The Black Boy Inn at Milton is a gem, offering sensational food in a friendly and relaxed environment. Owned by the small private pub company, Merchant Inns Ltd, this gorgeous 16th century long building nestles on the edge of picturesque Milton, set well back from the Milton Road which runs between Bloxham and Adderbury. A recently completed refurbishment has resulted in a genuinely charming interior, entirely in keeping with the 400 year old building. The long room has a real woodstove at one end and a comfortable dining room at the other; brought together by the locally crafted traditional bar. A new, conservatory-style dining room – perfect for private parties or business meetings – opens out onto a gravel courtyard. Out front there is patio seating and half an acre of landscaped gardens. Most definitely a pub; (dogs welcome) but keenly focused on top quality food. Head Chef Kevin Hodgkiss offers imaginative modern British cuisine including a wide selection of classic pub dishes. Not a whiff of boil in the bag or microwaved horrors, just totally fresh food cooked from scratch to order. Menus change with the seasons and make regular use of local produce. The new team is intent on ensuring that the Black Boy not only remains as an integral part of the local Milton community, but also offers an unrivalled welcome to visitors from further afield. Restaurant standard service combined with truly delicious food means a visit to the Black Boy Inn is time and money well spent. Over the years at the Black Boy Inn, there has been much debate as to how this lovely country inn came to gain its name. Built in the mid 16th Century, history leads us to believe that it may have been named after King Charles II who was born with a very dark complexion and was, during the civil war, sometimes referred to as ‘the black boy’. The following extract is taken from English Monarchs, The House of Stuart. “Charles\\\’ appearance was anything but English, with his sensuous curling mouth, swarthy complexion, black hair and dark eyes, he much resembled his Italian maternal grandmother, Marie de Medici\\\’s side of the family. During his escape after the Battle of Worcester, he was referred to as \\\’a tall, black man\\\’ in the parliamentary wanted posters. One of the nick-names he acquired was \\\’the black boy\\\’.”