The Black Prince

We were at an impasse. After a wonderful trip to Blenheim Palace, it was agreed that some form of refreshment was needed. The girls, being girls, were advocating a twee tea-shop. The gentlemen understood that the only honourable way to spend a sunny weekend afternoon was in a beer garden with a pint. Fortunately, such an area had been spotted a few minutes before. However, being gentlemen, we capitulated and trudged off into a dingy world of rocking tables, slow service and stale cakes.

Eventually even the girls had to admit, grudgingly,that they were wrong and so started my first ever encounter with the subject of this post.

The Black Price is a coaching inn on the main road that runs through Woodstock going North. The building looks old but unimposing from the outside however it stands out almost instantly with a magnificent garden that has well tended flowers, Aunt Sally, plenty of seating and a river running along it's Southern border. The latter was gratefully frequented by some of the canine patrons. An additional bonus was a large car park.

The inside was equally lovely with exposed stone walls and floors. There was lots of seating round the walls and big tables to eat at. In one corner was a large open fire which looked like it made the whole building wonderfully cosy in the winter months. Two features I particularly liked were the suit of armour guarding the door (although it does have the tendency to assault one on the way to the loo) and the fact that the optics were attached directly to the wall rather than to a bar.

My initial foray into the Black Prince was simply for drinks. The bar hosts an impressive range of real ales that are very well kept and change regularly enough to stay interesting. Prices are excellent and the staff are uniformly friendly and charming. Four-legged guests are also given a warm welcome with plenty cuddles and treats which was appreciated by my girlfriend's parent's dog when he puts in an appearance.

However it is not just a drinking pub. It is a wonderful place to eat. There is an extensive menu of standard "pub grub" (pies, fish and chips, burgers, etc). Although unfussy and unpretentious, the food is always beautifully prepared with hearty portions; almost enough to sate my appetite! I have eaten there many times and each time has been an unqualified joy. Better still, the prices are extremely reasonable (usually no more than £10 for a main course) making it the perfect place to default to on the rare occasions when cooking seems like too much of a chore and the freezer is empty.

Finally for commendation is the £5 menu. It is, as the name suggests, a menu on which all the dishes cost five pounds. Somewhat unkindly I was expecting meagre portions of rubbish from this but I can happily say that I'm wrong. The portions are perfect for a hearty lunch of a light dinner and again, beautifully cooked. A fantastic example of value for money.

In conclusion; if you're in Oxfordshire and you're looking for a reasonably priced good-quality meal or even a quiet drink in a scenic setting you will struggle to beat here.

TFB