SquareMeal has released its list of Top 100 restaurants in the UK and two places in Oxfordshire have made the list. 

On the list for 2022 are Orwells and The Double Red Duke.

SquareMeal is the UK’s leading independent restaurant guide and it deliberately excludes London restaurants to allow venues from around the UK to be recognised.

SquareMeal brings the Top 100 list together using thousands of reader votes and their own expert critics, featuring everything from fine dining experiences through to farm-to-table restaurants and gastropubs.

“Each of the top 100 results are a unique combination of our own in-house critic-led opinions and thousands of diner votes. It’s this dual approach that makes our list incomparable, representing not only our professional opinion but thousands of real-life experiences that help to reinforce and bolster our final decisions,” SquareMeal writes on its website.

SquareMeal continues: “It’s no secret that Britain plays host to some incredible culinary talent. As a result, the top restaurants in the UK created quite the conundrum. From the very north of Scotland to Cornwall’s southern tip, we’re spoilt for choice when it comes to dining destinations worth travelling for.

"In order to make a place on the list each restaurant had to offer more than just a good meal, it had to provide guests with an exceptional all-round experience. From gorgeous interiors, top-class wine lists and stunning views through to exemplary service and sustainability commitments, we weighed up the whole package.”

READ MORE: National Pub & Bar Awards: The Horseshoes named best pub in Oxfordshire

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2 Oxfordshire restaurants named in SquareMeal’s Top 100 in UK

Orwells

Place in ranking: 28

Location: Henley-On-Thames, Oxfordshire, RG9 4DP 

What did SquareMeal say?: "Named after legendary author George Orwell, who spent his childhood living in the area, this brilliant eatery has been painstakingly realised by Ryan Simpson and Liam Trotman – two chefs known for their “clever creativeness” (according to one reader). Well-bred pubby charms, good looks and reasonable prices belie a defiantly British repertoire based on locally sourced ingredients, foraged pickings, home-grown vegetables and honey from the owners’ hives."

SquareMeal also noted its multi-course tasting menu called ‘Taste The Season’ and that its set lunch menu is outstanding value.

Book a table via the Orwells website.

The Double Red Duke

Place in ranking: 91

Location: Bampton, Oxfordshire, OX18 2RB 

What did SquareMeal say?: "Recently nominated for a food and travel award, The Double Red Duke is a modern British Cotswolds pub located in Bampton, Oxfordshire. The Double Red Duke is open daily from breakfast through to dinner with an all day dining menu, plus a separate pub menu. The Double Red Duke also has a number of luxury rooms you can stay in, plus spa treatments are also available. "

SquareMeal also noted its "classic and comforting" pub menu and its picturesque Cotswolds location on the doorstep os many stunning local walks.

Book a table via The Double Red Duke website.