Wowed would be an understatement. Everything about our recent experience at The Victoria Oxshott was exquisite. From the warm welcome by staff, to world class cocktails, 5 star food with the finest, freshest ingredients, daring to be different starters, mains and desserts. Every minute was magical.
We were booked in for a Wednesday night, which also happened to be The Victoria’s regular ‘Live Music’ night, luckily for us. To be serenaded on arrival with a talented singer/guitarist and a room full of happy guests plus the warmest of welcomes by all the staff – we knew we were in for a treat. Our waitress for the evening was the lovely head of house Louise, who asked us if we fancied a pre-dinner drink at the bar. We took her up on her offer and went for the delightful Summer cocktail options of a Lychee Martini and a Raspberry Margarita – both were excellent and presented beautifully with salt and sugar rims and fruit garnishes.
SENSATIONAL STARTERS
The menu we were presented with was a one page, no frills, simplistic yet enticing selection of the Best of British. Among the tantalising selection of Starters were The Victoria’s signature Mushroom Parfait, Devils on Horseback, Beer Battered Oysters with Seaweed Mayonnaise and Violet Artichoke with Birkswell, Pickled Grape and Sorrel.
After much deliberation, we opted for the Smoked Chalk Stream Trout Bilini accompanied with Caviar and Pickled Lemon – which was delicious and looked more like a work of art than a Starter. The portion size was incredibly generous too.
Every morsel was finished and you could really tell the freshness of the fish, caviar and all the ingredients on this standout dish.
We also chose the Crispy Pigs Head as our second starter. A taste explosion consisting of succulent pork head filling with a crispy crumb coating on the exterior, accompanied with a delicious tangy piccalilli, carrot and cucumber garnish, adding a twist of flavour to this divine dish that looked almost as good as it tasted!
MASTERFUL MAINS
Despite being enticed by the look of the Classic Fish & Triple Cooked Chips, Saddleback Pork Chop and the Wild Halibut, all firm favourites on the menu, we went for the highly recommended Sladesdown Farm Breast & Leg of Duck, with a generous portion of breast and 6 heavenly slices of leg meat, cooked perfectly rare, ridiculously soft and succulent! The sweet apricot jus was a heavenly accompaniment to this dish as were the perfectly cooked al dente carrots and Scottish Gerloes.
However, the most amazing standout dish of the night was The Hereford Beef Sirloin, with the tenderest meat we have ever tried on the Short Rib which came on the side with flavoursome Smoked Bone Marrow, Tropea Onions and Pale Ale.
It was served perfectly medium rare as requested and our taster referred to this Sirloin as “melt in the mouth doesn’t even come close, it was the softest, finest, most succulent steak I have ever tasted! The flavours were immense!”
We chose the Triple Cooked Chips as a side – which went with the Steak & Duck dishes perfectly.
Other sides on offer include New Season Jersey Royals with Seaweed Butter, Green Beans with Myatts Farm Peach and Hazelnuts or Broccoli with Chilli & Anchovy Butter.
DELECTABLE DESSERTS
With 6 enticing dessert options to choose from including Apricot Bakewell Tart with Yoghurt Ice-Cream, Banoffee Pie Souffle and a deconstructed Strawberry “Victoria” Sponge and filling up fast we opted to share!
We went for the Black Forest, Cherry and Liquor Ice-Cream, which was presented beautifully, with a cake, mousse and black cherry section to the dessert – giving a burst of favour every mouthful.
Hats off to chef Matt Larcombe and his dessert/patisserie chef Tracy Jutt – this was mindblowing.
FAT DUCK & SAVOY HERITAGE
The Victoria in Oxshott was lovingly renovated and given a makeover back in 2021, courtesy of two leading lights from the UK hospitality industry; Simon King and Chef Matt Larcombe. The dynamic duo, who met whilst working for Heston Blumenthal’s Fat Duck Group several years ago, both share a passion for both Great British produce and offering the best service.
Since its inauguration; they have been welcoming in locals and those from further afield with fantastic feedback. The Guardian’s food critic Grace Dent said of her recent dining experience; “The finest Beef Wellington I will ever have in my lifetime,” while only last month The Victoria made The Times shortlist for the ‘30 Best Sunday Roasts’ in Great Britain as well as receiving two Triple AA Rosettes.
Given their experience, from Gordon Ramsey to The Ritz to The Savoy, this is hardly surprising to achieve such rave reviews and award nods!
Matt and Simon told us they wanted to create a pub the locals can be proud of, and boy, have they done us proud.
STEEPED IN HISTORY
The Victoria dates back to the 1800’s and over the years has taken many guises. From a Thai restaurant, to a Brasserie, but always at its heart has been ‘the great village pub’.
Whilst The Victoria offers fantastic food, they have managed to keep that traditional, quintessential pub atmosphere too. Major sporting matches are shown here too as they are Sky Sport/BT Sport licensed.
“The theme was always Great British pub,” Simon divulged. ”Whilst the food is indeed a major draw here, the feeling that you are welcome to pop in whatever time of day or evening and enjoy a pint or ale on tap is paramount to our vision.” Whether it’s the cocktail menu that takes your fancy, a good wine, hearty pub grub, delectable dining or something more traditional, it is clear no detail has been missed here – there is indeed something for everyone.
NEW AL FRESCO DINING
The Victoria Oxshott recently revealed their stunning new garden, outdoor bar and al fresco dining area in June 2023. Spanning across a lower and middle terrace, the newly renovated garden area offers a flower-filled space where guests can enjoy award winning gastronomy and drinks from The Victoria Oxshott. You can order from the Bar Snacks Menu or the Main A La Carte Menu when dining outside this Summer. Or just pop in for much needed Summer refreshments!
IN SUMMARY
As we left, our stomachs full and eyes wide open to the amazing culinary heritage, of The Victoria, we thanked our hosts and vowed to be back soon, which we will certainly be! All in all The Victoria Oxshott exceeded our expectations. Whether you want a dinner for a special occasion, a casual lunch with your friends or just midweek al fresco cocktail and bar snacks. Dog friendly, child friendly and most definitely top-notch food friendly.
We hope you enjoy your experience as much as we did.
To make a reservation at The Victoria Oxshott contact:
📱 01372 238308
📧 enquiries@thevictoriaoxshott.com
🌐 www.thevictoriaoxshott.com
📍The Victoria Oxshott, High Street, Oxshott, Surrey KT22 0JR
