Fleece, The

The Fleece is situated on the large green in the centre of Witney, one of the town's most beautiful features. A fine Georgian building it was once the home of Clinch's brewery that provided the refreshment doubtless much enjoyed by the toilers in the woollen mills, formerly the main source of the town's prosperity.

Located in one of the most attractive parts of Oxfordshire, The Fleece pulls from both the locals and those passing through the town, who find the essential comfort and undemanding atmosphere of the place both reassuring and good value.

Ingredients are the basis of any dish, no matter where, and here they strive hard to find nothing but the best, starting with the steaks which are fully traceable and accredited by the Scotch Beef Club. Both chickens and eggs are free-range. Chefs are encouraged to use seasonal ingredients, and once a month a group of staff members go to visit one of the restaurant's suppliers.

Breakfast is served from 8 am - 11.30 am. Like all the meals, dishes are freshly prepared and cooked to order. The a la carte menu is served from noon to 2.30pm and 6.30pm to 10pm Monday to Saturday. An all day menu is served from noon - 6.30 pm every day.

A la carte offers a Deli board with starters, nibbles or sharing dishes all a possibility, taken from cheeses, antipasta, fish, charcuterie and bread. Look for marinated anchovies, Lincolnshire Poacher strong cheese, Bradon rost salmon, or mixed olives.

A good range of starters, some of which can be taken as main courses includes smoked salmon terrine with herb salad, the risotto of the day, chicken liver and tomato salad. A classic Caesar salad of crispy bacon, anchovies and free range chicken, and should you order one of these you have the chance to make a 25p discretionary contribution to Healthy Eating in local primary schools - God bless you, Jamie!

To follow, a 12oz Porterhouse steak with fat chips, onion rings, a watercress and rocket salad, with garlic butter, sausage of the week with mash, a new season lamb steak with minted Jersey Royals, ratatouille and olive jus, or perhaps a margherita fresca from the stone baked oven.

Puddings of crème brûlée, rhubarb and mint compote or a lemon and lime tart with toasted marshmallows round events off well.

The Fleece also has a private dining room for up to 26 guests, making it an excellent choice of place to party and entertain at or to meet with colleagues.

The highly praised wine list is short and has a choice of interesting wines for every type of occasion, sourced generally through Tanners of Shrewsbury and Bibendum Wines. Those who like their pint will be encouraged to find Greene King IPA and Abbot Ale on draught. The whole focus is on genuine and unfussy food, great service in a relaxed yet fun atmosphere delivered by an award winning, well-trained team.

To find out further details and the latest seasonal menus why not visit their Website?