The Fishes

You'll need to venture just beyond the ring road to North Hinksey Village for this one, but it's worth the short journey from central Oxford. The Fishes sits in proper countryside territory, complete with thatched cottages and the kind of village atmosphere that feels a million miles from the tourist chaos of Carfax. The food here is several notches above your standard pub fare – think proper gastropub cooking that doesn't take itself too seriously. The beer garden is the real draw though, especially on a sunny afternoon when you can watch narrowboats drift past on the nearby Thames. It's become something of a weekend pilgrimage for Oxford families and anyone seeking refuge from the city's relentless pace. Book ahead if you're planning Sunday lunch.