Oxford Tavern opening party @ Petersham

Last night was the opening party for the 'new' Oxford Tavern.  No long the infamous topless waitress' bar, sleazy and dingy, that pub is a thing of the past.  New  owners the Drink n' Dine Group have stripped it (no pun intended) and outfitted a fantastic retro space offering a cool courtyard out back too...... basically what they are renowned for.  It's opened from today folks! 

courtyard

 

Arriving early, my friend and I we were the very first 'guests' to sit outside in the courtyard.  A sunny, airy, light and very funky furnished courtyard.  I love the feel of this area.  Tyres hanging from chains full of plants, hodgepodge seating and benches to park your but on.  Awesome space. The boys over at Drink and Dine have done an amazing job and I know that they have been working long, tough hours to get this place ready for tonight.  I feel this place is going to be very successful and being in Petersham, there is going to be a big following. 

On offer were the BBQ Margarita and the Sundowner cocktails.  So we sampled one of each (okay maybe there were a few more during the night).

cocktails

 

The BBQ Margarita is rimmed with smoked salt and definitely giving you that southern BBQ taste.  They go down easily.

great courtyard space

It wasn't long before trays of the new menu were being passed around. 

Ceviche with marinated fish, habanero, lime and cassava crackers were definitely a winner.  So were the corn encrusted in popcorn and doritos!  More of those please.  Also on offer were arancini balls and hotdawgs.

 

 

I didn't get the chance to sample much else, although everything looked tantalising.  The trays were always empty by the time they got near us, people were just diving on them.  This is not a negative or reflection on service, far from it, the kitchen and staff were pumping the food out to feed the masses, I just wasn't going to be pouncing on them like everyone else. I'll definitely be going back to sample more of the menu....SOON!

 

Thanks to the Drink n' Dine Group for putting on such a fantastic opening of your new venture.  I wish you all the best and know that it's going to be a success....like always.