By Ruth Hawkins of BHO LLP, B4’s Official Reviewer
Last year, I visited The Yurt at Nicholsons with Beth and came away thoroughly impressed. The food was exceptional, the setting beautiful and the whole experience felt thoughtfully curated from start to finish.
Twelve months later, after attending the recent B4 Signature Dinner hosted at The Yurt, I can confidently say that my recommendation remains exactly the same: if you haven’t visited yet, make sure you do.
For those who haven’t experienced it, The Yurt sits at the heart of Nicholsons’ Plant Centre, surrounded by beautifully maintained gardens, trees and plants. It’s a place that combines hospitality, sustainability and nature in a way that feels entirely authentic.
Last year, Beth and I enjoyed lunch outside in the spring sunshine, overlooking the gardens while sampling dishes that were every bit as impressive as the surroundings. I still remember the Cotswold beef tataki with pickled garden radish and aubergine satay, followed by a wonderful asparagus and Jersey Royal tart. Beth’s twice-baked Montgomery Cheddar soufflé and roast Cotswold White chicken were equally memorable.
Fast forward to last week and The Yurt once again showcased why it has become such a favourite destination for so many in Oxfordshire’s business community.
The B4 Signature Dinner brought together over forty members for an evening of excellent food, conversation and hospitality. Head Chef Andrew Carr and his team produced a menu that perfectly reflected The Yurt’s philosophy of celebrating seasonal, locally sourced ingredients. Guests enjoyed dishes including Todenham Farm beef rump tataki, monkfish and Devon crab fishcake, roast duck breast and Cornish hake, alongside beautifully presented desserts featuring English strawberries, gooseberries, elderflower and rich dark chocolate.
What struck me most was how consistent the experience remains. Whether visiting for a relaxed lunch, a business meeting, private dining experience or an evening event, the attention to detail is evident everywhere. The food is creative without being pretentious, the service is warm and professional, and the setting offers a welcome escape from the pace of everyday business life.
Of course, The Yurt is about much more than the restaurant. The wider Nicholsons site continues to evolve as a destination in its own right, with its plant centre, retail space, café, events programme and private dining options all contributing to a unique visitor experience.
As B4 expands its coverage of restaurants, hotels, destinations, books and theatre reviews at weekends, it feels fitting that one of the first venues I revisit is one that left such a strong impression the first time around.
Some reviews need revisiting after a year because things change.
In the case of The Yurt, the quality, creativity and hospitality remain exactly where they should be.
My recommendation today is the same as it was last year.
Make sure you visit.
The Yurt is open
Tuesday to Saturday
Brunch: 09:00am – 11:45am
Lunch: 12:00pm – last orders at 14:30pm
Closed on Sundays and Mondays.
Visit: www.nicholsonsgb.com/yurt/
View photos from the Signature Supper here: The Yurt Signature Supper