We ate lunch at The Packhorse Inn during last year’s Eat Out to Help Out scheme and I’ve wanted to return for dinner ever since. Now that I’ve finally managed it, what did I think?
Menu
The menu is extensive with something for almost everyone. The main menu offers starters such as smoked salmon terrine, salt and pepper squid, bruschetta and soup of the day. Main options include Grove Farm (over the road!) Hereford beef burger, pan fried sea bass, roasted lamb rump and ribeye steak. Desserts include sticky toffee pudding, lavender and honey panna cotta and cheesecake.
Vegetarians and vegans are well catered for; there are five different main meals for vegan diners, including jackfruit burger, red lentil curry and a mushroom and pea risotto.
The children’s menu offers scampi, chicken goujons, tomato pasta and battered cod. Not as imaginative as the main menu but lots that children will eat.
Many meals are gluten free or can be made as a gluten free option.
Ambience
We sat outside so cannot comment on the ambience inside the inn. Whilst the outdoor seating area is well-kept it does suffer from road noise, as the busy A4130 passes alongside the pub.
Food quality
We all enjoyed our food, no complaints from any of us! The standard is of a good bistro with well presented food and interesting accompaniments. The portions are of a good size, not huge but filled us up. All food was fresh and well-cooked.
Cost
Prices were very reasonable for the quality and quantity of food. Starters average around £7-8, main meals around £14-19 and desserts around £6-7. There’s a separate pizza menu with an average cost of £14, pasta and salads around £14. Lunchtime menu options are between £9-13.
Service
Service was excellent. We didn’t have a specific member of waiting staff looking after us but everyone that bought us drinks or meals was polite, friendly and attentive.
Overall I’m very happy to recommend The Packhorse Inn. Hopefully you’ll enjoy your meals as much as we did!
More info:
Address: Abingdon Road, Milton Hill, OX13 6AG.
Dining hours: food served daily. Kitchen open 12 noon-3pm and 6-9.30pm weekdays, 12 noon-9.30pm on Saturday and 12 noon-6pm on Sunday.
Food Hygiene rating: 5 stars as of August 2020.
