The White Oak — Restaurant in England

We visited as a family with a some children and their friends and arrived early around noon before the pub was busy. 2 of the girls were singing and playing patty cake while they waited for their food. Although they were singing and laughing a little loudly out of excitement they were not particularly loud, and definitely not louder than groups of adults chatting and laughing. One of the staff came over and shushed the girls and told them not to sing so loud. I was surprised as I genuinely did not think they were very loud at all and didn't seem to be bothering other guests, all of whom were quite spread out. I highly doubt if a group of adults were laughing at the same volume they would have been shushed. It's a shame as we enjoyed the food but didn't find it very family friendly for this reason, and didn't find the service in general (beyond our waiters) particularly friendly, so won't be back I'm afraid.

Edit to respond to owner's reply: I understand the need to respond to a negative review to give the other side of the story, but I am a bit surprised by the stretching of the truth which I hope is more from a lapse in memory rather than anything intentional. Although we left politely smiling and saying thank you, there absolutely weren't handshakes or profuse thanking for a lovely meal in an "incredibly positive" way - I'm afraid this is only reserved for service we really enjoy, not ones that make us want to write a review immediately upon leaving after processing what happened. The inability to get the attention of the parents before directly shushing 7 year olds is also a little hard to believe as we made eye contact immediately as soon as he approached and watched the whole interaction, in the moment awkwardly supporting him and telling the kids to be quieter. It was only after he left that we felt like it was a bit unfair (the girls immediately stopped and looked embarrassed). The room very soon filled up as it got later and was significantly louder when it was filled with adult guests, so I believe this may have been an error in judgment but unfortunately one that coloured the experience and made us feel out of place which is feedback I hope is...

Incredibly slow service with little / no acknowledgement.

Arrived 10 minutes early for a 19:15 booking (as is fairly normal) and made to feel like we were an hour early but were found a table and seated. From there the service was extremely slow and unattentive.

Water ordered took 15 minutes to come, we had to ask on the progress of our wine which had taken just over 20 minutes to arrive (maybe they had to pop out and get it?) - disappointing as it didn't even need pouring just collecting from a fridge. This delay meant that it was particularly noticeable that our food was taking longer than you'd expect as for a long period of that we had nothing to drink.

Food arrived, interestingly, the oysters arrived with the other (hot) starters but, that said, the start were absolutely delicious.

Next up was the mains and another 45 min wait before they arrived. John dory and lobster risotto and a steak and chips. Both very simple, the risotto portion particularly small and fish was, sadly, close to tasteless. Steak was tasty though we'd ordered medium-rare and it was very rare (not a problem for us, we still enjoyed).

We then piled our plates and moved them to the side of the table, these weren't moved for around 10 minutes. It was then another 10 minutes before we were asked if we wanted a dessert. We did want dessert but had waited so long for our other courses that we thought best not to waste any of our evening.

Although the staff were polite, everything was extremely slow, never were we asked how we were getting on / enjoying. I asked to remove the service when paying the bill - this wasn't even acknowledged or questioned how things could've been improved.

Naturally busy evening (Valentine's day) so they may have been understaffed but it didn't feel like things were unmanageable at all.

Really disappointed as we've previously had lovely meals at The White Oak.

TLDR: So slow to the point of ruining the evening Food mostly...

Nestled amidst the tranquil surroundings of Cookham, Berkshire, The White Oak is a Michelin-starred gem that has garnered acclaim for its exquisite cuisine and charming ambiance. From the moment you step through the doors, you're enveloped in a warm and inviting atmosphere, where attentive staff and a cozy décor set the stage for an unforgettable dining experience.

As you peruse the carefully crafted menu, you'll discover a symphony of flavors that tantalize the taste buds and transport you to a culinary haven. Their signature White Oak Mushroom Soup is an absolute must-try, a rich and creamy concoction bursting with earthy umami notes and a touch of sweetness from caramelized onions. Each spoonful is a testament to the chef's mastery of seasonal ingredients and the art of creating culinary magic.

For your main course, the Market Fish is a true testament to the restaurant's commitment to fresh and local produce. The day's catch is beautifully presented, seared to perfection and drizzled with a delicate citrus beurre blanc sauce. The fish's delicate texture and the symphony of flavors from the sauce create an explosion of taste in every bite.

To end your culinary journey on a sweet note, indulge in their Chocolate and Coconut Cake. A decadent chocolate sponge base is adorned with a luscious coconut cream frosting, creating a harmonious contrast of textures and flavors. Each spoonful is a delightful blend of richness and lightness, leaving you with a lingering sense of satisfaction that echoes the entire dining experience.

Whether you're a seasoned food aficionado or simply seeking a memorable culinary adventure, The White Oak is an absolute must-visit. Their dedication to fresh, seasonal ingredients, impeccable presentation, and a deep understanding of flavors make it a true gem in the culinary realm. So, embark on a journey of culinary delight and discover why The White Oak has rightfully earned its...