Overview
- Gary Hanna of the Gary Eats YouTube channel visited both venues and posted a side‑by‑side review this week.
- The Royal Oak in Swallowcliffe scored 47 out of 50, narrowly topping The Farmer’s Dog near Burford at 46.
- The scoring covered ambience, service and three courses, with both pubs receiving full marks for service.
- May’s pub drew praise for a welcoming atmosphere and dishes including venison terrine, flat iron steak and sticky toffee pudding.
- Clarkson’s pub was noted for a modern feel and strong plates such as ham hock terrine, gammon steak and apple crumble, following its August 2024 reopening under the new name.