Latest reviews for Cafes & Coffee Shops in Oxford, United Kingdom

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 Nose Bag - Good food, great cakes, bit scruffy by oxfordian1

oxfordian1 — Thu, 25 Dec 2008 21:39:02 +0000

Review by oxfordian1

Rating: 4.00

Phone: 01865 203222

Tags: cosy, lively, quick bite

The Nose Bag upstairs is reliable for very good,very big cakes, tasty and healthy looking food, and reasonable city centre cafe prices. Not eactly cheap, but a whole lot better than going to a big chain.

It can be a slow process getting served, and seated because it is often busy, and its cafeteria style service, but that's mainly because people who know it go back there again and again. There is something very Oxford and local about it.

The decor doesn't seem to ever change and it can feel a bit sticky, but that may be simply because of the amount of people that pass through. If you are in Oxford and need a tea and cake, or something a bit bigger I'd recommend itThe Nose Bag upstairs is reliable for very good,very big cakes, tasty and healthy looking food, and reasonable city centre cafe prices. Not eactly cheap, but a whole lot better than going to a big chain.

It can be a slow process getting served, and seated because it is often busy, and its cafeteria style service, but that's mainly because people who know it go back there again and again. There is something very Oxford and local about it.

The decor doesn't seem to ever change and it can feel a bit sticky, but that may be simply because of the amount of people that pass through. If you are in Oxford and need a tea and cake, or something a bit bigger I'd recommend it

Mick's Cafe - A design classic - needs to be experienced by oxfordian1

oxfordian1 — Fri, 21 Nov 2008 23:27:35 +0000

Review by oxfordian1

Rating: 5.00

Phone: 01865 728693

Tags: cosy, crowded, good brew

I have to confess that I have not been here for a while, but Micks Cafe was very consistent for several years up until the last time I went, a few years ago. I pray it hasn't changed because it was a winning formula. Built in what seems to be an old railway carriage with no wheels, and conveniently by the station. The cafe is small, but perfectly formed, and serves very basic fried and grilled food. My advice is always to go for the breakfast fry up. Big mugs of tea, nice tasty food, and the only place i have been where the food that arrived looked better than its picture! The crowd is a mixture, including the occasional bemused tourist brought in by a local.I have to confess that I have not been here for a while, but Micks Cafe was very consistent for several years up until the last time I went, a few years ago. I pray it hasn't changed because it was a winning formula. Built in what seems to be an old railway carriage with no wheels, and conveniently by the station. The cafe is small, but perfectly formed, and serves very basic fried and grilled food. My advice is always to go for the breakfast fry up. Big mugs of tea, nice tasty food, and the only place i have been where the food that arrived looked better than its picture! The crowd is a mixture, including the occasional bemused tourist brought in by a local.

La Croissanterie - Don't be tempted! by AmandaG

AmandaG — Mon, 06 Oct 2008 14:05:45 +0000

Review by AmandaG

Rating: 2.00

Phone: 01865 244818

Website: http://www.lacroissanterie.com

Baguettes and sandwiches are fine and the staff friendly and efficient, but don't be tempted by the so called chocolate brownies. They do not have that lovely crumbly texture or even the texture of cake. They are just glutinous and rubbery and stick to your teeth. They don't even taste of chocolate. So don't be tempted or you will be as disappointed as I am. AmandaBaguettes and sandwiches are fine and the staff friendly and efficient, but don't be tempted by the so called chocolate brownies. They do not have that lovely crumbly texture or even the texture of cake. They are just glutinous and rubbery and stick to your teeth. They don't even taste of chocolate. So don't be tempted or you will be as disappointed as I am. Amanda

The Grand Cafe - Luxurious tea shop by Jongleur

Jongleur — Sun, 14 Sep 2008 21:30:35 +0000

Review by Jongleur

Rating: 4.00

Phone: 01865 204463

Tags: cultured, amazing brew

The Grand Cafe is an opulent little cafe on the High Street opposite the Queenâ¬"s College, and a favourite with parents whoâ¬"ve dropped in to give their student offspring a taste of luxury. I think it claims to be the oldest cafe in Oxford (along with about five others) but it certainly has the most gold leaf.

Food is excellent â¬ lovely salads and terrines, but the real strength is the cakes and pastries. Iâ¬"ve always wanted to try their full champagne cream tea, but even the lesser versions are fabulous, with scones warm from the oven and a selection of teas to choose from.

A little-known treat is their May Day morning cooked breakfast, a marvel of bacon, eggs and ciabatta toast served at 6am â¬ but make sure you book early as it fills up long before May every year!The Grand Cafe is an opulent little cafe on the High Street opposite the Queenâ¬"s College, and a favourite with parents whoâ¬"ve dropped in to give their student offspring a taste of luxury. I think it claims to be the oldest cafe in Oxford (along with about five others) but it certainly has the most gold leaf.

Food is excellent â¬ lovely salads and terrines, but the real strength is the cakes and pastries. Iâ¬"ve always wanted to try their full champagne cream tea, but even the lesser versions are fabulous, with scones warm from the oven and a selection of teas to choose from.

A little-known treat is their May Day morning cooked breakfast, a marvel of bacon, eggs and ciabatta toast served at 6am â¬ but make sure you book early as it fills up long before May every year!

Tick Tock Cafe - Tick Tock Cafe by oxfordian1

oxfordian1 — Wed, 03 Sep 2008 23:17:52 +0000

Review by oxfordian1

Rating: 4.00

Phone: 01865 200777

Tags: cosy, lively, quick bite

I was delighted to stumble across the tick tock cafe. We just wandered in one day looking for a quick lunch, and lucked out. Although its small, there is normally a table, especially out of term time. They sell nice enough snacks, and huge portions of chips, which delighted my son. Coffee was nice enough and the rest of the food was standard cafe fare - all reasonable value, especially the breakfasts which were sizeable. Staff were friendly and the atmosphere is good. A huge array of clocks adorns the walls for no apparent reason - perhaps they had nowhere else to store them. Anyway my son tries to lead us there as often as possible now. All in all an excellent place for a post hangover fry up.I was delighted to stumble across the tick tock cafe. We just wandered in one day looking for a quick lunch, and lucked out. Although its small, there is normally a table, especially out of term time. They sell nice enough snacks, and huge portions of chips, which delighted my son. Coffee was nice enough and the rest of the food was standard cafe fare - all reasonable value, especially the breakfasts which were sizeable. Staff were friendly and the atmosphere is good. A huge array of clocks adorns the walls for no apparent reason - perhaps they had nowhere else to store them. Anyway my son tries to lead us there as often as possible now. All in all an excellent place for a post hangover fry up.

Cafe Bonjour - by oxfordian1

oxfordian1 — Wed, 03 Sep 2008 23:11:54 +0000

Review by oxfordian1

Rating: 5.00

Phone: 01865 744332

Cafe Bonjour in Headington is my favourite Headington Coffee shop. Okay, so there are not too many to choose from, but this one does lovely strong coffee, lots of nice cakes, biscuits, baklava etc, lovely looking salads, and just feels really cosy. What I like best about it though is the staff, who are always friendly, even when my little angels are less than perfectly behaved. Its a popular place with all sorts of people, and they don't seem to mind when furniture is pulled all around in the back room, to fit whichever type of group has come in. Another great place to sit and watch the world go by, and the staff are quite content to let you do that if they don't have people hovering for tables. Breakfasts are good, but I generally go for the coffee and cakes.Cafe Bonjour in Headington is my favourite Headington Coffee shop. Okay, so there are not too many to choose from, but this one does lovely strong coffee, lots of nice cakes, biscuits, baklava etc, lovely looking salads, and just feels really cosy. What I like best about it though is the staff, who are always friendly, even when my little angels are less than perfectly behaved. Its a popular place with all sorts of people, and they don't seem to mind when furniture is pulled all around in the back room, to fit whichever type of group has come in. Another great place to sit and watch the world go by, and the staff are quite content to let you do that if they don't have people hovering for tables. Breakfasts are good, but I generally go for the coffee and cakes.

Cafe Coco - Cafe Coco by oxfordian1

oxfordian1 — Wed, 03 Sep 2008 23:02:58 +0000

Review by oxfordian1

Rating: 5.00

Phone: 01865 200232

Tags: cosy, lively, proper food

Cafe Coco does not seem to have changed in 10 years at least - probably longer, and frankly, it shouldn't. It has always had a great atmosphere - buzzy at night, laid back in the day. It has always served tasty mediterranean food, at good prices. Mainly pizza with some nice salads from time to time. Deserts can be very good. And the wine is not too pricey and not too bad. In the day its a great place to sit, drink coffee and watch the world go by. In addition I don't recall ever seeing a grumpy member of staff in there. If you are in St Clements and have time or hunger, it won't let you down.Cafe Coco does not seem to have changed in 10 years at least - probably longer, and frankly, it shouldn't. It has always had a great atmosphere - buzzy at night, laid back in the day. It has always served tasty mediterranean food, at good prices. Mainly pizza with some nice salads from time to time. Deserts can be very good. And the wine is not too pricey and not too bad. In the day its a great place to sit, drink coffee and watch the world go by. In addition I don't recall ever seeing a grumpy member of staff in there. If you are in St Clements and have time or hunger, it won't let you down.

G & D's - Five stars isn't enough by Oaktree

Oaktree — Mon, 25 Aug 2008 22:50:57 +0000

Review by Oaktree

Rating: 5.00

Tags: cosy, quick bite

Where does one start with a place like G&D's? With bagels, the best ice cream in Oxford, the ever-changing flavours, the cow decor and more newspapers than you could ever read in a day, this place has it all.

The Little Clarendon Street branch is the smallest of the three (the others are on St Aldate's and Cowley Road) but it's where the ice cream is made. And if you get enough people together to petition for a flavour, they'll make it for you!

Though they did shock me one evening. A Kiwi member of staff got up and announced they were going to have a mooning competition and the best mooner would win ice cream. The ice cream is good, but not worth that! Anyway, it turned out to be a mooing competition (in keeping with the cow decor) so all ended well.Where does one start with a place like G&D's? With bagels, the best ice cream in Oxford, the ever-changing flavours, the cow decor and more newspapers than you could ever read in a day, this place has it all.

The Little Clarendon Street branch is the smallest of the three (the others are on St Aldate's and Cowley Road) but it's where the ice cream is made. And if you get enough people together to petition for a flavour, they'll make it for you!

Though they did shock me one evening. A Kiwi member of staff got up and announced they were going to have a mooning competition and the best mooner would win ice cream. The ice cream is good, but not worth that! Anyway, it turned out to be a mooing competition (in keeping with the cow decor) so all ended well.

Starbucks Coffee Co - Doubles as a study area during term time by Oaktree

Oaktree — Mon, 25 Aug 2008 22:45:48 +0000

Review by Oaktree

Rating: 5.00The first thing that strikes you when you walk upstairs during term time is that everyone has a laptop! There aren't enough power points to go round, but as long as your battery is OK you can have a work space for a few hours for the price of a coffee. Not bad!

There is wireless access available, but you have to pay for it. This isn't necessarily a bad thing, because you tend to get more work done on your laptop without a connection than you do when the internet is sitting on your desk demanding attention, like a hungry goose.

Apart from being the Bodleian 2 during term time, this Starbucks is much like any other in the chain.The first thing that strikes you when you walk upstairs during term time is that everyone has a laptop! There aren't enough power points to go round, but as long as your battery is OK you can have a work space for a few hours for the price of a coffee. Not bad!

There is wireless access available, but you have to pay for it. This isn't necessarily a bad thing, because you tend to get more work done on your laptop without a connection than you do when the internet is sitting on your desk demanding attention, like a hungry goose.

Apart from being the Bodleian 2 during term time, this Starbucks is much like any other in the chain.

Queen's Lane Coffee House - Cheap eats available if your timing's right by Oaktree

Oaktree — Mon, 25 Aug 2008 22:19:18 +0000

Review by Oaktree

Rating: 4.00

Phone: 01865 240082

Tags: cosy, quick bite, crowded

The usual coffee shop / cafe fare with the usual Oxford High Street prices. But one thing sets this place apart - the fact that they sell off that day's fresh sandwiches, ciabattas, baguettes, etc at value prices towards the end of their day.

So if you're waiting for s bus at the Queen's Lane bus stop, you can pop in, pick up some cheap nosh, and then go on your merry way to Cowley / Iffley / Headington etc munching on a tasty fresh sandwich that didn't cost you the earth but is plenty to fuel your evening, whatever you're up to next.The usual coffee shop / cafe fare with the usual Oxford High Street prices. But one thing sets this place apart - the fact that they sell off that day's fresh sandwiches, ciabattas, baguettes, etc at value prices towards the end of their day.

So if you're waiting for s bus at the Queen's Lane bus stop, you can pop in, pick up some cheap nosh, and then go on your merry way to Cowley / Iffley / Headington etc munching on a tasty fresh sandwich that didn't cost you the earth but is plenty to fuel your evening, whatever you're up to next.

Ben's Cookies - Ben's EXCELLENT Cookies by byeo

byeo — Mon, 25 Aug 2008 14:24:22 +0000

Review by byeo

Rating: 5.00

Phone: 01865 247407

Website: http://www.benscookies.com

Tags: quick bite, crowded, lively

Well,what can i say that's not already been said about Ben's Cookies ? In an excellent location,they sell the best cookies i've ever tasted.They offer many different toppings and flavours,choc chip, rum and raisen and marshmellow to name three.

It is very popular with students who want a quick snack when on the go.The shop itself is clean and well run,the staff are friendly and welcoming,it really feels like a family run business.

I've only been here once when visiting oxford and if i visited again, i would go back to Ben's Cookies no doubt.The prices are a little expensive BUT you get really good tasting cookies,well made and excellent customer service.

Drinks are available here but again like the cookies,they do charge a little much for them,but who cares ? Im happy to pay a little more to eat excellent cookies and wash it down with an ice cold coke.

Love it !Well,what can i say that's not already been said about Ben's Cookies ? In an excellent location,they sell the best cookies i've ever tasted.They offer many different toppings and flavours,choc chip, rum and raisen and marshmellow to name three.

It is very popular with students who want a quick snack when on the go.The shop itself is clean and well run,the staff are friendly and welcoming,it really feels like a family run business.

I've only been here once when visiting oxford and if i visited again, i would go back to Ben's Cookies no doubt.The prices are a little expensive BUT you get really good tasting cookies,well made and excellent customer service.

Drinks are available here but again like the cookies,they do charge a little much for them,but who cares ? Im happy to pay a little more to eat excellent cookies and wash it down with an ice cold coke.

Love it !

Georgina's - Vibrant and popular cafe by jazs_angelface

jazs_angelface — Mon, 25 Aug 2008 08:53:52 +0000

Review by jazs_angelface

Rating: 4.00

Phone: 01865 249527

Website: http://www.geronimo-inns.co.uk

Georginaâ¬"s CafÃ© is my preferred destination when lunching in Oxford. Often, however, I am disappointed as the tiny cafÃ© is usually packed. This eatery is extremely popular with students and, as the worst kept secret in Oxford, tourists too. If you can get a table though, it is definitely worth it. The food offered is healthy, fresh and substantial and most dishes are made to order. A personal favourite is the roasted vegetable wrap although there are many non-vegetarian dishes offered. The staff are young, friendly and lively, a feeling reflected in the trendy dÃ©cor of film posters pasted onto the walls. The atmosphere in Georginaâ¬"s has been vastly improved by the smoking ban as smoking used to be permitted in the cafÃ©. Now, it remains vibrant and cosmopolitan whilst also being smoke free.Georginaâ¬"s CafÃ© is my preferred destination when lunching in Oxford. Often, however, I am disappointed as the tiny cafÃ© is usually packed. This eatery is extremely popular with students and, as the worst kept secret in Oxford, tourists too. If you can get a table though, it is definitely worth it. The food offered is healthy, fresh and substantial and most dishes are made to order. A personal favourite is the roasted vegetable wrap although there are many non-vegetarian dishes offered. The staff are young, friendly and lively, a feeling reflected in the trendy dÃ©cor of film posters pasted onto the walls. The atmosphere in Georginaâ¬"s has been vastly improved by the smoking ban as smoking used to be permitted in the cafÃ©. Now, it remains vibrant and cosmopolitan whilst also being smoke free.

Morton's - Nice lunch! by drjohnson

drjohnson — Sat, 23 Aug 2008 17:37:26 +0000

Review by drjohnson

Rating: 4.00

Phone: 01865 200867

Tags: takeaway

The place is rather small but their paninis are really nice and service is rather efficient. They also offer things like baked potatoes, morning fry-up and are much better than next door. The chips portion are a bit ridiculous and often this means I go somewhere else since as time has gone by they seem to reduce the portions whilst increasing prices. I would not dis-recommend it though as the food has always been good and to our tastes. You can then go shopping in the covered market, and perhaps queue for a delicious Benâ¬"s cookies for desert or get a McFlurry at MCDonalds a few meters away!The place is rather small but their paninis are really nice and service is rather efficient. They also offer things like baked potatoes, morning fry-up and are much better than next door. The chips portion are a bit ridiculous and often this means I go somewhere else since as time has gone by they seem to reduce the portions whilst increasing prices. I would not dis-recommend it though as the food has always been good and to our tastes. You can then go shopping in the covered market, and perhaps queue for a delicious Benâ¬"s cookies for desert or get a McFlurry at MCDonalds a few meters away!

Felson's - New owners, much better than before by TerryP

TerryP — Mon, 04 Aug 2008 14:30:05 +0000

Review by TerryP

Rating: 4.00

Phone: 01865 511577

Tags: good brew, quiet & relaxed, top food

This Felson's shop in Summertown has now been taken over by new owners, a very pleasent young married couple. The food is much better, only organic ingredients and they are much more generous with the filings. Probably a little more expensive that a simple sandwich from the Co-op, but I think good value for money.

They also have sushi, freshly prepared every day. Thinking back to recent Gordon Ramsey type reality shows, they may be spending too much on their ingredients, but I hope they do well.This Felson's shop in Summertown has now been taken over by new owners, a very pleasent young married couple. The food is much better, only organic ingredients and they are much more generous with the filings. Probably a little more expensive that a simple sandwich from the Co-op, but I think good value for money.

They also have sushi, freshly prepared every day. Thinking back to recent Gordon Ramsey type reality shows, they may be spending too much on their ingredients, but I hope they do well.

Caffe Nero - A Book and A Bite by DawgatOxford

DawgatOxford — Sun, 06 Apr 2008 18:34:51 +0000

Review by DawgatOxford

Rating: 4.00

Phone: 01865 727147

Website: http://www.caffenero.com

Tags: cosy, quick bite, takeaway

Located inside of Blackwell, this chain cafe is just like all its franchise sisters. All the coffees are made with two espresso shots, so it is the place to load up on the caffeine. All of the drinks are competent, but nothing to write home about. But the staff here is very sweet and accommodating and the setting is gorgeous. From a comfy sofa here you can look out of the 1st floor location right into the Sheldonian theatre and watch the bustle of the streets beneath you.Located inside of Blackwell, this chain cafe is just like all its franchise sisters. All the coffees are made with two espresso shots, so it is the place to load up on the caffeine. All of the drinks are competent, but nothing to write home about. But the staff here is very sweet and accommodating and the setting is gorgeous. From a comfy sofa here you can look out of the 1st floor location right into the Sheldonian theatre and watch the bustle of the streets beneath you.

Greens Cafe - Getting Coffee and Pastries right! by SamanthaC

SamanthaC — Fri, 18 Jan 2008 21:54:44 +0000

Review by SamanthaC

Rating: 5.00

Phone: 01865 316878

Website: http://www.greenscafe.co.uk

Tags: relaxing, good brew, free wifi

A great neighbourhood cafe, finally a decent croissant and good coffee close to the city centre. Can be really busy over lunch time meaning that you need to get there early and they shut the free wifi down at lunch time but its handy if you want a nice place to work over the rest of the day. Prices for both food and coffee to sit in or take away are very reasonable for Oxford. Would recommend their soups and their chicken pesto panini is the best in the area.A great neighbourhood cafe, finally a decent croissant and good coffee close to the city centre. Can be really busy over lunch time meaning that you need to get there early and they shut the free wifi down at lunch time but its handy if you want a nice place to work over the rest of the day. Prices for both food and coffee to sit in or take away are very reasonable for Oxford. Would recommend their soups and their chicken pesto panini is the best in the area.

Costa - Shop & stop by fluffymuppet

fluffymuppet — Wed, 12 Dec 2007 06:43:13 +0000

Review by fluffymuppet

Rating: 4.00

Phone: 01865 202687

Website: http://www.costa.co.uk

Tags: cosy, quick bite, takeaway

The Costa outlet inside Waterstones is a nice place to have a sit down and a cup of coffee if you're having day out shopping in Oxford. It's upstairs, but you can take the lift. They make great coffee, and there's a range of cold drinks available too. The service is relaxed, so don't go there if you're in a hurry, and the nibbles are very expensive. They've got some comfy armchairs, though, and if you're lucky you can get a seat by the window and watch the shoppers pass by outside.The Costa outlet inside Waterstones is a nice place to have a sit down and a cup of coffee if you're having day out shopping in Oxford. It's upstairs, but you can take the lift. They make great coffee, and there's a range of cold drinks available too. The service is relaxed, so don't go there if you're in a hurry, and the nibbles are very expensive. They've got some comfy armchairs, though, and if you're lucky you can get a seat by the window and watch the shoppers pass by outside.

Combibos Coffee - Best coffee in Oxford by sammyhanss

sammyhanss — Sun, 07 Oct 2007 08:45:43 +0000

Review by sammyhanss

Rating: 5.00

Phone: 01865 250072

Website: http://www.combibos.co.uk

Tags: cosy, quick bite, takeaway

Combibos Coffee is a family run and owned coffee shop, serving the best coffee in oxford! They also offer breakfasts including scrambled eggs, pancakes, or full english. Cakes and snacks are always available and they offer a good selection of sandwiches, paninis and soup. Free wi-fi is also available with every purchase!Combibos Coffee is a family run and owned coffee shop, serving the best coffee in oxford! They also offer breakfasts including scrambled eggs, pancakes, or full english. Cakes and snacks are always available and they offer a good selection of sandwiches, paninis and soup. Free wi-fi is also available with every purchase!