OCTOBER at the Oarsman

Autumn has arrived, bringing with it beautiful, rich and flavourful seasonal dishes, a warm & welcoming ambiance at The Oarsman, and a bustling calendar of events leading up to the festive Christmas season.

This month, nature brings us a harvest of quinces, sloes, apples, pears and ceps. 

ON THE PLATES

An Autumn Special

Fillet of Cod, Cauliflower & Isle of Mull Cheddar Purée, Caper & Raisin 

This dish is a testament to the art of balancing flavours and textures, where the mild sweetness of the cod, the luxurious creaminess of the purée, and the boldness of the capers and raisins deliver an exceptional experience.

IN THE POT

2019 Tokaji Dry Furmint, Hetszolo, Hungary 

The perfect pairing with Fillet of Cod, Rosti, Baby Gem & Shrimp Salad from our Anniversary Menu, 

An exquisite, organically produced Furmint from the Tokay region, this wine entices with a grape-infused aroma that gives way to a delightful hint of spiciness and a touch of zesty lime citrus.

The Oarsman Anniversary Celebrations

To celebrate two years of The Oarsman BistroPub & Wine Bar, we invite you to enjoy a
5-Course Anniversary Menu bursting with classic dishes from Scott and the team, served every Friday and Saturday throughout October.*

Paired with each dish is a wine which has been carefully selected by co-Owner of The Oarsman, Nigel Sutcliffe. Nigel’s experience in implementing award-winning wine lists is unrivalled, and so you can be sure of pairing perfection!

£55 per person

APPETIZER
Classic Fish Soup, Rouille, Croutons, Gruyère

STARTER
Trotters & Bacon, Beef Dripping on Toast

FOLLOWED BY
Fillet of Cod, Rosti, Baby Gem & Shrimp Salad

MAIN
Venison Faggot, Preserved Pear, Nero

DESSERT
Ecclefechan Tart, Tinto

*Please note that the Anniversary Menu must be selected by all guests at the table, due to the 5-course nature of the experience. 

The Oarsman Cocktail Competition

We are delighted to announce The Oarsman’s Cocktail Competition, which will take place on Monday 30th October from 3.30pm, as part of celebrations to recognise our two-year anniversary. The event will be hosted by James McLean and Nigel Sutcliffe, co-Owners of The Oarsman and of the restaurant consultancy, Truffle Hunting. 

At the heart of this exciting competition is a unique twist – all participating mixologists are challenged to craft their cocktails using the innovative new rum, Fr’um, which has been masterfully created by none other than Anthony Peart, known affectionately as Fro, a cherished friend of The Oarsman. Fro himself will grace the judging panel alongside Dan Jones of London Essence.

The stakes are high, as the winning cocktail will earn a coveted spot on the bar menus of not only The Oarsman but also other distinguished establishments within the Truffle Hunting family, including The Crown at Bray, The Mutton at Hazeley Heath, and Wilding in Oxford. 

But that’s not all! The winner of The Oarsman Cocktail Competition will also have a unique and personalised sculpture commissioned by Truffle Hunting, with the support of London Essence. The sculpture will be created by none other than Autistic Ian, a cherished friend of The Oarsman, whose remarkable talents continue to inspire and captivate. 

We invite you to join us to spectate on Monday 30th October from 3.30 to 7pm!


Great British Pub Series 

Luke Payne, owner of The Pack Horse in Hayfield – recently named number 18 in the Top 50 Gastropubs 2023 – will take over the kitchen alongside Scott Smith of The Oarsman. 

From washing dishes in a pub, Luke, is a self-taught Chef who has earned acclaim for his innovative approach to British cuisine and unique flavour combinations, reimagining traditional dishes while preserving their authenticity. 

Ticket cost is £60 pp, and includes the food menu. To purchase online click here, the button below or telephone 01628 617755.

Christmas at The Oarsman

Indulge in seasonal dishes crafted with care by Head Chef Scott Smith and the team. Sip on festive cocktails or enjoy a glass of beautiful wine from our 300-bin Wine List.

Whether you’re gathering with loved ones in our cozy interior or enjoying a crisp winter breeze on the outdoor terrace, The Oarsman provides a memorable setting to celebrate Christmas in true style.Our menu features many favourites sitting alongside new seasonal dishes such as: Braised Feather Blade Beef, Brown Butter Potatoes​​, or Chestnut and Herb Crusted Cod, Sprout Tops, White Wine Sauce, or
Yule Log, Clotted Cream