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| Loch Fyne Bar and
Grill |
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Loch Fyne has long been synonymous with excellent fish courses, and now with a recently revised menu, they are now a Bar & Grill. It's clear from the new menu that the Loch Fyne chefs aren't holding anything back, with a selection of Spatchcock poussin, homemade burgers and several steak options alongside seafood favourites making Loch Fyne no ‘one-trick pony’.
The relatively unassuming exterior gives way to an inviting and newly redecorated space. Upon entering, one passes the well stocked bar and a number of smaller, more intimate tables. The main dining area opens up down a small flight of stairs from the bar, and bustles with chatter and heavenly aromas. At the far end of the dining area is the open kitchen where Chefs can be seen preparing fresh oysters and checking dishes as they go out to eager diners.
As is customary we chose the house white to accompany our meal. The specially bottled Domaine de la Provenquière Sauvignon/Rolle House White (with bright green crab insignia) was well-balanced and fruity and was a great antidote to a typically damp English summer day.
For starters we went for the Classic Loch Fyne smoked salmon and potted shrimps with mace and butter. The salmon was wonderfully light with a delicate flavour, served simply to emphasise the quality of the fish. The potted shrimps came with crusty bread and was a fantastic example of a rustic classic. We were informed by Jim, the friendly maître d’, that just a teaspoon of mace is added to a kilo of shrimp in order to balance the flavours to perfection.
As well as the selection of enticing main dishes on the menu, there are boards displaying some tantalising daily options. We chose the south coast lemon sole and the rump steak with scallops accompaniment, each of us wanting to sample from both sides of the menu. The sole was caught just the morning before, and the rump steak was from Loch Fyne's special producers in Scotland. The fish was succulent and fragrant and tasted as fresh as could be, and from the bits of steak and scallop I was able to steal from my dining companion, their grill menu is absolutely top shelf.
Our desserts were delightful as well, a sinful chocolate torte and a medley of refreshing sorbets accompanied by espresso.
The service was attentive and professional, giving the impression that assistance is always available should you need it while not being intrusive. Servers are well informed and clearly passionate about the food and revamp of the restaurant, being only too happy to describe the credentials of the produce with pride and vigour.
Loch Fyne is a must visit for lovers of both fish and meat dishes. The emphasis is on the quality and freshness of all the ingredients, and this combined with one of the most pleasant restaurant environments in Oxford is a recipe for success.
Reviewed by Nathan Wiles |
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