The Half Moon

We headed to The Half Moon in Cuxham on a crisp September evening. A picturesque English pub from the outside, little did we know that awaiting us inside was a little slice of the Mediterranean. Upon entering, we were met with the mouth-watering scent of freshly prepared pizza and the gentle buzz of friendly conversation. Now in its fifth year, The Half Moon has developed quite a local following.

We were promptly seated and began perusing the Italian-inspired choices on offer. My dining partner opted to start with battered calamari, while I plumped for the breaded prawns. Both were full of flavour and accompanied by a sweet chilli dip with a warming kick of heat. For our main course, spurred on by the incredible aromas that greeted us on arrival, we decided on pizza. My guest selected the Roma as recommended by our host, comprising mozzarella, robust Gorgonzola, crunchy pecans, spinach and garlic, however I was tempted by the Dulcis – mozzarella, goat’s cheese, spinach, caramelised onions and garlic. Our choices did not disappoint. Each pizza from the extensive list is freshly made, and this shines through with every delicious bite. To end our thoroughly satisfying feast, we couldn’t resist a dessert each. The recipe for one of our chosen sweets – a creamy panna cotta topped with vibrant raspberry sauce – has been passed down through generations, and it’s clear why this magnificent pudding has been such an enduring hit. Our other indulgence was the Bailey’s sundae complete with Toblerone and peanut pieces. The boozy hit of alcohol made for a delightful contrast to the sweet vanilla ice cream, while the peanuts added a welcome crunch to each bite.

Fully fed and watered, we were shown the vast gardens where locals and passersby relax when the season suits. With ample space and plenty of bench seating, the gardens boast stunning scenic views of the Oxfordshire countryside when you reach the boundary. In addition to the sumptuous food and superb sights, the service is warm and friendly. We’ll certainly be returning to The Half Moon again.