Sir Charles Napier

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 recommended!

Went to this place before meeting friends at Bicester Village. The food was so tasty and delicious and the attention and service was even better. Would definitely recommend. We didn’t have reservations but we arrived as soon as they opened and they were able to accommodate 2 people. I was so happy they did.

Anniversary meal at Sir Charles & Napier, picked a glorious evening, food was so tasty, relaxed atmosphere, enjoyed a drink in the gardens, wasn't rushed to take a table as we were enjoying the beautiful sunny evening, everything was fantastic, can't wait to go again. Thank you for making our Anniversary so memorable

A hidden gem. Peaceful, rural location is worth the drive with free on site parking. Greeted by a warm welcome to a beautiful outdoor seating area. Starters and main were outstanding in taste and presentation.Did not enjoy the tiramisu so not the best end to my meal. Ample drink selection. On the pricey side but would certainly visit again for occasion dining.

This is a beautiful pub, but sadly the experience was ruined by the maître d’ (who I presume is the owner, as I’ve seen similar complaints in other 1-star reviews and it sounds like the same woman is still there). I went in just hoping to enjoy the venue and have two drinks with my partner in the sun. As soon as I entered, I was asked what I wanted. I said, “Just two beers, please.” I was told they were too busy to serve me — even though there were two staff plus the woman behind the bar, and only about six tables occupied outside. I explained it was just two beers and that I wouldn’t be having food. She then asked, “Are you looking for a pub? The Boot down the road will serve you.” I said again, “I just want two beers, and we’ll be on our way.” She then told the barman to serve me, but it felt begrudging, as if she was doing me a favour. I don’t know if she thought I didn’t fit in or what, but I felt completely unwelcome. We ended up going to The Boot afterwards — I couldn’t recommend it enough. The staff there were friendly and happy to serve us. The lady at the Charles Napier should take a moment to read these reviews and reflect. All customers deserve to be treated with respect.

We have dined at Sir Charles Napier multiple times now and each time was better than the one before. The food is amazing, the staff is wonderful and the grounds are charming. A must visit if you are looking for a wonderful experience.

Went for my partner's birthday meal, we both had the beef roast. The food was absolutely delicious and the service was good all round.

Our meal here couldn’t have been better - we absolutely loved it. We informed them beforehand that we are vegetarian, and they brought two sets of appetisers (both delicious) and some lovely fresh bread before our meal on the house. The mushroom tart and pumpkin soup were wonderful, as was the sweetcorn risotto. All the staff were really kind and attentive, the atmosphere is relaxed and the garden also looks beautiful (we went in the evening so probably even better in the day). I would really highly recommend a visit, and we’d love to return.

My wife and I booked the Sir Charles Napier for an evening dinner to celebrate our 18th wedding anniversary. We were not disappointed. It lived up to everything that I had hoped for and then some. We were greeted in the bar/reception and ordered glasses of champagne while we perused the menu and comprehensive wine list. My wife ordered the asparagus starter followed by rib of beef and she loved it. The beef was perfectly prepared. I had the scallops with bone marrow which was amazing followed by roast duck. We finished off with a rhubarb soufflé and coffee. The staff were very attentive and the owner came over to check with us several times. The ambiance was perfect- we sat side by side at a table for two which was quite romantic. I would unreservedly recommend this Michelin star restaurant to anyone dining for a special occasion or just a date night.

So disappointed with lunch at The Sir Charles Napier Inn in at Chinnor (http://www.sircharlesnapier.co.uk/). But at the end of the meal we got charged close to £20 more than we had spent. The explanation was that the server had left and the couldn't check - we could call back later when the server got back!! However, the bill also had lists of X1 (times 1) when we had 2 drinks (they doubled the item price) ... was this to confuse us? Why couldn't they give us a bill that truly reflected what we had? Shocked as this was a Michelin one star place! So disappointed with the management for what felt to me as a manipulation!

Lunch at Sir Charles Napier was a delightful experience. We chose outdoor seating to enjoy the spring blooms, near the garden. The food was on point for every course, especially the guinea fowl. Couldn't have asked for a better meal in a more pleasant setting - thank you!

We went back to the Charles Napier this week to celebrate our first wedding anniversary and enjoyed yet again another impeccable lunch. A year ago we had our wedding breakfast here - just our joint family of 12 in total and were looked after to perfection. The owner Julie has been running the Napier for more than 30 years and manages to provide five star food and service in a lovely setting at a very reasonable price without any visible fuss and bother. After so many recent disappointing experiences in Oxford and the surrounding area I wish everyone thinking of running a restaurant would go to the Napier and see how its done!

Love coming here for my anniversary dinner. Sat not far from one well known local french chef / restauranteur recently.

Although Oxfordshire is hardly a culinary Mecca, there are a few places serving really tasty, and occasionally imaginative pub food. The Charles Napier is not one of them; in fact, it delivered one of the most disheartening dining experiences I have had in quite some time. Having read the great reviews in the press, we booked a table. On arrival, we were directed into the bar area, which would have been rather charming, had it not been so packed. Drinks, including a flat and bizarrely sugary gin and tonic, were served, and then...nothing. After forty-five minutes there was no sign of our table, or anyone intending to take our orders, so we politely asked how long we could expect to be, as we needed to be in Oxford in two hours. This was greeted with a palpable sense of grievance and confusion by the owner. It took more than half hour after this for us to be seated and for our starters to be served; the other clients seemed to be in similar states of limbo. One too few starters were bought due to the owner's handwriting being misread, and half the salads contained none of the advertised black and white pudding; just a couple of pieces of quite tough pancetta. The mains were adequate but unadventurous and sloppily cooked, leaving two of our party feeling slightly bilious. All in all, it was the sort of thing one might expect to eat in a regional conference venue with more pretention than culinary nous. We decided to skip pudding. The service throughout was inattentive, and provided by slightly lost looking teenagers, presided over by the patroness, alternately brusque to the point of rudeness and gushing loudly over regulars, providing an atmosphere of mild tension. At fifty pounds a head, with one drink each and no pudding, you really need to go all out with the service to excuse this sort quality of food. The set menu (not generally highlighted in the press as weekday only) might be more edible and better value, but I won't be returning to risk it. As it is, the whole enterprise comes over as insultingly arrogant. I almost regret not complaining, but the overall bleakness of the experience left us eager to escape, and in no mood for a contretemps. One cannot really fairly mark down a place for difference in taste, but the tacky statuary and paintings looked as if they would be more suited to one of Silvio Berlusconi's sex parties. No wonder we were nauseated.