During the Easter break, overseas travel sadly wasn't an option. As a result I had to look at the domestic offerings of places to explore. After much internal turmoil, I eventually decided upon a weekend in Oxford and Cambridge. Neither are particularly known for food. Oxford at least does has a better reputation, although much of what I read seemed to follow the theme of 'this place is good, but not London good'.
The Big Bang has nothing to do with the TV show, science nor the creation of the universe. It actually refers to the restaurants specialty in sausages or 'bangers'. Apparently it is much nicer in summer when the sausage range is BBQ'd outdoors on the patio, drinks flow freely and in the evenings there is either live music or a dj. However I went in the midst of cold during the day, so had nothing to look forward to except a rest from the weather and some decent sausages.
The menu is quite clever and comes as a newspaper combining some history of the restaurant, the menu and also some recent news regarding the restaurant.
Considering the restaurant name, you really shouldn't choose anything other than sausages. The Big Bang selection of your choice of 3 sausages, mash and gravy is really the only thing worth getting on your first (and if it likely will be your last) trip due to the ability to sample variety. My sausages were the classic Oxford (pork, sage), Wild Boar & Pigeon, and a special of Curried Pork recommended by the waiter. This was served with carrot & swede mash and red wine gravy.
The Curry Pork was the most distinctively flavoured with a powerful curry hit (and a little spice); the Oxford is a soft blend of tasty meat; Wild Boar & Pigeon had a firmer texture and a nice but not special flavour. The mash and gravy were fine as extra filler and flavours, but I much prefer my sausages on their own and without the gravy (otherwise I like ketchup and mustard usually).
Next time I would order any Curry sausage and try a few of the other different specialty ones on offer. For a first time, I suppose the city's own Oxford sausage should be mandatory too. Overall the meal was satisfactory without being anything to go out of the way for. Maybe in the sun with some atmospheric music might make it more of an experience.
