So what’s happened since my last blog?The season has very much fallen into Christmas now and that brings an array of different vegetables and meat.

This time of year is when chefs have to work a little harder when preparing new dishes. Game and meat is generally cooked a little longer, whether it has to be braised or confit for several hours to tenderise it or slow cooked for longer, and the vegetables, whether its red cabbage or artichokes, cauliflower or salsify, they all need a little bit more love and patience. I love the spring and summer for its freshness and vibrancy but I respect this season for its hardiness and hearty flavours.

Obviously with new ingredients brings new dishes and menus. We are offering a lunch menu for £25.95 at the moment, which is a great way for us to showcase the change in season. And with the festive period coming up, we are all looking forward to helping our guests celebrate and hopefully leave happy and merry.

With a small business in this industry, we come to realise how important good staff are. We have a great team of passionate and driven individuals that work together every day to create what we do.

This hard work and passion has culminated in us winning Best Gastronomic Restaurant and Best Restaurant in the Oxfordshire restaurant awards 2014.

It was a great night at the Oxford town hall with over 300 people attending.

We were surprised and over the moon with the result so I just wanted to take this opportunity to thank my amazing team for all their hard work.

On New Year’s Eve we are offering a six-course tasting menu and then a glass of champagne at midnight with myself and the team, for £75.

Last year was a great night with lots of familiar faces and some new ones so we are hoping for the same this year.

Despite the many trials and tribulations we’ve endured this year it is terrific to end on a high and for those who don’t get to visit us in person may I wish you all a merry Christmas and a very happy new year.

TRY IT
The Boathouse, Station Road, Henley-on-Thames.
Call 01491 577937 or email enquiries@shaundickens.co.uk 

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