Sir Charles Napier — Restaurant in South Oxfordshire

Myself and 3 fellow young professionals dropped into the Sir Charles Napier this afternoon, having been suitably impressed with its charming exterior and inviting gardens. My friend and I sat down at one of several empty tables outside whilst our partners headed inside to buy a round of drinks for us to enjoy in the sunshine. After a couple of minutes, a lady came over to our table. She did not give us any kind of greeting, not even a hello. She simply asked for our names. We told her that we were just stopping for a drink. She turned her nose up and said that they were very busy (as I have previously stated, most of the tables in the garden were empty). We told her that our partners were already inside ordering our drinks. With that, she went inside in quite a hurry. My friend and I felt very uncomfortable as a result of that strange interaction. I went into the pub to inform my partner of what had just happened. As soon as I saw him at the bar I could tell something was wrong by the look on his face. It turns out that the lady (whom I can only assume to be ‘the infamous Julie’ referred to in similar reviews) had rushed into the bar and told our partners that they were too busy and it would not be possible for us to have a drink (most unusual for a pub!) She was clearly frustrated to see that the young barman had already started pouring our drinks. The result was that we ended up with 2 drinks between 4 of us. I have never been made to feel like such an inconvenience for daring to try and have a drink in a pub. The way the lady spoke to us and looked at us led me to the conclusion that she felt we were not the right clientele for her pub. I am in fact a Partner at a reputable local law firm and do not appreciate having been judged purely on appearance (even though none of us were dressed inappropriately). I will be sure to spread the word of our terrible experience, and would urge others not to visit this pub as the owner does not deserve the custom. She should be...

I decided to take my wife for a surprise meal, we stayed nearby and the hotel was lovely. Upon arrival to the restaurant we were greeted by a lovely member of staff, who took our coats and sat us down with the menu, and the taster menu. My wife will not eat any red meat at all, but the taster menu, with the exception of the duck looked beautiful, therefore I asked the owner/manageress, is it possible that for the duck course my wife could have something else, where she replied that we would both have to have the same.... I was confused, but away she went. On her return, we were told we could both have fillet but there would be a surcharge of £5 each, explaining that I like duck, but my wife would be happy with another piece of fish, we were told no we can’t have it because the food is shared, I was about to ask what was meant by this, and the menu was take off us, the lady commented, so you will not be having the taster menu, and gave it to another couple, I apologised at that point to my wife, as the owner/manageress was very very rude....

We ordered our food, and it came, this was lovely, and I spoke to the chef afterwards and told him so, being in the trade for 30 years, it is always nice to thank the chef. When I got my bill, I decided to speak to the owner/manageress, and asked that if I was dining on my own, would I be offered the taster menu, and the answer was again no, as the food is cooked then shared between 2 people, it was at that point I realised that what stopped me having the taster menu was the price of a duck breast, and a piece of fish, which I would have paid extra for if it had been offered. What was said in reply, was I will speak to the chef, I still do not understand the relevance of that comment, as she is the owner, and the chefs will always accommodate the customer needs.

Overall the evening was very nice, but without the other staff and chefs, I do feel that the experience would have not gone so well.

Unfortunately, I will not be...

Absolutely delighted to share our experience at Sir Charles Napier in Chinnor a hidden gem that exceeded all expectations!

First off, let’s put any concerns to rest: parking is no issue at all. There’s plenty of space on a well maintained gravel surface, so you can arrive stress-free and ready to relax. This place is perfectly suited for couples, families with older children, or even a special celebration or corporate dinner. Whether you’re seeking a romantic evening, a memorable gathering, or a professional setting with character, Sir Charles Napier delivers on all fronts.

We found it to be a little gold mine in Chinnor, a real treasure tucked away in the countryside. One of the most charming features is the beautiful garden out back, where you can enjoy a leisurely walk among stunning sculptures, vibrant flowers, and an impressive oak tree that stands proudly at the bottom of the garden. It’s the perfect pre or post-dinner stroll that adds a peaceful touch to the whole experience.

We were seated on The Terrace, which was absolutely lovely nestled under a vine and surrounded by blooming flowers. The tables are spaced out thoughtfully, offering privacy and a relaxed atmosphere. Everything about the setting spoke of care and attention to detail. You can feel the history here, with roots going back to 1965 and it’s still family run, which really shows in the warmth and pride of the place. The staff were truly outstanding, striking the perfect balance of professionalism and friendliness, and the food was cooked to absolute perfection full of flavour and clearly made with finesse. We didn’t get to dine inside this time, but that just gives us a reason to return which we most definitely will!

If you’re anywhere near Chinnor, do not miss this place. It’s a rare combination of elegance, charm, and down to earth hospitality. Highly...