The Fishes
North Hinksey Village, Oxford, OX2 0NA, GB
Rating: 4.3 ★ (1307 ratings)
Details
Nestled in the charming North Hinksey Village, just a stone's throw from Oxford, The Fishes presents an imposing Victorian building set within acres of its own wooded grounds leading down to the picturesque Seacourt Stream. This gastropub offers more than just a meal; it's a delightful escape where you can enjoy views across the Oxfordshire countryside from the decking that wraps around the smart conservatory, or find a spot on the extensive garden bench seating. Inside, the deceptively spacious interior reveals a series of connecting spaces, from a cosy bar area perfect for a casual drink, to the main restaurant and conservatory for a more formal dining experience. Known for its quality food and drink, The Fishes has built a strong local reputation over many years.
Families will find The Fishes particularly welcoming, with ample open spaces for children to explore and play. While there isn't a specific children's menu, younger diners are well catered for with smaller portions or simpler versions of dishes from the main menu, which focuses on fresh, seasonal British ingredients, including free-range meat and carefully sourced fish. The pub also boasts an impressive covered Tipi BBQ area and an iconic silver Burger van, adding to its unique charm, particularly in warmer months. Whether you're stopping by after a countryside ramble (muddy wellies and dogs are welcome in The Snug and bar area) or looking for a special spot for Sunday lunch, The Fishes offers a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere with attentive service. They also feature an unusually strong gluten-free menu and cater well to various dietary needs.
Location
Opening Hours
Monday: 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM; Tuesday: 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM; Wednesday: 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM; Thursday: 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM; Friday: 9:30 AM – 11:00 PM; Saturday: 9:30 AM – 11:00 PM; Sunday: 9:30 AM – 9:00 PM
Contact
+44 1865 249796
Comments
The menu was slightly ambiguous as we had assume two courses for £28 which we thought included mains but were told when we queried the bill that the main had to be a roast.
The prawns, soup, lamb were all excellent. The rainbow lasagna was good but need a little more taste to it possibly a little more of the pesto.
Party of 12 for lunch so we pre-ordered from the set menu at £35 per head.
All choices were delivered correctly and in good time, can't complain!
The food was very well presented and prepared (maybe the chicken in the supreme was a bit overcooked or sat a little while but no biggie).
Good choice of wines, beers and soft drinks.
Well made coffee to finish.
Excellent attentive serving staff and we really appreciated the bowl of chips!
Thanks for making our family meal a great one.
I'm not leaving this review for a generic, robotic response like others have received—this is for potential customers who might consider dining here.
My partner and I are locals and frequent The Fishes regularly. Normally, the food is okay, and the best feature is the lovely outdoor area. However, this recent experience was beyond unacceptable.
After waiting 40 minutes for our food (with no explanation), it became clear they'd lost our order. Instead of owning up to it, they seemed to rush together a meal—quickly frying some chicken and tossing it onto a plate. My plate was barely warm, suggesting it hadn't been sitting on the pass for more than a moment. While the fries were hot, the chicken was raw in the middle. Yes, raw—as in visibly undercooked and unsafe to eat.
Nothing quite says "bon appétit" like a side of salmonella.