Our concept

Imagine an oasis in the heart of the city. A place where you can taste the finest fresh farmed produce and sip that perfect spritz. A beautifully designed space to go for coffee with a friend, entertain a valued client or enjoy summer cocktails after work. A place where you can unwind on the terrace after a long day and watch the world go by.

Well, imagine no longer. Head over to Mitre Square and you’ll find a wine bar with a difference. Brought into being by David Howden, our mission is to champion the best of local British produce. Whether it’s our succulent lamb, tender ham or sparkling seasonal fruit and veg, our menu is rooted in ingredients sourced from Oxfordshire’s Cornbury House Farm.

Yet, as our guests have discovered since we opened in December 2023, we’re about more than proving farm to fork is possible. We’re here to serve you passion on a plate with generous helpings of fun.

Our most important supplier: Cornbury House Farm

Proudly owned by David and Fiona Howden, the farm stands as a beacon of sustainable and compassionate agriculture. With a deep-rooted passion for animal welfare, the Howdens have practiced sustainable farming for over two decades, ensuring their Longhorn cows enjoy a luxurious lifestyle marked by leisurely grazing days on a diet enriched with nutritious forages like chicory, sainfoin, and lucerne.

Longhorns are highly sought for their tenderness, a testament to the benefits of humane and environmentally-responsible farming. As well as Longhorn cows, Cornbury House Farm have Middle White pigs. While much of the UK sees animals raised in distressing factory farm conditions, at Cornbury Farm the welfare of livestock is paramount. The farm strictly adheres to principles like providing ample space, minimising stress, and allowing animals to express their natural behaviours.

The farm is run by Tom Greenway (pictured here). Having joined Cornbury House Farm in 2021, Tom’s passion for sustainable agriculture has played a pivotal role in upholding top-tier standards of animal welfare and land management. His efforts promote soil health and biodiversity, ensuring a thriving ecosystem.

Recently, the Howdens have embarked on a project that will use polytunnels to grow vegetables locally especially for the wine bar as well as starting a curing process of their beef to make charcuterie, perfect to pair with one of our reds. New initiatives are constantly conceived to acquire the best local and sustainable produce.