Blowing Stone

Pub Details

Address
Kingston Lisle
Oxfordshire
OX12 9QL
Telephone
(01367) 820288
Opening Times
Weekdays
12 - 11

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Blowing Stone, Kingston Lisle, Oxfordshire, OX12 9QL – The Good Pub Guide
Pub Details | Good Pub Guide Recommended | Good Pub Guide Food | Awards | Good Pub Information |  Rating | Comments

Good Pub Guide Recommended

Easy-going chatty country pub with up-to-date blend of simple comfort, good food and drink
The Tuckers delighted us and our readers at their previous pub, the White Horse over at Woolstone, and have brought the same winning mix of easy country informality with good food and drink to this friendly village pub. Its heart is the central bar, where broad tiles by the log fire suit the muddy riding boots of the cheerful young people in from nearby training stables. They have the [I]Racing Post[I] alongside other daily papers, and most of the photographs on the pale sage walls are of racehorses, often spectacularly coming to grief over jumps. Several separate areas radiate off, most of them carpeted, quite small and snug, though a back dining conservatory is more spacious. Apart from a couple of high-backed winged settles, most of the furniture is an unfussy mix of country dining tables each with its own set of matching chairs, either padded or generously cushioned. Decent wines by the glass and Greene King Morland Original, Hook Norton Hooky Bitter, Ringwood Fortyniner and perhaps a White Horse ale named after the pub; service is quick and friendly and there may be unobtrusive piped music. The pretty front terrace has a couple of picnic-sets under cocktail parasols with more on the back lawn by a rockery; the Ridgeway and Uffington White Horse are both nearby. Many years ago one of the editor' s, in his teens, was proud of being able to 'sound' the blowing stone itself, a hole-filled boulder outside a cottage down just beyond the crossroads, which can be induced to produce a spine-tingling far-carrying horn blast. Alas, on his re-visit this year, he seemed to have lost the knack - or perhaps he'd just lunched too well here!

Good Pub Guide Food

Sturdy lunchtime bar food (not Sunday) includes home-baked baguettes with soup or chips, generous ham and eggs and kedgeree, with more elaborate main menu choices like mixed game and foie gras terrine with rosemary toast and chutney, salami with cheeses, home-made sausages, vegetable wellington, spicy monkfish and king prawn curry with aubergine bhaji and pork cassoulet with confit of duck, toulouse sausages and haricot beans; there's also a good value two-course Tuesday evening menu.

Bar food times: not Sun evening

Awards

Good Pub Information

Dogs allowed in: Dogs Bar

Rating

  • Currently 3.5/5 Stars.
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Rating: 3.5/5 (215 votes cast)

Reader Comments

jamesdane

Friday 17 February 2012 4:18:16 pm

Whilst in the area on holiday we were recommended to the Blowing Stone by people living nearby. The pub is very attractive both externally and internally and immediately presented a very friendly atmosphere. We were desperate for an enjoyable dinner after a long day walking on the hills and we were not disappointed. The menu that night was very comprehensive added to which was a very appealing specials board. We both order fish dishes and were delighted to learn on asking that the fish was delivered direct from Cornwall only that morning.

A very pleasant and satisfying meal was accompanied by a cheerful crowd in both bar and restaurant all well supported by friendly and efficient staff.

campbelliai

Thursday 09 February 2012 12:01:58 pm

We came across this country pub and the great Real Ales and superb Wine List was also accompanied by some of the best food I have eaten out. The Staff are all friendly and approachable and provide a great service. If we want to go for a meal out this pub is top of the list.
The Garden is a delight in the summer months and the pub is also dog friendly....

Trudi

Thursday 09 February 2012 10:03:49 am

We stumbled across the Blowing Stone by accident on Saturday and popped in for lunch. I had the mussels and my husband, David had the prawn and scallop ravioli. Both were faultless. It is rare today to find a pub with not only lovely decor and reasonably priced food but also great staff who gave us better attention than many restaurants.

dod1c

Thursday 12 January 2012 4:32:56 pm

We went to the Blowing Stone yesterday for the umpteenth time. It never fails to delight us, and if we want to impress friends or clients with our hospitality it's where we take them.Yesterday's January menu included starters at £5 and main courses at £10, with a range of specials on the blackboard at reasonable prices. The choice was such that we needed some time to make our minds up, and the food when it arrived was perfect. Long may it last.

Dennis & Audrey Dodridge, Wantage
Jan 12th 2012

Mark&Bec

Wednesday 11 January 2012 1:22:47 pm

We have not been to the Blowing Stone since commenting last year so we were interested to see if any thing had changed from our last visit.
Well it has!! It has got better!
The food has improved so it gives even better value for money (especially in these tough times). The service was even more friendly and the atmosphere was one of the most welcoming we have experienced any where!
We find it a great Place to stop coming back from London as it is only 15/20 mins off the motorway.
The only drawback, and it is a 'big' one is we just don't want to leave!!
If this pub is not recognised with numerous awards this year I will be highly shocked, however I may have to book early next time we visit!
Five stars, well done to the landlords Angus & Steph Tucker.

Mark&Bec

Wednesday 19 January 2011 1:13:14 pm

Quite simply one of the 2 best pubs in the UK (The other being the Turf Locks in Devon if only for it's location!).
The Blowing Stone stands out from the crowd with it's atmosphere, friendly staff, simple but superb menu and landlords that are always there and happy to chat.
The current owners and chefs are constantly changing and improving the menu so there is always something new to try and the pub is going from strength to strength so if you are going to visit, and I would strongly recommend you do, make sure you book as if you turn up and can't get a table, seeing all that fantastic food coming out of the kitchens will be close to torture!!
Should be in 'The BEST pub guide'!!

Louleybell

Wednesday 19 January 2011 10:37:14 am

The minute we walked through the door we knew this was the kind of pub we could take off our coats, relax and settle in for the day or night or both as it turns out! In summer it’s bright, light and the gardens and setting in the village are very pretty and quintessentially English. In winter its cosy and warm and the fire is very inviting. Food is way above your average pub grub; it’s excellent, really tasty with extremely generous portions. The atmosphere is relaxed and friendly and you sense the locals feel very much at home. As non locals we felt extremely welcome and you can tell the owners really care about the place. If you’re in the area I would highly recommend a visit if you’re not it’s worth a detour. A lovely find, wish it was my local. Added bonus - very dog friendly!

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