The epitome of gastropubbery in Oxford, The Fishes is offering a pre-Christmas menu with a bit of a twist, writes Paul Stammers.

The pub - which won a mention in the latest Michelin Pub Guide, and has been praised by celebrity chef Raymond Blanc - is a converted Victorian building set in three acres of wooded grounds, although few folk are likely to be picnicking on the grass at this time of year.

The pub's not open Christmas Day but it's serving festive fare until Christmas Eve. For £25 per person you get either curried parsnip soup, warm breaded goat's cheese with port jelly, homemade game terrine with marmalade or prawn cocktail; roast beef, free range turkey in pancetta, broccoli, Stilton and chestnut wellington or baked salmon with beetroot; Christmas pud parfait, cheese and biscuits, hot chocolate brownie with vanilla ice cream, or warm butterscotch apples and gingerbread ice cream.

Every pre-booked guest who is seated by 7pm is entitled to a complimentary glass of bubbly, and the wine list is suitably upmarket for those who want to continue to whet their palate.

The 10-strong kitchen team includes Rob Hartwell, 24, who saw off stiff competition from hundreds of other young hopefuls to win the 2008 Acorn Scholarship, the UK catering industry's showcase award for the best young talent.

If you're struggling for presents, it's possible to buy gift vouchers here.