The Turf is one of Oxford's oldest pubs. It is accessible only down a narrow alley, nestling up against a section of the old city wall. For trivia buffs, this was the scene of the hero's courting in Thomas Hardy's, 'Jude the Obscure'. Inside, the low-ceilinged rooms are arranged on two levels. Outside, there are rows of benches in the courtyard, which is warmed by braziers in the winter. The Turf offers a good range of beers, lagers and real ales, plus mulled wine on colder nights. Food is served from noon until 8pm.
The Cherwell Boathouse is the proud recipient of a multitude of accolades. What a lovely venue to escape from the hustle bustle of the city! The set-price menu is a good option and comes with coffee, cappuccino or espresso. Express Llnches are available during the week. The venue can be hired to host private parties too. And its not named "boathouse" for nothing, as they also rent out punts for a classic Oxford tradition on the river.
Set in a beautiful plant-filled conservatory, Gee's is perfect for summer dining. The high ceiling and huge windows give this restaurant a very airy feel. It is almost always full for lunch and dinner, and is a favorite for family celebrations. The menu is always diverse and the seafood can be especially interesting.
As one of Raymond Blanc's creations, this restaurant lives up to expectations. It's not as expensive as his famed Manoir aux Quat Saisons' but the quality of the food is superb, and as the portions are not huge, you'll have room to indulge in a full three-course meal. It's a lively bistro, but you won't feel you're being rushed. The minimalist decor makes this a very chic place to dine.
Self-consciously fashionable, Quod attempts to be sophisticated without being overly expensive. With real paintings on the walls and flattering lighting, it attracts a trendy, working crowd but will not alienate out-of-towners. The beer, as you might expect, only comes in bottles, but the wine is good and reasonably priced. This could be the place for a quiet yet stylish evening. It is so big that you can almost always find somewhere to sit.
Although part of a chain, Pierre Victoire does manage to convey the sense of being a truly authentic French restaurant; it is even managed by a French lady! Wooden tables and rickety wooden stairs dominate the restaurant's closely packed two floors. With its intimate lighting, Pierre Victoire is suitable for both families or couples, groups might be a bit squeezed, and the Edith Piaf background music certainly gets you in the right frame of mind. The food here is delightful, particularly the juicy and succulent duck. Look out for the lunchtime bargains.
Located in Wroxton, the Restaurant at the Wroxton House Hotel is much like the hotel it's housed in, intimate and welcoming. The romantic old world charm of the renovated 17th Century village houses transcends into the restaurant. Wooden beams, plush seating and candlelit dinners...sounds charming doesn't it! Enjoy a classic English meal with your date, plied with tasty home-made bread and some vino from the in-house cellar. The atmosphere here definitely sets the mood to woo and be woo-ed, now maybe you won't have to try too hard!
Situated on Lambourn Road in Newbury, The Woodspeen Restaurant is a great place to visit for food lovers. This sophisticated restaurant is set in a farmhouse that was constructed back in the 19th century. Established in 2013, this restaurant was previously a pub. The restaurant’s seasonal menu includes a variety of flavorful dishes that are prepared with locally-available ingredients. Apart from wines, patrons can also try out the restaurant’s specially-crafted gin. During the warm summer months, patrons can sit outdoors on the terrace and enjoy the scenic views it has to offer.