Bicester Brewers Fayre — Restaurant in Cherwell District

Brewers Fayre, like Premier Inn which is adjacent, have a consistency - you know what to expect. And this one delivered just that. A familiar clean atmosphere, a recognisable menu and efficient, friendly staff.

The menu was typical, with 'specials' on specific days of the week. Unfortunately, for my wife and I, Friday wasn't one of them.

At the time we were there, it wasn't particularly busy so why seat all customers close together. After a long drive we looked forward to a quiet relaxing evening meal.

Unfortunately we were sat with, on one side, a man talking to his wife and children on video speaker phone. One the other side a couple with a young, over-tired child who just didn't want to be there. The latter soon quietened down as the parents gave up.

Credit to the staff who tried to placate the child with special treats but to no avail.

However, this was probably just one of those times. Overall, the atmosphere was nice, with the usual gentle hubbub of a pub. For the most part, service was good and so was the traditional fish and chips.

Both servings were cooked to perfection and with, the all too often maligned, mushy peas. Perfect.

The finishing touch, a glass of cool Zinfandel White *. After a long tedious drive, it did the job.

A nice way to end the day knowing that, across the car park, a comfortable Premier Inn bed awaits us.

all too often listed as a 'Rose' in menus. Just because it's pink in colour doesn't make it a Rose.

What I, personally, dislike in 'pub restaurants' is, someone greets you, someone shows you to a table, someone serves the meal BUT, having made your choice, you have to go to the bar to place your order whilst trying to remember what people wanted.

Occasionally, you have to wait in line at the bar whilst 'regulars' being served partake in a little local banter, oblivious to the fact that people are waiting in line. There's not much the staff can do in such situations.

This is the policy at this Brewers Fayre, I can't remember if this is generally the group policy.

Fortunately, on this occasion, as it wasn't very busy, so service was immediate.

It is conveniently located close to Bicester Village Shopping complex and parking is free (remember to log your car registration number at reception). There is also WiFi but, as I did not use it, I can't comment.

Costs are reasonable and...

As we stayed at Premier Inn, Bicester, paying for the bed and breakfast option, it was annoying to walk over to Brewers Fayre in the cold & rain especially with a baby. I am told by staff that Brewers Fayre are not connected to Premier inn but I’ve since discovered they are owned by the same parent company.

Their evening staff were really helpful but their morning staff were not very welcoming especially their Maitre D who was hostile on our first morning’s breakfast visit because we were 40 minutes late with our booked table time (due to our baby not feeling well that day). I mean, jeez, give us a break … we’re supposed to be enjoying ourselves and paying to use their facilities. Obviously they don’t want us to come back and we won’t be!

On our first morning, they forgot I had ordered porridge and it was so late that I had to leave for my meeting before they could make me some (it has to be special ordered apparently). In addition, many of their cereal options were missing such as granola and Frosties. So all this advertising about unlimited breakfast is totally misleading because many of their food options are missing!

On our second morning they had taken walk-ins so that there was no room for those who had paid for breakfast as part of their Premier Inn booking unless you were prepared to wait 30-40 minutes. As we had a baby, it wasn’t realistic to wait so we walked across the road to have a very tasty McDonald’s breakfast. We later claimed back our breakfast fee since we were not able to use it.

Overall, a very mixed experience. Breakfast was awful (both staff and food) but their evening food was acceptable and their evening staff...

Went here during one of the lockdowns before Christmas 2020 and only just doing this review now but lemme start on this place.

We found this place open during looking around Bicester village. Did not fancy any food in the village but saw this place was other walk back to the car.

The service was very good, nothing was too much trouble for the 2/3 members of staff that assisted us. We dealt with a very kind (blonde) lady who I think was the assistant manager and she was very friendly and even during COVID, nothing was too much hassle for her. She even advised me that she could make a SLUSHIE cocktail (see photo attached) and WOW! WHAT A GREAT SHOUT OUT! I was not driving so treated myself to a few of these bad boys.

The food quality was very good, fresh and filling! Very good value for money and the manager (a male member of staff) even put it all together for us so we could enjoy the rest of the food later) (see photo attached). We did not want to throw the food away and after 5/10 mins or so, he came out with this little tray which was great service.

Everything felt very safe and socially distanced during COVID19. The food was AMAZING, but what really got me happy was the level of service given by each member of staff. It is so easy not to provide great service but these members of staff really went out of there way to make sure we were more than happy!!!!!

I can not fault this visit and it makes me want to go back just for the service alone! (And those dam cocktails, jeeeeeez).

I would personally recommend this restaurant to anyone who is in the area visiting etc.

10/10

Thank you...