace for the fish and chips was the lovely fragrant curry sauce served with it, which was unlike any other curry sauce I've had, that was a 9/10 for sure. Was further let down by the beer on offer, an unfortunate IPA that wasn't very pale at all and very bitter, thankfully only £5.40 a pint so wasn't too aggreived by this. On second thought I should have ordered a sample to taste before going all in for a pint. I did try some of the roast beef from a friends plate and the flavour was excellent however the quality of the beef left some room for improvement, what was served seemed to have quite the chew to it, and was definitely not as tender as fillet should be. Thankfully the staff did comp my fish and chips and remarked 'I should have told them sooner and they'd have got me more fish' unfortunately I only discovered the uncooked batter towards the last 1/3rd of the fillet and to be frank I wouldn't entertain the fish and chips here again. Im uncertain I would return here to be honest, I'm sure this is a very one off experience and I can only assume someone was having a bit of an off day in the kitchen but, as far as I am concerned, I have had better meals from far less established restaurants. Attentiveness and friendliness of the staff cannot be understated though, everyone was very welcoming and hospitable. Perhaps I would return for a drink, just not the IPA!
The food was excellent and deserves the Michelin rating. The creativity and presentation were impressive. Loved the indoor and outdoor space. Our waitress was friendly and knowledgeable. Definitely worth the 30 min drive from Oxford.
For food: The bread is a little soggy and tastes ordinary to me. However the rest of the courses made up for it. For the fish dish, I would prefer actual scallop to be served. Overall, the food is good and of course have space for improvement. For drinks: For me, this is the reason I gave 5 stars. The sommelier Pedro is excellent. The alcoholic pairing is perfect and suits me the most. The pairing compliments the dishes significantly. One extra notes here, it would be great is there is another option of non alcoholic pairing.
Lovely visit with my fiancé for our anniversary/his birthday! Food was really nice, we were sat in a quiet corner so we could actually chat! Servers were very attentive.
We regularly come here for the incredible food, atmosphere and Manny the donkey. Only downside is the very small portion sizes. In the picture is the chicken ballotine for £38. Even a child would be hungry after eating it. Still a 5 star for the service and taste. Edit. - been here a few more times since the original review and the food quality is still sublime. Portion sizes are now a lot better. Add a few pictures from today.