Harden's survey result
Summary
“A great location in central Oxford” is a unique selling point of this quirky café – part of the University church on the High, with a medieval vaulted interior, and gorgeous outside seating in the churchyard. “The choice of fare is limited” (breakfasts; plus simple dishes such as curry, tagine, and soup) but adequately nourishes its clientele of students, clerics and tourists.
Summary
In the University’s Old Congregation House, this “beautiful medieval room, brimming with students, churchy types and visitors”, offers a “uniquely Oxford experience”. A “very informal self-service” set-up, it revolves around “ample well-cooked dishesb using seasonal and organic ingredients”.
Summary
A “cheap ’n’ cheerful place milling with tourists and students”, and set in the chapter house of a 14th-century church with a garden; it’s “self-service only” and there’s a “modest choice, but you will find plenty to appeal” – just “get there early to grab a seat!”
Summary
“In the old chapter house of a 14th-century university church” with outside tables on Radcliffe Square, this “idyllic” self-service spot offers “delicious and inexpensive” food (“especially vegetarian”); “don't go on a Saturday if you're in a hurry, as queues are long”.
Owner's description
Housed in Oxford University's Old Congregation House of 1320, the Vaults Cafe offers a delicious and healthy organic, local and seasonal menu.
When the weather is nice, our garden is one of the finest spots in Oxford to sit in, surrounded by architectural treasures, flowers and aromatic herbs. Hot water bottles & blankets are provided during the winter!
Restaurant details
The Vaults And Garden Cafe Restaurant Diner Reviews
"In the 15th century vaults of the Oxford university church. Very friendly. Daily choice of 3 or 4 freshly cooked dishes, including vegetarian and vegan for about £8.50. Generous helpings including potatoes or rice, and salad or vegetables.A great Oxford institution in the heart of the town and university, next to the Bodleian library."
University Church of St Mary the Virgin, Radcliffe Sq, Oxford, OX1 4AH
Opening hours
| Monday | 8 am-5:30 pm |
| Tuesday | 8 am-5:30 pm |
| Wednesday | 8 am-5:30 pm |
| Thursday | 8 am-5:30 pm |
| Friday | 8 am-5:30 pm |
| Saturday | 8 am-5:30 pm |
| Sunday | 8 am-5:30 pm |
