Latest reviews in Oxford, United Kingdom

sports injury clinic - by skid100

skid100 — Sat, 14 Nov 2009 15:22:42 +0000

Review by skid100

Rating: 4.00

Phone: 01869 349100

Website: www.sportsinjury-clinic.co.uk

great treatment- feel 100% better no shoulder pain for a week now- recommend to anyone!
Thanksgreat treatment- feel 100% better no shoulder pain for a week now- recommend to anyone!
Thanks

idea design works | graphic designer oxford web design oxford - great graphic design in oxford by design

design — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 14:01:29 +0000

Review by design

Rating: 5.00

Phone: 01865522999

Website: www.ideadesignworks.co.uk

Tags: great value for money for a high range stunning product

this design company in oxford is amazing!
they have a great portfolio and produced some incredible web design and graphic design.....this design company in oxford is amazing!
they have a great portfolio and produced some incredible web design and graphic design.....

The Original Swan - David's review on The Original Swan in Oxford by David35

David35 — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 11:55:54 +0000

Review by David35

Rating: 1.00The venue is an excellent setting, typical of the pubs in this touristic city.

However, the current innkeeper displays a serious lack of tact and diplomacy towards the clientele, bordering arrogance at best and a tendency towards exhibiting a xenophobic attitude at worst.

If you are not a member or sympathiser of the BNP, or enjoy having your alcohol intake monitored or metered in public, you would be well advised of the existence of alternative drinking establishments in the vicinity.
The venue is an excellent setting, typical of the pubs in this touristic city.

However, the current innkeeper displays a serious lack of tact and diplomacy towards the clientele, bordering arrogance at best and a tendency towards exhibiting a xenophobic attitude at worst.

If you are not a member or sympathiser of the BNP, or enjoy having your alcohol intake monitored or metered in public, you would be well advised of the existence of alternative drinking establishments in the vicinity.

The Original Swan - David's review on The Original Swan in Oxford by David35

David35 — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 11:52:05 +0000

Review by David35

Rating: 1.00

Phone: 01865 778888

Website: http://www.swindonweb.com/arkells/

Tags: traditional, pool tables

The venue is an excellent setting, typical of the pubs in the city.

However, the current innkeeper displays a serious lack of tact and diplomacy towards the clientele, bordering arrogance at best and a tendency towards exhibiting a xenophobic attitude at worst.

If you are not a member or sympathiser of the BNP, or do not enjoy having your alcohol intake monitored or metered in public, you would be well advised of the existence of alternative drinking establishments in the vicinity.

The venue is an excellent setting, typical of the pubs in the city.

However, the current innkeeper displays a serious lack of tact and diplomacy towards the clientele, bordering arrogance at best and a tendency towards exhibiting a xenophobic attitude at worst.

If you are not a member or sympathiser of the BNP, or do not enjoy having your alcohol intake monitored or metered in public, you would be well advised of the existence of alternative drinking establishments in the vicinity.

Perch Inn - very disappointing by WIDGET1

WIDGET1 — Fri, 02 Oct 2009 10:13:48 +0000

Review by WIDGET1

Rating: 1.00Was at the Perch recently for a very special family occasion which had been booked for a long time and feel completely let down and utterly disappointed! The service was awful as was the food but I will get onto that later...
It was for my grandparents 60th wedding anniversay and we had told the staff this previously yet from the moment we walked in they made no effort to make us feel welcome.
To start, we were told that both the white and the red wines we ordered were not available, no apology was given, just a shrug of the shoulders to tell us to get on with it. So, we decided to sit back for a while and take in the atmosphere while we waited for our drinks, only to hear christmas music playing in the background! I love christmas but over 3 months away from christmas I thought this was ridiculous and only added to their couldn't care less attitude, I assume no-one had checked!
When the wines did arrive, they poured a glass for us each and for the rest of the meal my father had to act as waiter as no effort was made to top up our glasses, shocking when you look at the prices they charge.
We were a big party and everyone seemed ok about their starters, however the mains were awful. Some people had the steak and at paying over Â£16 for it you'd expect it to be edible. My boyfriend is not a fussy eater unyet he was unable to finish it. Chewy and tasteless were the words used. Many of us had the shellfish, some of which had to be sent back as none of the shells were open! Once i got round to tasting them it tasted like a bit of seafood in water!
When we got round to cutting the cake, we had to use napkins to hand it out at first as no plated were given.

It was my grandparents special day and would have at least expected the staff to wish them a happy anniversary or perhaps give them a glass of bubbly to make up for their inept performance but nothing was forthcoming.

It took the shine off what was supposed to be a very memorable day for us all and will never return here again.Was at the Perch recently for a very special family occasion which had been booked for a long time and feel completely let down and utterly disappointed! The service was awful as was the food but I will get onto that later...
It was for my grandparents 60th wedding anniversay and we had told the staff this previously yet from the moment we walked in they made no effort to make us feel welcome.
To start, we were told that both the white and the red wines we ordered were not available, no apology was given, just a shrug of the shoulders to tell us to get on with it. So, we decided to sit back for a while and take in the atmosphere while we waited for our drinks, only to hear christmas music playing in the background! I love christmas but over 3 months away from christmas I thought this was ridiculous and only added to their couldn't care less attitude, I assume no-one had checked!
When the wines did arrive, they poured a glass for us each and for the rest of the meal my father had to act as waiter as no effort was made to top up our glasses, shocking when you look at the prices they charge.
We were a big party and everyone seemed ok about their starters, however the mains were awful. Some people had the steak and at paying over Â£16 for it you'd expect it to be edible. My boyfriend is not a fussy eater unyet he was unable to finish it. Chewy and tasteless were the words used. Many of us had the shellfish, some of which had to be sent back as none of the shells were open! Once i got round to tasting them it tasted like a bit of seafood in water!
When we got round to cutting the cake, we had to use napkins to hand it out at first as no plated were given.

It was my grandparents special day and would have at least expected the staff to wish them a happy anniversary or perhaps give them a glass of bubbly to make up for their inept performance but nothing was forthcoming.

It took the shine off what was supposed to be a very memorable day for us all and will never return here again.

Zodiac - No longer known as 'Zodiac' by darwingirl

darwingirl — Fri, 18 Sep 2009 15:25:57 +0000

Review by darwingirl

Rating: 3.00

Phone: 01865 420042

Website: http://www.the-zodiac.co.uk

Tags: friendly, rock, students

To avoid confusion, it should be emphaised this venue is now know as the 02 academy, Oxford (formerly also Carling Academy, Oxford) and is not in central Oxford but a short way out of town.

I gather the place is primarily used as a venue for gigs. On yet another Oxford based hen party, I brought the hens here on a Saturday night as the bride and her party quite liked alternative and wished to avoid the typical dance/towny type places.

They played a good few classic rock and metal floor fillers, but toward the end played stuff we really didn't know and were refused our requests on the grounds that they were too old for our crowd, though I'll admit I did feel like an oldie and I'm only 26...

Prices for everything were reasonable. People were relatively friendly. Floor was a bit sticky, but then thats the drunk students on a Saturday and cheap alco-pop combo for you!To avoid confusion, it should be emphaised this venue is now know as the 02 academy, Oxford (formerly also Carling Academy, Oxford) and is not in central Oxford but a short way out of town.

I gather the place is primarily used as a venue for gigs. On yet another Oxford based hen party, I brought the hens here on a Saturday night as the bride and her party quite liked alternative and wished to avoid the typical dance/towny type places.

They played a good few classic rock and metal floor fillers, but toward the end played stuff we really didn't know and were refused our requests on the grounds that they were too old for our crowd, though I'll admit I did feel like an oldie and I'm only 26...

Prices for everything were reasonable. People were relatively friendly. Floor was a bit sticky, but then thats the drunk students on a Saturday and cheap alco-pop combo for you!

Westgate Hotel - Clean, simple & friendly hotel in central Oxford by LottieTwyford

LottieTwyford — Thu, 10 Sep 2009 17:04:06 +0000

Review by LottieTwyford

Rating: 4.00

Phone: 01865 726721

Warm welcome on arrival. Simple 2 star hotel. Rooms small and basic but clean. All we needed as we were going to a wedding.
We were promptly and warmly greeted at breakfast breakfast and a delicious cooked breakfast was quickly and freshly prepared for us - better than at any of the 4&5 star hotels that I stay in on business - and just what was needed after a good night out!
Situated on one of the main roads into Oxford - but was quiter than I expected.
If you need parking, let them know when booking and they will ensure a space for you.Warm welcome on arrival. Simple 2 star hotel. Rooms small and basic but clean. All we needed as we were going to a wedding.
We were promptly and warmly greeted at breakfast breakfast and a delicious cooked breakfast was quickly and freshly prepared for us - better than at any of the 4&5 star hotels that I stay in on business - and just what was needed after a good night out!
Situated on one of the main roads into Oxford - but was quiter than I expected.
If you need parking, let them know when booking and they will ensure a space for you.

Acorn Guest House - Wonderful Stay in Oxford by jimp41

jimp41 — Fri, 04 Sep 2009 01:00:57 +0000

Review by jimp41

Rating: 5.00

Phone: 01865 247998

My wife and I had a lovely 2 night stay here.

The rooms were very clean and tidy. With tv and coffee making facilities.

Staff were very friendly and helpful.

An excellant location, handy for all the sites.

They do a very good breakfast too.My wife and I had a lovely 2 night stay here.

The rooms were very clean and tidy. With tv and coffee making facilities.

Staff were very friendly and helpful.

An excellant location, handy for all the sites.

They do a very good breakfast too.

The Mission Mexican Grill - Burrito heaven by SamanthaC

SamanthaC — Tue, 18 Aug 2009 21:40:33 +0000

Review by SamanthaC

Rating: 5.00

Phone: 01865 722020

Website: www.missionburritos.co.uk

Tags: cheap eat

This place is heaven!
I used to live in Mexico and can say with authority that â¬ÜThe Missionâ¬" captures the essence of really flavoursome, freshly cooked food with enough of a chipotle kick (which is delicious by the way). The service was friendly and there was an abundance of everything your salivating heart could desire. Definitely recommended, especially for a healthy cheap eat.
This place is heaven!
I used to live in Mexico and can say with authority that â¬ÜThe Missionâ¬" captures the essence of really flavoursome, freshly cooked food with enough of a chipotle kick (which is delicious by the way). The service was friendly and there was an abundance of everything your salivating heart could desire. Definitely recommended, especially for a healthy cheap eat.

Professional Music Technology - Professional Music Technology by peeg

peeg — Tue, 11 Aug 2009 22:26:41 +0000

Review by peeg

Rating: 1.00

Phone: 01865 725221

I bought a new amp from Professional Music Technology of Oxford back in April. Guess what... it stopped working. So of it goes for repair. A few weeks later I get a call telling me that it already had a dodgy repair on it and wasn't covered by the warrantee. The implication was that I had tried to fix it myself. I have to tell you, dear reader, I never touched it. It must have been like that when I bought it. Anyway it's going to cost Â£130 quid to repair. The shop have said there's nothing else they can do. And at the moment are ignoring my letters.
I bought a new amp from Professional Music Technology of Oxford back in April. Guess what... it stopped working. So of it goes for repair. A few weeks later I get a call telling me that it already had a dodgy repair on it and wasn't covered by the warrantee. The implication was that I had tried to fix it myself. I have to tell you, dear reader, I never touched it. It must have been like that when I bought it. Anyway it's going to cost Â£130 quid to repair. The shop have said there's nothing else they can do. And at the moment are ignoring my letters.

The Isis Tavern - Avoid if you can by johnsmith315

johnsmith315 — Sat, 08 Aug 2009 18:18:32 +0000

Review by johnsmith315

Rating: 1.00

Tags: beer garden, friendly, different pub food

I was buying a pint here when I saw someone being charged for a glass of water. In an extremely rude way.
You'd need Mystic Meg to let you know if they've decided to serve food at any realistic times. Never going again.I was buying a pint here when I saw someone being charged for a glass of water. In an extremely rude way.
You'd need Mystic Meg to let you know if they've decided to serve food at any realistic times. Never going again.

Victoria Arms - Great location, poor menu by vegimari

vegimari — Tue, 21 Jul 2009 01:15:33 +0000

Review by vegimari

Rating: 2.00

Phone: 01865 241382

Tags: lively, family & home feel, british

What an amazing location. You can sit out by the river watching the swans and the ducks, or sit inside in this quaint traditional country pub.

The food, unfortunately, isnâ¬"t great, although, being a vegetarian with a preference for vegan dishes, thatâ¬"s academic as they donâ¬"t cater for vegans; the only possible options are 1) salad which virtually consists of lettuce and sliced onion or 2) a side order of chips! What caterers donâ¬"t consider is that, although vegans and people who are lactose intolerant together currently make up around 1.5% of the population, we do have friends! If vegans canâ¬"t eat in their restaurants then you could be losing out on from 2 to possibly 8 or more customers.

I donâ¬"t think it would take a huge imagination or effort to provide at least one vegan dish â¬ choose the vegan option well and youâ¬"ll find it sells really well â¬ to non-vegans! Give it a go; you might find it becomes a popular option.What an amazing location. You can sit out by the river watching the swans and the ducks, or sit inside in this quaint traditional country pub.

The food, unfortunately, isnâ¬"t great, although, being a vegetarian with a preference for vegan dishes, thatâ¬"s academic as they donâ¬"t cater for vegans; the only possible options are 1) salad which virtually consists of lettuce and sliced onion or 2) a side order of chips! What caterers donâ¬"t consider is that, although vegans and people who are lactose intolerant together currently make up around 1.5% of the population, we do have friends! If vegans canâ¬"t eat in their restaurants then you could be losing out on from 2 to possibly 8 or more customers.

I donâ¬"t think it would take a huge imagination or effort to provide at least one vegan dish â¬ choose the vegan option well and youâ¬"ll find it sells really well â¬ to non-vegans! Give it a go; you might find it becomes a popular option.

Imperial Nightclub - by Savoy

Savoy — Sat, 04 Jul 2009 00:39:24 +0000

Review by Savoy

Rating: 1.00

Phone: 01865 794 900

Website: http://www.imperial-club.co.uk

I remember Imperial Night Club... well that was a bad.
Now, instead of Imperial Night Club, there is OX1 Lounge. Sounds stylish, but think again. If Imperial was bad.. this one is really bad. I mean it.
Went in there and it was not even half full. There is no atmosphere what so ever. Rough looking individuals standing in quartet groups in the corners, as if they are dealing something. Needless to say that none of them spoke english. I thought that I have steped from cultural Oxford into a club somewhere in Eastern Europe and shabby, half-done, budget decor does not help. There is no sense of style in decor, everything seems to be random. Service was slow, unattentive and rude. Doorstaff looked bored and unwelcoming. I do not recommend this place to anybody at all, unless you are a russian gangstar.
OX1 Lounge is far worse than Imperial. To be honest I tend to think that Imperial Club owners decided to "re-brand" this place. Quite pathetic. Avoid this place at all costs, it won't last long anyway.I remember Imperial Night Club... well that was a bad.
Now, instead of Imperial Night Club, there is OX1 Lounge. Sounds stylish, but think again. If Imperial was bad.. this one is really bad. I mean it.
Went in there and it was not even half full. There is no atmosphere what so ever. Rough looking individuals standing in quartet groups in the corners, as if they are dealing something. Needless to say that none of them spoke english. I thought that I have steped from cultural Oxford into a club somewhere in Eastern Europe and shabby, half-done, budget decor does not help. There is no sense of style in decor, everything seems to be random. Service was slow, unattentive and rude. Doorstaff looked bored and unwelcoming. I do not recommend this place to anybody at all, unless you are a russian gangstar.
OX1 Lounge is far worse than Imperial. To be honest I tend to think that Imperial Club owners decided to "re-brand" this place. Quite pathetic. Avoid this place at all costs, it won't last long anyway.

Lava & Ignite - Not the best by darwingirl

darwingirl — Fri, 19 Jun 2009 15:57:46 +0000

Review by darwingirl

Rating: 2.00

Phone: 01865 250181

Tags: dance, cheesy, hip-hop

Larger then the front would have you believe, I went to Lava and Ignite on a Saturday night as one of about 20 hens. In Oxford town centre, and in very close vicinity to a lot of other clubs and bars, this one was chosen for having the shortest queue and appearing to be the least rowdy.

Once past the dinghy lobby, there are 3 rooms playing dodgy cheese, dance/house and rnb/hip hop blend with a few places with comfy chairs, tables and sofas. The place was filled with a combination of the very young with a few more mature clubgoers smattered mainly in the dance/hip hop room.

To me, most rooms were quite dark and badly decorated with the exception of the dance room which I liked. However, I really did not care for the chosen tracks or how they were mixed. FLoor fillers seemed followed by more obscure tracks frequently. I felt they flowed badly.

Drinks not on offer were expensive, especially for out of London.

Staff, espeically front-of-house, were friendly and helpful.

Overall I found the place tacky and a touch chavvy. Not my cup of tea at all. May have enjoyed it as much as some of the other hens had I been as drunk as them!Larger then the front would have you believe, I went to Lava and Ignite on a Saturday night as one of about 20 hens. In Oxford town centre, and in very close vicinity to a lot of other clubs and bars, this one was chosen for having the shortest queue and appearing to be the least rowdy.

Once past the dinghy lobby, there are 3 rooms playing dodgy cheese, dance/house and rnb/hip hop blend with a few places with comfy chairs, tables and sofas. The place was filled with a combination of the very young with a few more mature clubgoers smattered mainly in the dance/hip hop room.

To me, most rooms were quite dark and badly decorated with the exception of the dance room which I liked. However, I really did not care for the chosen tracks or how they were mixed. FLoor fillers seemed followed by more obscure tracks frequently. I felt they flowed badly.

Drinks not on offer were expensive, especially for out of London.

Staff, espeically front-of-house, were friendly and helpful.

Overall I found the place tacky and a touch chavvy. Not my cup of tea at all. May have enjoyed it as much as some of the other hens had I been as drunk as them!

The Rose - Best scones and tea in Oxford by corp1255

corp1255 — Thu, 28 May 2009 13:05:58 +0000

Review by corp1255

Rating: 5.00

Phone: 01865 244429

Tags: quick bite, amazing brew, modern british

This is my preferred cafe to meet people for tea in Oxford. It's a tiny little place, and the service tends to be brusque- but that's also partly because there's always a queue of students waiting at 4-ish all the time. Perfect for meet-ups/first dates/therapy after a disastrous set of collections/ a pick-me-up in the middle of 5th week blues/ avoiding studying etc.This is my preferred cafe to meet people for tea in Oxford. It's a tiny little place, and the service tends to be brusque- but that's also partly because there's always a queue of students waiting at 4-ish all the time. Perfect for meet-ups/first dates/therapy after a disastrous set of collections/ a pick-me-up in the middle of 5th week blues/ avoiding studying etc.

The Folly Bridge Inn - Quality Quiz Pub by CHARLIEG72

CHARLIEG72 — Mon, 04 May 2009 18:27:44 +0000

Review by CHARLIEG72

Rating: 5.00

Phone: 01865 790106

Tags: live music, friendly, beer garden

Let's just say Thursday night at The Folly is a must for everyday 'Quizzers' as it has an excellent mix of topics/questions.Other nights are also good if you like your pub games or just watching on their large T.V's.All in all we've always had a good time when passing through-if in need of Sunday Lunch then this also is a fine example of 'good home cooking'(big portions to).Let's just say Thursday night at The Folly is a must for everyday 'Quizzers' as it has an excellent mix of topics/questions.Other nights are also good if you like your pub games or just watching on their large T.V's.All in all we've always had a good time when passing through-if in need of Sunday Lunch then this also is a fine example of 'good home cooking'(big portions to).

Posh Fish - by funicularman

funicularman — Tue, 24 Mar 2009 10:44:32 +0000

Review by funicularman

Rating: 3.00

Phone: 01865 765894

Tags: fish and chips

The portions are indeed massive. Anybody in possession of a normal appetite should order nothing larger than small chips and battered cod. The likelihood is you'll still struggle with it. Which begs the question, why not reduce the size of the portions and save both us and them money? For it is rather pricey. Tasty though.The portions are indeed massive. Anybody in possession of a normal appetite should order nothing larger than small chips and battered cod. The likelihood is you'll still struggle with it. Which begs the question, why not reduce the size of the portions and save both us and them money? For it is rather pricey. Tasty though.

Fabulous Flowers - Top of my list for flowers by Munch

Munch — Sun, 01 Feb 2009 20:47:06 +0000

Review by Munch

Rating: 5.00

Phone: 01865 511811

Tags: bargain, helpful staff, exclusive boutique

Not your average florist shop. This lovely shop has the most amazing array of flowers and gorgeous little gifts like spring bulbs planted in vintage tea cups for under £10. I bought 1 today for a gift for my mother and she adores it. The staff are really helpful and although I never spend very much the staff are always very welcoming. I think I am becoming addited.Not your average florist shop. This lovely shop has the most amazing array of flowers and gorgeous little gifts like spring bulbs planted in vintage tea cups for under £10. I bought 1 today for a gift for my mother and she adores it. The staff are really helpful and although I never spend very much the staff are always very welcoming. I think I am becoming addited.

Ripples - Ripples Bathroom by dwgpo

dwgpo — Mon, 19 Jan 2009 14:22:19 +0000

Review by dwgpo

Rating: 1.00

Phone: 01865 516644

Tags: bathroom

We had a bathroom designed and installed by Ripples, Oxford. It has been a total disappointment and I would not recommend them.We had a bathroom designed and installed by Ripples, Oxford. It has been a total disappointment and I would not recommend them.

Jamie's Italian - I buy the food, not Jamie by oxfordian1

oxfordian1 — Sun, 11 Jan 2009 19:14:55 +0000

Review by oxfordian1

Rating: 4.00

Phone: 01865 83 83 83

Website: http://www.jamieoliver.com/italian/oxford

Tags: italian, lively, expensive

Jamie Oliver now sells scented candles amongst his other J'me' (geddit?) merchandise. In my unreasonable and decidedly stilted view that is reason enough to take all of his books, DVDs and all earthly traces of the man and burn them in a pyre. Ultimately he is a chef, a very good chef, possibly a great chef. As a chef, when you find yourself contemplating a range of candles, that is when your ladle should start to vibrate at warning frequency, and your hat wilt, because you are moving too far away from your true path. That said, its impossible not to feel some residing warmth for the sheer enthusiasm and apparent good nature of the guy. He probably gives all his candle profits to a home for retired kittens with poorly paws.

And on my visit to Jamie's in Oxford the evidence is that his food standards are still high enough to keep most people happy, including me. The decor is simple - sturdy furniture, not too closely packed in, which is just as well given that it is constantly stuffed with us eager Oxfordshire bumpkins eager to get close to objects which JO may have at one time looked at. The music is upbeat and noticeable, giving the whole place a buzzy feelgood youthful vibe. And the staff are plentiful and attentive. The place is child friendly too, with the staff apparently under clear instructions to welcome the pesky creatures, rather than shoot them on sight.

The food is interesting and wholesome. We had three starters - a vegetarian anti-pasto (delicious but a bit light for Â£6.50, a bread basket with olive oil and balsamic vinegar (did as much as could be expected with different breads, and a very interesting looking sausage papardelle(declared 'very good'). For main course we had grilled mackerel with crushed fennel, tomato and caper sauce. It was well cooked and delicious. The other adult main course was pumpkin and ricotta ravioli with rosemary sauce, which was very tasty, but ultimately a bit boring - it would have benefitted from less ravioli and something else, even if only a side salad, to offer a different sensation.

The kids food was, for ours at least, a step to close to fancy food. Admittedly it doesn't take much, but an option for very simple food still separated into its constituent ingredients is always a good menu option for boys! Desserts and coffees were all good - nothing too spectacular, but done well enough. A bit more froth on the cappucino would not have gone amiss, but that really is splitting hairs.

Pricewise it came ot about Â£23 per head per adult for three courses, not including drinks but could easily have been more. Overall I would go back with no qualms at all because the food was good, but I did feel that were the great man's moniker not attached to the place I would be paying 10-20% less. And then there is that candle issue...Jamie Oliver now sells scented candles amongst his other J'me' (geddit?) merchandise. In my unreasonable and decidedly stilted view that is reason enough to take all of his books, DVDs and all earthly traces of the man and burn them in a pyre. Ultimately he is a chef, a very good chef, possibly a great chef. As a chef, when you find yourself contemplating a range of candles, that is when your ladle should start to vibrate at warning frequency, and your hat wilt, because you are moving too far away from your true path. That said, its impossible not to feel some residing warmth for the sheer enthusiasm and apparent good nature of the guy. He probably gives all his candle profits to a home for retired kittens with poorly paws.

And on my visit to Jamie's in Oxford the evidence is that his food standards are still high enough to keep most people happy, including me. The decor is simple - sturdy furniture, not too closely packed in, which is just as well given that it is constantly stuffed with us eager Oxfordshire bumpkins eager to get close to objects which JO may have at one time looked at. The music is upbeat and noticeable, giving the whole place a buzzy feelgood youthful vibe. And the staff are plentiful and attentive. The place is child friendly too, with the staff apparently under clear instructions to welcome the pesky creatures, rather than shoot them on sight.

The food is interesting and wholesome. We had three starters - a vegetarian anti-pasto (delicious but a bit light for Â£6.50, a bread basket with olive oil and balsamic vinegar (did as much as could be expected with different breads, and a very interesting looking sausage papardelle(declared 'very good'). For main course we had grilled mackerel with crushed fennel, tomato and caper sauce. It was well cooked and delicious. The other adult main course was pumpkin and ricotta ravioli with rosemary sauce, which was very tasty, but ultimately a bit boring - it would have benefitted from less ravioli and something else, even if only a side salad, to offer a different sensation.

The kids food was, for ours at least, a step to close to fancy food. Admittedly it doesn't take much, but an option for very simple food still separated into its constituent ingredients is always a good menu option for boys! Desserts and coffees were all good - nothing too spectacular, but done well enough. A bit more froth on the cappucino would not have gone amiss, but that really is splitting hairs.

Pricewise it came ot about Â£23 per head per adult for three courses, not including drinks but could easily have been more. Overall I would go back with no qualms at all because the food was good, but I did feel that were the great man's moniker not attached to the place I would be paying 10-20% less. And then there is that candle issue...