Only a couple of minutes from the Botley Road or the southbound A34, The Fishes is a hidden gem. Quite a big gem too. The Fishes is an imposing Victorian building set in 3 acres of wooded grounds leading down to the banks of Seacourt Stream. On sunny days the gardens are dotted with picnickers, enjoying a picnic basket ordered from the bar, whilst the deck that wraps around the conservatory offers one of the few opportunities in land-locked Oxford to dine outside with an idyllic view. Fans of Sophie Grigson, a regular at The Fishes, are likely to have opportunities to pay homage.

Head chef, Charlie Barr, gained her chef's whites by 'accident', as she reckons, when her holiday waitressing job came to an end as the head chef asked her to work in the kitchen. There was no looking back ever since. After her training at the Birmingham College of Food, Tourism and Creative Studies, she spent a year working at Rick Stein's seafood empire at Padstow. After her stint at the Michelin-starred Simpsons in Edgbaston, Barr is now running the show at The Fishes where she's putting her experience to good use.

À la carte offers everything from deli board with starters, nibbles or sharing dishes all a possibility, taken from cheeses, cold cuts, fish, veggie and a favourite board. On their menu, you will find the very best quality fresh ingredients - fantastic sausages; free range chicken; pan-fried sea bass and seafood; 28 day dry-aged Aberdeenshire bavette steak - sourced from producers who take pride in their products and an ethical stance in their production.

The Fishes always makes the most of seasonal ingredients, this ensures they avoid air-freighting and keeps us in touch with the cycle of the year, while combining the best of great British cooking and influences from around the world that are now part of our culture.

The à la carte menu is served every day of the week. If that does not appeal, does a Sunday roast picnic hamper hit the button - all you have to do is ask?

Everyday picnic hampers can be made up on the spot and transported out to the site of your choice in the garden. The choices are impressive and a well-mannered wine list is a credit to this attractive place whether taken in or outside.

Their Website is equally praiseworthy, and packed with useful information including seasonal changes of menu. See also The Thatch in Thame and The Fleece in Witney, local sister pubs to The Fishes.