I'm looking to book a restaurant for my Husbands birthday in November.
Somewhere special, but not Michelin star special.
Within an hour or so of Milton Keynes - also want to stay overnight.
Have a look at Weston Manor, Weston-on-the-Green. North Oxfordshire (about 45 mins from MK via Buckingham and Bicester. Lovely old manor and a great restaurant http://www.westonmanor.co.uk/. I've stayed and eaten there a few times
I am not sure of the distance but Malmaison, Oxford is a converted prison where you can stay (cells optional !) and the food is very good at the hotel.
Ate here sometime ago, not sure what food is like now, but was excellent when I went and not a million miles from Mkwww.villiers-hotel.co.uk/restaurant.html
Further away but well worth the visit Bibury court hotel, bibury, Gloucs. Beautiful stone manor house with excellent food in riverside grounds. Very romantic. Sorry have not got website link.
Try "The Inn at Woburn" - we had our wedding and reception there and have eaten there a few times recently - it's great for a special occasion. Or try the "Purple Goose" in Woburn Sands - on TripAdvisor as one of the best restaurants in Bucks