Now that summer is here, as far as eating outside is concerned, we’ve got it covered! From lush gardens and courtyards to orangeries and Bedouin tents, decking, terraces, yurts, tents, marquees, huts, glasshouses, pods and even a teepee, it’s all going on! Here are our suggestions, so get booking.
IN NO PARTICULAR ORDER..…
1) The Plough in West Hanney is always busy and fun, their extensive garden the site of numerous fabulous events and top night’s out, as well as the perfect place to enjoy some appetising food in the picturesque grounds.read about it here
2) Kibou, Little Clarendon Street, Oxford – which opened this month has a gorgeous terrace out the back where you can dine on the sumptuous Japanese menu and relax in style!
3) The Ashmolean Cafe, Oxford has one of the most stunning views in Oxford stretching as far as the eye can see. Enjoy lunch and afternoon tea from its rooftop restaurant and terrace. https://www.ashmolean.org/cafe-and-restaurant#collapse2498676
4) Frilford Heath Golf Club, Frilford – If not the most obvious place to seek the sun, the terrace is wonderful, the views over the green immaculate and Jamie King’s food delectable. Win, win! REVIEW: Enjoy a slap up Sunday lunch at Frilford Heath Golf Club with great views, food and service included!
5) The Feathers, Woodstock. The new look restaurant and garden are now open after an extensive refurb. The co*cktails are top notch and you can enjoy bar snacks in the beautiful courtyard, a little oasis in the busy town.
6) The White Hart, Fyfield – it’s orangery is always busy and weatherproof. Throw in an extensive garden with outdoor kitchen and pizza oven and it’s all sorted whatever the weather – from fine dining to something more casual and an incredible co*cktail menu, this is a great place to hang out! https://www.whitehart-fyfield.com
7) The Perch, Binsey – has lots of dining options thanks to its extensive lawn leading down to the river beyond with outdoor tables and a marquee. The separate Perch Shed Bar offers drinks and burgers for those wanting a lighter bite but the terrace and conservatory are equally as popular. https://the-perch.co.uk
8) The Store roof terrace, Oxford – dazzling views across Oxford and Broad Street, the recently opened hotel boasts a stunning outdoor bar at the very top leading all along former Boswells building, providing a sophisticated spot for sundowners.
9) KazBar – Cowley Road – Now that Dawson Street has been pedestrianised you can gorge on tapas outside and actually feel like you’re abroad!
10) The Oxford Blue, Iffley Road – The new plant-based pub has a secret watering hole hidden away where you forget about the hubbub outside and relax in this oasis, far from the madding crowd.
11) The Back Lane Tavern, Woodstock – a hugely popular summer spot which also boasts a separate covered and heated dining space at the back. Try the bar snack menu which won’t disappoint or book for a more lavish offering.
12) The Parsonage Grill, Oxford – The outdoor terrace has been given a new look for those wanting to dine in style in central Oxford. A heavenly spot!
13) The Three Horseshoes, Witney – Such a great local pub with smashing food and a lively garden which hosts some great themed nights. At the top of the garden there is also a private bar for events and private parties!
14) The Jolly Farmers, Oxford – A joyously secluded spot, right in the heart of the city. A sun trap when you want one, with shady spots when you don’t and a wood beam cover for the rest of the year! Enjoy the weather in Oxford’s oldest, and our favourite, LGBTQ+ venue.
15) Pompette, South Parade – Transport yourself to France at this chi-chi Oxford brasserie where the Gallic food and people watching is second to none.
16) The Wild Rabbit, Kingham – has a huge and very tasteful dining area out the back, and tables at the front, where Sam Bowser’s food will only enhance your summer dining experience read about it here
17) Dosa Darlings, Cowley Road – the newly opened South Indian restaurant has taken full advantage of the garden, transforming it into a colourful enticing area that matches its vibrant interior.
18) The Medley, Binsey – Oxford’s riverside bar and beer garden is back open for the summer and boasts its own pizza ovens and eclectic, seasonal menu so you can dine with a view. read about it here
19) The White Rabbit, Oxford – Heated seats, pints, legendary pizzas and a charming outdoor area means this is one of Oxford’s favourite and busiest pubs come rain or shine. https://www.whiterabbitoxford.co.uk
20) The Folly, Abingdon Road – riverside dining at its best – eat some top notch food on the pontoon or on board with Oxford River Cruises. One of Oxford’s best kept secrets. Their high tea is another big draw.
21) The Fox, Oddington – a beautiful space inside and out where the garden is the focus. The Daylesford pub serves seasonal food which reflects the summer climes.
22) The Punter, Osney Mead, Oxford – this stalwart Oxford pub not only boasts a riverside view but a beautiful dining courtyard much loved by locals and visitors but serves some stupendous vegetarian and vegan food.
23) Cherwell Boathouse, Oxford – has arguably the best location in Oxford and is especially well presented for outdoor dining. Sit and watch the punts slide past from this classic Oxford setting, with sophisticated food to match. https://cherwellboathouse.co.uk
24) Quod, Oxford – The Italian Garden Terrace means you can dine in style whatever the weather as if you were in the Mediterranean. https://www.quod.co.uk
25) The Duke, Woodstock – a packed schedule of fun events and a gorgeous garden from where you can enjoy its delicious upmarket pub grub vibe makes this a hugely popular spot.
26) TVC, Oxford – Roof Terrace – Not only does The Varsity Club have some staggering views but it also has an outdoor roof top where you can eat, drink and make merry. Open daily from 12 noon until late. Best to book due to its popularity. https://tvcoxford.co.uk/reservations/
27) The Edge at Lil’s – lots of outdoor seating from where you can eat the delicious burger and taco menu with a refreshing margarita!
28) The Head Of The River, Oxford – This quintessential Oxford pub has a decking area ready to cater for you all as you soak up the sun (too hopeful?) and enjoy watching Oxford’s pace slowly picking up. https://www.headoftheriveroxford.co.uk
29) The Greyhound, Letcombe Regis – Enjoy head chef Martin Sherriff’s menu in the revamped garden in this quintessential Oxfordshire village. https://www.thegreyhoundletcombe.co.uk
30) The Thatch, Thame – Always a lovely spot for outside dining with its terrace at the back. http://www.thethatchthame.co.uk/
31) Six By Nico, Westgate – while its summer menus reflect the warmer climes, the tables outside beckon for drinks and snacks. Venture inside and the interior is open plan, complete with trees and an intoxicating indoor-outdoor feel.
32) Killingworth Castle, Wootton – dine in splendour in the Killy’s sunny garden in this beautiful Oxfordshire village
33) Cinnamon Stick, Middle Barton – There’s something about eating Middle-Eastern mezze in a proper souk lounge, now fully weatherproof. And with a wood-fired oven to enhance the experience nd new pizzas on the menu you’re good to go! https://www.thecinnamonstick.co.uk
34) Tap Social, Botley – At the Botley brewery, the eclectic partnerships with local foodie vendors continues with the added bonus of heaters, covered seating and of course Tap Social’s own brewed beer. Go to https://www.tapsocialmovement.com or check its social media for regular updates
35) Gees, Oxford – the glasshouse interior feel like you are outside, but after a recent refurb the outdoor terrace is also holding its own where you can dine in style https://www.geesrestaurant.co.uk
36) The Plough at Witney has one of the best beer gardens in Oxfordshire, stretching down to the river. Also boasting a garden bar this is one of the county’s best kept secrets. The perfect spot for a pub lunch. https://theploughwitney.co.uk
37) The Sir Charles Napier, Chinnor – head chef Andy Lewis’ food is immense, and the outdoor surroundings provide the perfect foil, with art in every corner.
38) Black Horse Thame, such a beautiful outdoor area where you can soak up the sun and enjoy the classic French cooking.
39) The Wandering Kitchen, Queenford Lakes, Wallingford – come for breakfast, brunch or lunch at this wonderful lakeside location run by avid foodies Jo and Ed Chapman. Try their toasties, salads, burgers, snacks and some wonderful cakes. It is also open most days for dinner. Check the website for opening times. https://thewanderingkitchen.co.uk
40) The Bell, Charlbury – not only has a lovely courtyard terrace but an extensive garden where you can enjoy the nostalgic and seasonal food.
41) Up In Arms – the Marston pub always enjoys it’s beautiful beer garden with film nights and events, but where better to go now for some good outdoor dining – their burgers, pizzas and brunch rock.
42) Kingham Plough, Kingham – Offers a variety of outdoor dining to accompany its exquisite food. http://thekinghamplough.co.uk
43) The Fishes – Hinksey – Always a beautiful spot, but particularly appreciated from the verandah. The teepee is also back which you can book. https://www.fishesoxford.co.uk
44) Worton Kitchen Garden Cafe, Cassington – couldn’t be any beautiful at this time of year. Pop in for coffee and home-made cakes, exquisite lunches, pop up dinners and concerts, and marvel at the surrounding flora and fauna. Positively bucolic. read our review here
45) The Handlebar, Oxford – one of Oxford’s quirkiest and most beloved cafes, has been working hard to ensure you can still enjoy its bohemian food outside on St Michael’s Street in little booths and tables. Cafe culture at its best. https://www.handlebaroxford.co.uk
46) Branca, Jericho has really pushed the boat out to create a wonderful Italianate courtyard and terrace. Just needs the mediterranean climes to accompany the stunning food. https://www.branca.co.uk
47)Double Red Duke, Clanfield. A picture perfect setting for an al fresco extravaganza. Join the beautiful people and dine in style.
48) Flo’s, East Oxford – the community cafe has a lovely courtyard to enjoy. Go for the weekend brunch of shakshuka, the daily specials or the homemade soups, salads and snacks. https://www.flosoxford.org.uk
49) The Mole Inn, Toot Baldon – A change of landlords has meant the outdoor space is being given a new lease of life, with even more hidden pockets for you to dine in. Plus the food is delicious. https://www.themoleinn.com
50) The Crown, Faringdon – Has a great courtyard where they entertain, with lots of outdoor events to enjoy and head chef Samuel Squires’ food to relish.
51) The Rusty, East Oxford – we love anyhow for its community buzz and fantastic pizzas, but check out its amazing garden and eating sheds and you’ll be solid gone.
52) Isis River Farmhouse, Oxford – only accessible by bike or foot, this wonderfully idyllic location offers a seasonal menu of wonderful small/large plates, salads, pies and burgers. https://www.theisisfarmhouse.co.uk
53) Arbequina, Cowley Road is famous for its incredible tapas which you can now enjoy via pavement dining while watching the colourful life on Cowley Road go by. Just make sure you book. https://arbequina.co.uk
54) The Feathered Nest, Nether Westcote – a foodie’s paradise thanks to head chef Matt Weedon(read our review here) which boasts some of the best views in the county. What’s not to like?
55) Gloucester Green Market, Oxford is bursting with exciting street food on Wednesdays, Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays from Korean to Thai, Peruvian to Nepalese and a wonderful seating area that brings you right into the heart of the action.
56) The Woodstock Arms, Woodstock – With chef patron Jonny Pugsley in the kitchen, enjoy his tasty food from the leafy courtyard garden
57) The Lamb Inn, Little Milton – the historic pub was reopened by Charmaine and Ben Tavassoly-Moss, and boasts an insanely large gardenhttp://551.326.mywebsitetransfer.com/exclusive-its-been-a-lifelong-dream-to-open-our-own-pub-the-new-look-lamb-inn-at-little-milton-finally-opens/
58) Mamma Mia, Summertown and Jericho – pizza and pasta on the terrace? Yes please. A great place to hang out and pretend you’re in Italy. If only…….
59) The Waterfront Cafe, Benson – riverside dining just by the marina. A hugely popular spot, great for lunches, teas and brunches.
60) Abingdon Arms, Beckley – worth booking for the views alone! An elegant terrace frames Otmoor as far as the eye can see. Throw in some lovely food and this community pub is a must! https://www.theabingdonarms.co.uk
61) Anchor, Jericho – Check out the Bedouin Tent at the North Oxford pub with covered, heated areas, lounge seating, toasty fire pits and a variety of home cooked and street food offerings. https://www.theanchoroxford.com
62) The Yurt at Nicholsons in North Aston has a huge and stylish outdoor eating area and with head chef Andrew Carr at the helm, the food is incredible. read our review here Go for breakfast or lunch. https://www.nicholsonsgb.com
63) Crown, Church Enstone– refurbished and reopened by Kate and Matt Beamish of the Kingham Plough, this is a proper Cotswold gastropub in an area rather lacking in good places to eat and with head chef Jason Christie in the kitchens, is well worth a visit. . Think classic with an upmarket twist. read our review here
64) Black Horse, Standlake – excels at the whole indoor/outdoor transformation perfectly. https://www.theblackhorsestandlake.com
65) The Bell at Langford should lure you in with its spacious outdoor offering as well as its mouth-watering food. https://www.thebelllangford.com
66) DISH, Harwell Campus near Didcot, offers outdoor street food shipping containers serving global cuisine, as well as seating and a roof terrace. So get out there while it’s hot! Read about it here: http://551.326.mywebsitetransfer.com/the-potential-is-huge-shipping-container-street-food-concept-hits-oxfordshire-as-dish-opens-at-harwell-near-didcot/
