The Dining Room

My partner and I were charmed by this Georgian townhouse which stood just a stone’s throw from our hotel. We were finally taken in by the two course for 18.95 set menu as neither of us was ready for a three course ensemble and the price compared to much less renowned restaurants in sleepy Oxford.
I was a little concerned about how pretentious the place would be, as this is the Scotch Malt Whisky Society after all, with a private members club upstairs. However, the interior was quite modest, with an eclectic collection of modern art work and open curtains allowing for just the right amount of natural light coming through. We went around 6:15 so it was quite quiet when we arrived. The staff was a little bit somber and standoffish but the service was reasonably quick.
The food was actually quite impeccable in terms of quality with seasonal items dominating the dishes. My first course was a thick and creamy Pumpkin and Parmesan soup which was more like a smooth purée with pickled pumpkin along with bits of hazelnuts and porcini mushrooms. My lovely boyfriend went for the soused mackeral with white crab meat, carrots, and dill. He reported the mackeral as being fantastic. For the main we both had the Serrano ham with sweet potato purée and a crunchy blackened fig which complemented the crisp ham exterior perfectly. The glass of white wine we had was glorious as well with the ham. Overall a well-​thought out menu and an atmosphere to which I couldn’t in good conscience give 3 stars.
Although everything was truly delicious, the portions were almost appalling. If we hadn’t been lured out by a friend for an impromptu appetizer right beforehand, we would have been left almost completely starving. Slight less empty space on my main dish would have left everyone satisfied.

Love whisky? Love the Scotch Malt Whisky Society. Relaxed atmosphere. Greatest selection of single malts. Superb restaurant.