The Hollow Tree on Oxford
When we were really tired after working very hard, we would head off to our local Oxford Arms Pub for a meal and a glass of wine. It has always been a cosy, comforting space – almost like the pubs in London which we visited a few years ago. On a cold winter’s evening, we enjoyed the fire burning while people were chatting and enjoying their meals.
But, not long ago, when my sister and her husband visited us, we introduced them to the pub. To our surprise, there was no sign of our pub. The building was there, yes, but the interior changed into a dining room with white table cloths and chandeliers. What happened? We then heard that the Oxford Arms was now called The Hollow Tree. We really were surprised to hear this.
Last Friday, after a morning of meetings and hard work, we wanted to have lunch somewhere close to our home, as Deon had to see clients late afternoon. We decided to give The Hollow Tree a try. We were seated in the smaller dining area. We were the only patrons sitting inside. There were a few people in the outside area, having something to drink or enjoying lunch.
Deon ordered Eisbein and I decided on the pan fried line fish of the day, which was Yellow Tail. After a week of banting, the mash served with the Eisbein and the chips served with the fish, sounded like a very good idea. The waitron was very friendly and the service was good. Deon’s Eisbein and my fish were a bit too done to our taste.
It was two disappointed people who left the restaurant on Friday. Our favourite pub is there no more and that is so sad. We wish the new restaurant all of the best, but we’ll always have good memories about our favourite pub.
The Hollow Tree On Oxford is a very successful revamp of the old Oxford Arms. There are a non-smokers bar and a newly built smokers bar, remote from the main complex. The tables and finishing were also substantially improved. It is one of the few places in Durbanville where you can meet with friends and enjoy a good meal ! Meals are pub-style, reasonably priced, and the service is good. I had a bit of bad luck with a extremely tough my medium-rare rump steak, and I recommend you be bettor off ordering something else, their steaks are not matured and a lot of inedible fat and tendons etc. Pub menu items such as eisbein is very good.