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LinkedinIndependent French bistro Pierre Victoire has been serving Oxford diners since 1996. With a new AA Rosette, a cosy candlelit atmosphere and festive wine-tasting events on the menu, it’s a lovely time to rediscover this Little Clarendon Street favourite.
Mon Dieu! Quel bonheur! OK, I’ll stop my Del Boy French there, because I can almost hear my mother turning in her grave. But I’m spouting Gallic enthusiasm after an evening at Pierre Victoire earlier this autumn.
Tucked away in Little Clarendon Street, one of my favourite corners of Oxford, this cosy French bistrot occupies a cute, slightly wonky old townhouse – the sort of place you want to linger in on a chilly evening. It’s intimate, candlelit and wonderfully unpretentious, with the kind of atmosphere that has you feeling all La Vie en Rose after another glass or three.
Pierre Victoire has been part of Oxford’s dining scene since 1996 and remains proudly independent and family-owned, with a fiercely loyal following. There’s now another reason to raise a glass: the restaurant has been awarded an AA Rosette, recognising the quality of its food. A wine-tasting evening in September was held to celebrate the accolade.
I’ve wanted to visit for years and finally made it with my dad, enthusiastically quaffing Rhône wines alongside local wine merchant Toby Chiles. This wasn’t the usual wine tasting where you nibble a few crisps and try to remember which glass is which. It was a proper sit-down meal, with wines paired with the food.
And quelle food! From the French onion soup to the steak bavette and pear and almond tart with crème anglaise, everything felt generous, comforting and properly French.
And let’s not forget the fromage, courtesy of Janet from the wonderful Oxford Cheese Company. We began with Délice de Bourgogne, a gloriously soft and creamy triple-cream cheese from Burgundy. Calorific perfection – and worth every buttery mouthful.
Paired with a peachy Clairette de Die (Muscat and Clairette, 8%), it was a reminder that sometimes life is too short to worry about cholesterol. Thank you for introducing me to this – see you in the Covered Market for my next fix!
We enjoyed an entertaining evening of Rhône wines, from Condrieu made with Viognier to a succession of reds, accompanied by facts, quizzes and plenty of chat. I may not be the family wine buff – that honour definitely goes to Dad – but even I found myself getting into it.
The best thing about Pierre Victoire is the feeling of being somewhere cherished. Thanks to Danny and the team, it has that rare independent-bistro magic: friendly, characterful and not too try-hard.
The next wine tasting takes place on Monday, 16 November, featuring seven festive wines and three courses for £75 per person. If you’re looking for somewhere to gather friends or family, the Christmas menu is £49 per person – a pretty good excuse to bring your favourite people together and raise a glass.
Visit pierrevictoire.co.uk/events to book, or call the team on 01865 316616.
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