Oxford, British, Modern Restaurant Guide

A “lovely” Grade II listed Victorian conservatory provides a very “attractive setting” at this well-known and highly popular venue. But despite some reports of “fine” meals, most feedback suggests it’s “living on past glories” – including a stint as Raymond Blanc’s original Petit Blanc – while “Oxford has improved overall” (“humdrum menu and humdrum cooking”).

“Reliable cooking in a fun atmosphere” – “nothing too fancy (but all the better for that)” – and a “lovely garden for the summer” make this “Oxford institution” an “excellent venue for entertaining hungry young students”, with a menu that has “something for everyone”.

With a “limited” but “flavoursome” menu of local/seasonal food, this “rustic” non-profit provides a “respite from the cacophony of Oxford”, and prices are “very reasonable” too.

“A good place to escape from the tourist hordes of central Oxford” (although it can get pretty crowded itself), this roof-top spot is “excellent for afternoon tea” and has an open cocktail bar complete with fake grass and deckchairs to while away summer days. When it comes to the “straightforward” (perhaps rather “unadventurous”) main menu results are “fine”.

The oxblood-walled country cousin to the capital’s celebrated Anchor & Hope, turning out pleasingly hearty and creative British gasto fare, which elicits solid marks but little in the way of commentary; the pretty terrace to the rear hosts a flea market every first Saturday of the month.