The Thames path winds north of Oxford from just behind the railway station, and if you keep walking for about 15 minutes – past over-hanging woodland, allotments and boatyards – you’ll eventually
come upon The Perch, nestled into the picturesque hamlet of Binsey. While you will find real ales, native ingredients and local countryside here, don’t expect much in the way of English cooking –
the food is resolutely French, and proves its worth with the likes of slow-roast free-range pork belly with braised pig’s cheeks, langoustines, dauphinoise potato and pak choy or scallops with
saffron-braised fennel and tarragon gnocchi. Lighter lunches focus on simpler fare (maybe a tartiflette, moules marinière or even a concessionary burger with French fries), while regular summertime
BBQs leave in-demand outside tables perpetually over-subscribed.