Frank’s restaurant at Hawkwell House Hotel

Set within Hawkwell House Hotel in Iffley, Oxford, Frank’s takes its name from Francis Howard Bickerton, explorer, treasure hunter and polar medallist, born at The Elms in 1889 — now the Mercure Oxford Hawkwell House Hotel. That spirit of endeavour threads through the kitchen, where classic British and European dishes are approached with a modern hand and the finest local ingredients.

Meals might begin with homemade treacle bread and salted butter, or crisp salt and pepper squid lifted by roasted garlic and herb mayonnaise and lemon. Starters balance comfort with finesse — sautéed king prawns glossed with garlic, chili and herb butter, or silken chicken liver parfait set against homemade fruit chutney and toasted brioche — flavours that are generous without showboating.

Mains double down on satisfaction: a fan roasted chicken supreme with cauliflower purée, gratin dauphinoise, tenderstem and a red wine jus, or a grilled English sirloin steak with garlic roasted flat mushrooms, grilled tomato, hand cut chips and onion rings. A side of roasted HiPi cabbage with garlic crumb, ranch dressing and black garlic is a savvy move, before sweets such as sticky toffee pudding or a raspberry, lemon and white chocolate blondie with raspberry sorbet and caramelised white chocolate bring things home.

With a newly launched menu and a refreshed wine list, it rewards unhurried dining. Book in, settle back, and let Frank’s carry you off on a tasty expedition.