The Old Parsonage has been an establishment of various kinds since 1660, when Edward Selwood, who was a prosperous chef of the nearby St John's College completed the original part of the house, which began construction even earlier. The spot that the Parsonage was built on was owned by University College, and remained the ground landlord for over six centuries. For over thirty years in the mid part of the twentieth century, the Harding and Simmonds families were the resident tenants of the Old Parsonage. But, in 1989, the Old Parsonage was acquired by Jeremy Mogford, a successful restaurateur whose family have been well known for generations.
The all day menu is served from noon until 11pm daily, and begins with starters of ham hock and chicken terrine with a homemade piccalilli, along with Severn and Wye smoked salmon with a lemon creme fraiche, and tandoor spiced scallops with a cauliflower puree and fennel. Main dishes are just as great sounding, and include the classic of fish and chips with crushed peas and tartare sauce, along with a rabbit, cider and tarragon pie with carrots and kale, and braised savoy cabbage with straw potatoes and pimento sauce. Other mains include the fillet of sea bream with samphire, tenderstem broccoli and chervil beurre blanc, and a ribeye steak with thick cut chips and a sauce of your choice.
If you like afternoon tea, then try the delicious menu at the Parsonage Grill. It begins with a selection of freshly baked scones with Cornish clotted cream and raspberry and strawberry preserves, and includes a blood orange posset and carrot cake with cream frosting, along with honey roast ham and mustard finger sandwiches, and a selection of Champagne that you can add on.