"We were cycling The Midshires Way and found our way to Great Oxenden via a precarious but pretty footpath (The Jurassic Way) with steps from the main track. Path NOT recommended if you have heavy cycles as there are two stiles en route. It ‘is’ a footpath, not a bridleway I suppose, so be warned. The George is a gastro-pub with a large car park and is finished beautifully inside. It also has a delightful patio area and gardens to enjoy in good weather. There isn’t a way around to the back so they kindly let us roll or bicycles through the dining area to the garden so we could keep a close eye on them. It’s a full service establishment so drinks are brought to you which was nice and the landlady/manager was friendly and welcoming. I chose the Friday fish and chips special which wasn’t one of the posher choices on the extensive menu, but it was delicious with freshly prepared mashed garden peas and a very nice tartare sauce. I chose the chunky chips which were tasty, cooked perfectly and very plentiful. It was good value at £16 We were treated to a thick slice of fantastic homemade bread which was delicious. My wife chose the sirloin steak, which, at £25, wasn’t cheap and unfortunately was very gristly. The flesh was very nice, but it was a struggle and not ideal. When we mentioned this however and showed the gristly, stringy remains the staff were disinterested and no offer was made to reduce the bill, which would definitely have been appropriate. We aren’t serial complainers but in the light of the lack of response regret not sending it back to the kitchen straight away. You live and learn. It’s a shame because this is a pleasant, sophisticated place with a warm welcome and at least initially, good service. If you are looking to dine in the area, In preference I would recommend a real treat, The Bull’s Head at Clipstone, which is considerably less expensive than The George. The Bull’s Head also differs in that it is a genuine country pub but with outstanding food and great service. We also tried The Stag at Maidwell, which was good and reasonably priced. They do close at 3pm on a Saturday though so be prepared to be cast out into the rain if you’re unlucky with the weather as we were ! "
