Oxford Castle now boasts its very own Chinese restaurant in the form of The Real China, an excellent buffet style restaurant where every meal is a feast.
We visited on a Monday night, but the restaurant was still extremely busy, with a buzzing atmosphere. The concept couldn’t be simpler, or, for that matter, more effective.
Sit down, get a drink – the bar is quite a statement at one end of the restaurant, and the perfect place to relax and unwind before tucking in to the mesmerizing array of dishes – and then grab a bowl, or plate, and tuck in.
The kids kicked off with a mountainous milkshake, not quite sure why, but they polished them off in no time, and were soon circling the buffet centerpiece like vultures. My favourites included the crispy aromatic duck, complete with pancakes, cucumber, spring onions and obligatory hoisin sauce. Tina was a big fan of the spare ribs in capital sauce, whilst Abi tucked into the spring rolls, curry triangles and stir fried wild mushrooms. Ed, meanwhile, was on his second strawberry milkshake, and eyeing the dregs of his sister’s banana milkshake.
Thereafter our table was a bit like Heathrow. Plates arriving full and being taken away empty, one getting up and the other coming back. But, despite the comings and goings, it really was fun. We had a great time and enjoyed the experience and would certainly go back.
Amongst our other recommendations, you must try the chicken in chilli sauce (szechuan style), the chicken curry (which was superb), Singapore rice noodles, sweet and sour pork, mixed vegetables ‘Fu Yong’, broccoli and cauliflower and the green beans in garlic.
For desserts, the fresh fruit was just what was needed – chilled and juicy. The kids dipped in and out of chocolate mousse – have you ever seen it eaten with chopsticks? – and jelly (much easier, although it still looked odd!)
The hidden gem at The Real China is the banquet hall downstairs seating sixty, perfect for a celebration or Christmas Party. Your host will bring a selection of starters and mains for everyone to tuck in to, all in the privacy of your own restaurant within a restaurant.
For more details about party bookings, or simply to reserve your table, call the restaurant on 01865 721888.
