Combining the joys of browsing and designing landscape gardens with the promise of delicious food, the Michelin-recommended Yurt at Nicholsons in Oxfordshire offers a sensory explosion and a visual feast. Located within a 23-acre plant nursery on the edge of the Cotswolds, this hidden gem invites discovery of the natural world, both through its gardens and the dishes served in its innovative restaurant. Explore the plant centre or head straight to the stylish yet laidback yurt for simple food bursting with flavour.
Brunch at the Yurt
Enjoy a hearty morning menu under the Yurt’s pretty canopy (handmade in Devon) and treat your tastebuds to delightful dishes crafted from local produce. Served from 9am to 11.45am, brunches include sweet and savoury options so that all palettes are well-catered for and can also be tailored to meet dietary needs. Choose from the likes of home-made granola with seasonal berries, buttermilk pancakes with maple syrup, or eggs royale on local sourdough bread to start the day with flavour sensations, washed down with your drink of choice. Keeping it cosy in the winter months, the yurt’s toasty fleece lining fends off the cold and ensures year-round comfort and warmth.
Lunch at the Yurt
For a spot of lunch, the Yurt’s lunch menu is served from 12pm to 2.30pm and promises a celebration of texture and taste, mirroring the seasons with fresh, organic and local produce wherever possible. Steered by their head chef, Andrew, the culinary offerings celebrate the region and focus on sustainability, whilst also catering to all dietary requirements. Choose from nibbles, starters, mains, sides and desserts to hit the right spot and enjoy classic tastes infused with Mediterranean influences and regional delicacies. Favourites include roast red onion tarte tatin with Oxford Blue cheese, and slow braised Cotswold lamb shoulder and creamed celeriac. Sit outside in the warmer months to soak up the sunshine or retreat inside when it’s cold to scoff and quaff in a cosy setting. If you’re interested, you can also book private dining huts for both brunch and lunch.
Exploring Nearby
Whether it be to fuel your appetite or slowly walk off your meal, there is a number of lovely things to do nearby. Of course, strolling around Nicholsons is a wonderful way to pass the time, especially if you are looking to glean some inspiration for your own garden. Meanwhile, just 0.5 miles away, you can visit the 14th Century St Mary’s Church in North Aston, or head a little further afield to the Bicester Shopping village 10 miles away. If you’ve never visited, then Rousham Gardens near Bicester is a must for the bucket list, as is the city of Oxford with its historic colleges, which is just half an hour from the Yurt restaurant by car.
Feeling inspired? Have a look at our luxury cottages in Oxfordshire here.
Nicholsons Nurseries, The Park, North Aston, Bicester, OX25 6HL | 01869 340342 | The Yurt at Nicholsons
