When we lived in the UK about 30 years ago, The Harcourt Arms was a local for us with great food, great atmosphere. So on a visit, we decided to take 4 friends for dinner.We had been there a couple of days earlier for a light lunch, which was nice, even though the pub was deserted except for one other couple and their dog. Enjoyable soup, bread etc. However.......the dining experience two days later was not pleasurable. Instead of seating us in the pub area, we were taken through to the dining area relating to the 'hotel' extension. there was a large party of 20 or so already seated. As our visit went on, this party became more and more raucous, with a child of about 3 running up and down until I sternly told him to stop and go back to mummy. There were several members of the party who clearly didn;t know how to behave when there were other patrons present. We ordered our food....my order came with an incorrect side, and as we started to eat, it became clear that not only was the food unimaginative, it was obviously from a frozen supply of chicken kiev, french fries and most of the other food. it came with just a sprig of watercress, no vegetables or sauce, Most unappetising and we all left some of our food. Nevertheless, we carried on and ordered 4 desserts......3 appeared but the 4th (Plum and grapefruit Eaton Mess (weird combination!)). Then, out of nowhere, the waiter appeared with a bill, which on inspection turned out to be for a totally different table! After a wait, when the rest had finished the desserts, the aforesaid Eaton Mess appeared. After a couple of spoonfuls, that too was left. We did get an apologu of sorts and they didn't charge for the desserts but all in all it was an unpleasant experience and we, as hosts for our friends were left embarrassed. Unfortunately, we cannot recommend this establishment....it's gone from being a charming Oxfordshire pub, to an extended building, pretentious, wanna be Cotswold type place.
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