Open-fire roasts and Mediterranean flavours return to The Swan in Ascott-under-Wychwood this summer

As summer sunshine returns to the Cotswolds, The Swan in Ascott-under-Wychwood is inviting guests to slow down, gather with family and friends, and enjoy long, leisurely Sundays centred around open-fire cooking and relaxed garden dining.

Set in the heart of the Oxfordshire countryside, The Swan’s garden provides the perfect backdrop for an afternoon of great food and good company. From midday each Sunday, the garden parrilla grill is fired up, filling the air with the aromas of wood smoke and expertly cooked local meats, and live music from 2-4pm.

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∙ OPEN-FIRE COOKING AT ITS BEST ∙ At the heart of The Swan’s summer Sunday offering is its commitment to quality local produce and traditional cooking methods. Sourced from nearby Paddock Farm, the meats are chosen for both provenance and flavour before being slowly cooked over open fire.

Guests can enjoy dishes such as Hereford Angus rump cap, free-range Tamworth pork chop, rolled porchetta, and succulent roast chicken, each benefiting from the distinctive character that only cooking over wood and flame can provide. The result is a Sunday lunch experience that feels both rustic and refined.

∙ A MEDITERRANEAN TWIST ON A CLASSIC ∙ This summer, The Swan is offering guests a choice between traditional Sunday roast accompaniments and a lighter Mediterranean-inspired alternative.

The Mediterranean garnish includes garlic and thyme Pink Fir potatoes, roasted vegetables, heritage tomato and rocket salad, and charred tenderstem broccoli, creating a vibrant and seasonal accompaniment that feels perfectly suited to warm afternoons spent outdoors.

The menu continues this Mediterranean influence throughout, with seasonal starters ranging from fresh heritage tomatoes and grilled gambas to comforting favourites and sharing plates designed for relaxed dining.

For those looking beyond the grill, dishes such as wood-fired whole sea bream and roasted beetroot and butternut squash tart offer equally enticing options packed with seasonal flavour.

∙ PIZZA, SUNSHINE AND LONG AFTERNOONS ∙ While Sunday lunch may be the main attraction, The Swan’s wood-fired pizza oven will be serving handcrafted pizzas throughout the weekend. Perfect for those seeking a more casual meal, the pizzas can be enjoyed in the garden alongside a drink in the sunshine.

And no leisurely lunch would be complete without dessert. Guests can round off their afternoon with a classic Eton Mess, or perhaps a cheeseboard accompanied by a glass of port while lingering a little longer in the garden.

∙ FATHER’S DAY AT THE SWAN ∙

Sunday 21 June brings an extra reason to visit, as The Swan hosts a special Father’s Day celebration. Families are invited to gather for a relaxed garden lunch, with special native breed steaks featured on the parrilla grill alongside the regular Sunday menu. To help mark the occasion, every dad will receive a complimentary pint with their main meal.

Adding to the atmosphere, live music will provide the soundtrack to the afternoon, making it the perfect opportunity to celebrate Father’s Day in true Cotswold style.

∙ A SUMMER SUNDAY WELL SPENT ∙ Whether it’s a family gathering, a catch-up with friends, or simply an excuse to enjoy great food outdoors, The Swan’s summer Sundays combine open-fire cooking, exceptional local produce, and the relaxed charm of garden dining.

With the grill glowing, pizzas baking, live music playing, and the garden looking its best, it’s the kind of Sunday afternoon that deserves to stretch long into the evening.

∙ BOOK YOUR TABLE HERE ∙