Christmas at Oxfordshire's best restaurant The Baskerville
On a winter’s day there are not many places that can offer the cosiness of a village pub with fine cusine and relaxed, unpretentious hospitality. Situated near Henley-on-Thames, around the corner from Shiplake village's cute railway station, is The Baskerville Arms which was recently named Oxfordshire Restaurant of the Year. Vivienne M Clark's review of their Christmas menu proves that this fabulous reputation is indeed well-earned.
A visit to the family-run The Baskerville Arms, aka The Baskie, is like being welcomed into owner Kevin’s family home.
"We are one of the longest-running restaurants in the area and understand how important it is to deliver a quality experience as well as serving up consistently good plates of food, ” said Kevin whose family have been running the acclaimed gastro-pub for more than 14 years. Some of us sipped Fairmile Vineyard champagne on arrival while others sampled the fine wines on offer. The bar stocks 45 single malts and has four cask beers, so there really is a Christmas tipple for everyone.
Crackers pulled and obligatory paper hats in place, a festive feast for the eyes unfolded much to the admiration of the 12 guests, which included local foodie critics and bloggers. Think classic British gastro pub with influences of the family’s Scottish heritage. Excellent local produce and flavour drive the menu. Expect dishes on the Christmas menu like beetroot gravlax with salmon mousse, fennel and orange salad, orange and lime dressing and more traditional festive mains of Norfolk white turkey, bacon-wrapped chipolata sausage, apricot and sage stuffing, roasted potatoes, cranberry sauce with lashings of rich turkey gravy.
Going off piste from my usual traditional salmon starter and turkey main, I decided on braised pork cheeks for my starter. What a triumph! Beautifully placed baby leeks, sultana ragout, turnip purée and cranberry jus were a lush surprise with the delicious pork cheeks. Sticking with an alternative Christmas theme for my main I went for the succulent braised blade of beef with bubble and squeak, roasted shallots and a rich forestiere sauce. It tasted as good as it looked.
The delightful cranberry crème bruleé was utter perfection and crunched as my spoon tapped the top layer of caramel. Somehow I still managed to find room for the scrumptious homemade mince pies.
The Baskerville Arms team seem to think of every detail at this unique, much-loved local eatery. Even the decorations were pretty and heart-warmingly festive. If you enjoy fine food with fantastic service and set in a quintessential English village then you have found the perfect match. Book up soon for a classic and unforgettable Christmas at the Baskerville.
Pre-order with a £10 per person deposit. 10% Optional service charge. Vegetarian and vegan dishes available when pre-ordering. Food allergies catered for. Available December 2 to 24. Two courses £32 or three courses £38 Parties from two to 45 people. 15% off for Henley Life readers.
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