Harden's survey result
Summary
“This gem of a self-service café is the perfect spot for lunch in historic Oxford city centre” on long trestle tables or in the garden; combining “good-value wholesome food” – everything from “vegan dishes to Asian curries and lovely cakes” – with a “buzzing atmosphere” and “the most fabulous location behind the University Church with stunning views to the Radcliffe Camera”. But while “it’s the setting that makes this café special” it also threatens its future after 20 years, with its church landlord wanting to evict it to make way for its own social enterprise. The legal battle is expected to be settled in the High Court this year.
Summary
“A great choice for lunch in atmospheric church vaults close to the famous Radcliffe Camera and Bodleian Library” – guests sit “on long trestles” or in the garden feasting on “good freshly cooked food, with vegetarians and vegans particularly well catered for”. After 20 years, the café’s future is in the balance, its church landlord wanting to replace it with a social enterprise.
Summary
“In the medieval vaults of the University Church, in the centre of Oxford and the university” – this sweet but also “busy and vibrant” self-service café serves “large portions of freshly-cooked daily specials at very reasonable prices, as well as soups and salads”. Great views of the Radcliffe Camera from the outside tables.
Summary
It's “not somewhere to linger and have an elegant time” and “there isn't really any service as such”, but this ethical/organic church-crypt café remains a “regular refuelling stop” for its “great selection of hot and cold food served up generously, canteen-style” (“come hungry”). “Outside tables offer a spectacular outlook over the Radcliffe Camera and Radcliffe Square.”
For 33 years we've been curating reviews of the UK's most notable restaurant. In a typical year, diners submit over 50,000 reviews to create the most authoritative restaurant guide in the UK. Each year, the guide is re-written from scratch based on this survey (although for the 2021 edition, reviews are little changed from 2020 as no survey could run for that year).
Have you eaten at The Vaults and Garden Cafe?
University Church of St Mary the Virgin, Radcliffe Sq, Oxford, OX1 4AH
Restaurant details
The Vaults and Garden Cafe Restaurant Diner Reviews
"My go to place for a good value wholesome brunch in a buzzing atmosphere in historic Oxford city centre. Food is simple and a great choice from vegan to Asian curries and lovely cakes. The long queues are dealt with efficiently and testify to this place’s deservedly popularity. "
Prices
 Drinks |
|
|---|---|
| Wine per bottle | £0.00 |
| Filter Coffee | £0.00 |
 Extras |
|
|---|---|
| Bread | £5.90 |
| Service | 10.00% |
University Church of St Mary the Virgin, Radcliffe Sq, Oxford, OX1 4AH
Opening hours
| Monday | 8:30 am‑6 pm |
| Tuesday | 8:30 am‑6 pm |
| Wednesday | 8:30 am‑6 pm |
| Thursday | 8:30 am‑6 pm |
| Friday | 8:30 am‑6 pm |
| Saturday | 8:30 am‑6 pm |
| Sunday | 8:30 am‑6 pm |
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