The OXINABOX FOOD AWARDS are back! We will be celebrating our sixth ceremony at The North Wall on June 29, with a fabulous after party at OXTWO in Summertown, and the famous ‘morning after’ breakfast at Dishoom on June 30 in Oxford.
Sponsored by headliners Wise Investment, Jolly Foods, The Oxford Collection and SOMA Collab, as well as Oxford Fine Dining, Grape Minds, Dishoom and Tap Social, the voting has kicked off, with a different category released every day.
Here to give Oxfordshire’s hospitality industry a much needed boost, a massive pat on the back and the recognition and attention it deserves after such a difficult year, we have really pushed the boat out. And all we need you to do is vote for your favourites.
So welcome to the OXINABOX Food Awards 2026 and here is our second category Best Cafe 2026. VOTE HERE: https://www.surveyhero.com/c/umrgqrra
In alphabetical order, the nominations for Best Cafe 2026 are:
Bruern Farm Cafe, near Chipping Norton – perched amidst some beautiful countryside, situated next to its farm shop, it pulls a regular crowd despite its remote location, its hearty brunch and lunch menus, and historic but light, bright interior packed with families and friends catching up over coffees, toasties, salads and fry ups. https://www.surveyhero.com/c/umrgqrra
Bakery On The Hill, Burford – bursting with freshly baked goods which entice you as soon as you walk in, alongside some delicious breakfast, brunch and lunch options, or a lovely cup of tea or coffee. New to the Cotswold town, the cafe also benefits from a sunny courtyard, and further seating upstairs. Vote here https://www.surveyhero.com/c/umrgqrra
Blakes Kitchen, Clanfield – Its fans are legendary, people flocking from far and wide for their infamous sandwiches, bread, cakes, pastries and lardy cakes, or a light lunch, at this family bakery, or its branch at Soho Farmhouse up the road. Vote here https://www.surveyhero.com/c/umrgqrra
Brown’s, Covered Market – With coffee shops popping up left, right and centre, we must celebrate the traditional and unashamed greasy spoons, this one of the last remaining in Oxford, where a good fry up is available all day at the formica tables, as well as classics like pies or ham, egg and chips. Vote here https://www.surveyhero.com/c/umrgqrra
Cheese Shed Hub, Nettlebed – its toasties are literally next level, as are its homemade soups, smoothies, juices, teas and coffees. Chilled, rustic and charming, its indoor and outdoor seating and bounteous shop, are also a big draw. https://www.surveyhero.com/c/umrgqrra
Corner House, Eynsham – It may only be open on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays, but when you know, you know! Because Jimmy Rossiter’s cafe is beloved, his constantly changing daily specials all cooked in his open plan kitchen, demonstrating real prowess and imagination. Throw in his monthly pop up suppers where Jimmy flexes his culinary muscles further and you’ll understand the hype. Vote here https://www.surveyhero.com/c/umrgqrra
Edge Eatery, Witney – always evolving, with The Edge Deli just up the road in a business centre, this is still our favourite, the original premises continuing to pull in the punters, with their ever changing, global street food, despite new cafes sprouting up around them. Fun, funky and friendly. Vote here https://www.surveyhero.com/c/umrgqrra
Farm and Table, Wykham Park – Pawel Walkiewicz’s passion for curing and pickling is reflected on his menus, the converted brick cafe space with its mezzanine level accommodating everyone who flocks from far and wide. Their Sunday lunch is another big pull. Vote here https://www.surveyhero.com/c/umrgqrra
Grain Store, Middle Aston – Helen Taylor’s vision and lifetime dream is fully realised here on a former farm site, where her enticing menu results in endless streams of customers popping in for lunch, brunch and pop up dinners in the relaxed atmosphere and airy, light interior. Vote here https://www.surveyhero.com/c/umrgqrra
Green Routes, East Oxford – A notorious hot spot amongst the young and discerning, their plant-based street-food wows with imaginative sloppy joes, pancake stacks, brunches, lunches and fine coffee courtesy of Routes Coffee. Consistently popular for good reason. Vote here https://www.surveyhero.com/c/umrgqrra
Gulp Fiction, Oxford’s Covered Market – Is it a coffee shop or a bookstore? Both seem to co-exist pretty well together in this lively hub which hosts talks, quizzes, comedy nights, author readings and so much more. Or just pop in for a cup of coffee, tea and a chat. Vote here https://www.surveyhero.com/c/umrgqrra
Handlebar Cafe and Kitchen, Oxford – Never one to rest on its laurels, this gorgeous cafe nestled above a former bike shop, hidden down St Michael Street, continues to serve a vibrant and ambitious menu batting way above traditional cafe fare. With the extra bonus of extensive outdoor seating come summer, it continues to demonstrate the importance of independent businesses. Vote here https://www.surveyhero.com/c/umrgqrra
Il Botanico, Oxford and Headington – Founded in 2019 by Giambattista Selvaggio and Gioia D’Errico, everything here is made from scratch with an Italian twist. Their pastries defy belief from their delicious collection of Italian delicacies and cakes, it’s got it all going on! Vote here https://www.surveyhero.com/c/umrgqrra
Il Corno, Covered Market, Oxford – not only the most authentic Neapolitan offering you’ll find, but the incredible Clemente family ensure that panuozzo (a pizza sandwich served in Naples), tarallis and numerous other specialities are on hand, delivered in a bright, joyful space that hosts talks and event evenings on a regular basis. Authentic and passionate to its core, Oxford is lucky to have it. Vote here https://www.surveyhero.com/c/umrgqrra
Ma Cherie, Abingdon – cafe by day/wine bar by night and always fully booked at weekends, Suni Rasim did the right thing when he spotted that the market town needed something a bit different, hiss quirky cafe an immediate hit. Vote here https://www.surveyhero.com/c/umrgqrra
Milkshed, Weston On The Green – The new owners haven’t changed this gorgeous cafe and its Cornish style food, thankfully. Always popular thanks to its tempting menus and daily specials, from chowder to pancakes, giant sandwiches to ice cream, it’s as popular as ever. Vote here https://www.surveyhero.com/c/umrgqrra
No.14 Wesley Walk, Witney – Bridging the gap between cafe classics and some more ambitious dishes, its skilled kitchen team ensures that fresh, tasty and inspired food is on tap for its popular regulars in this relaxed, friendly cafe. Vote here https://www.surveyhero.com/c/umrgqrra
Old Fire Station Cafe, run by Damascus Rose Kitchen, caters for all people from office workers and tourists to students and friends, all flocking for some of the best Middle-Eastern food that you’ll find anywhere in Oxfordshire. Cooked with love and pride by female Syrian refugees, it is easy on the pocket and covers all the bases. Vote here https://www.surveyhero.com/c/umrgqrra
Oxford Brunch Bar, Oxford – enormously popular, it’s always hard to get a table, its extensive brunch offering covering all the bases, whether it’s couples, friends or families getting together. Brunch is the way forward it would seem! Vote here https://www.surveyhero.com/c/umrgqrra
Proof Social Bakehouse, Kennington – The former BEST CAFE winners continue to thrive on this industrial estate, people queueing out the door, despite its unusual location, its inventive bakery produce repeatedly surprising while its quality never waivers. The perfect escape and obvious place to swing by for some of its fabulous freshly baked bread and pastries, baked right in front of you. Vote here https://www.surveyhero.com/c/umrgqrra
Quince and Clover, Great Tew – A Cotswold favourite with the well-heeled and many a celeb, its freshly made food and exciting menu, mixed with some old school classics, ensures a continual stream of customers. Its location overlooking the village green adds that quintessential edge. Vote here https://www.surveyhero.com/c/umrgqrra
Rise & Flour, Milton-under-Wychwood – From huevos ranchos to their pancake pileup and even eggs and soldiers, this charming cafe in the converted Elms Yard bustles with independent businesses and is well worth a visit. Vote here https://www.surveyhero.com/c/umrgqrra
Tree Artisan Cafe, Little Clarendon Street, Oxford – Owner Graziella Ascensao’s passion and dedication to her cafe continues unabated in this sweet venue where a cheery smile, delicious sandwiches and cakes and some fantastic coffee are always on offer. Famous for its coffee art. Another great independent worth applauding. Vote here https://www.surveyhero.com/c/umrgqrra
Yellow Submarine – Witney, Oxford, a fabulous charity run cafe co-staffed by trainees with learning disabilities. Expect great vibes, award-winning bakes, iconic toasties, great coffee and big smiles all round. Leave with a different perception on disability. Vote here https://www.surveyhero.com/c/umrgqrra
Waste 2 Taste, Cowley – so much more than a cafe, situated on the side of a nursing home, it not only encapsulates everything that is good in the world with its sustainable stance, using food waste to create its heart-warming menu, but is really accessible to all. The staff couldn’t be friendlier, their clients photographs all over the wall, and the residents must be the happiest pensioners in the world, because the menu is epic. Vote here https://www.surveyhero.com/c/umrgqrra
There are 10 categories and we will be announcing one every day for the next 10 days. These include BEST NEWCOMER, BEST PUB/BAR, BEST CAFE, BEST RESTAURANT, BEST VEGGIE/VEGAN OFFERING, BEST CHEF, BEST GASTROPUB, BEST CASUAL DINING, BEST INTERNATIONAL and OXFORDSHIRE HOSPITALITY WOMAN OF THE YEAR
The top four nominations from each category will be invited to the glittering ceremony where the winners will be announced, so get voting and pick your favourite.
You can only vote once in each category, so keep voting every day in all 10 categories! Voting ends mid June. Vote here https://www.surveyhero.com/c/umrgqrra
