Built by the Saxons on the bank of the River Cherwell in Oxfordshire, Banbury is the largest town and shopping centre for the surrounding, rural Cherwell district.
Noted for being the site of the famous castle, built in 1135 by Alexander the Bishop of Lincoln, which was destroyed after the civil war. Also remembered for billeting Oliver Cromwell at the local inn, The Reindeer, where he supposedly developed pivotal strategy during the same war, this market town took on a new import for amateur and professional archaeologists and historians when, a few years ago, builders discovered the significant remains of an Iron Age building from around 200BC.
Subsequently, a Roman villa from around 250AD was discovered close to it. The advent of the Oxford Canal, built in 1790, and the 1850 railway, played a major part in the town's expansion at the time. The more recent development of the M40 has greatly contributed to Banbury's accessibility and prosperity and it is now a popular commuter town for many.
Always having been a place celebrated for the manufacture and sale of ale, cheese and the famed Banbury cake, it's no surprise that this tradition of desirable produce continues with Kraft Foods founded in 1964.
Claiming to be the world's largest soluble coffee producer, this company also provides considerable employment for the locals. This burgeoning town offers a wide range of eateries catering for the influx of commuters from various parts of the country and we feature six of the best on Banbury Restaurant, offering a wide, tasty selection of food and drink. Fabio's Ristoranto Italiano for a hearty Italian concoction or Jaypur Balti Cuisine for something spicier and exotic. The Forum for that Chinese delicacy you can't do without.
Maybe The Church House Restaurant for comforts closer to home. Or simply one of the many pubs with a warm seat at the hearth and a glass from the generous range of fine ales that are of their tradition. For further selection, nearby Oxford offers a vast array of restaurants sure to make the mouth water.
