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 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
2) 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.
3) Meet Point Cafe, Summertown – purely outdoor, with covered areas, and a huge in the extensive courtyard garden, enjoy the Indian street food, great coffee, milkshakes, lassis and more in the sunshine.
4) Cherwell Boathouse, Oxford – Arguably the most picturesque location in Oxford, it 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
5) Kibou, Little Clarendon Street, Oxford – has a gorgeous terrace out the back, as well as a huge conservatory where you can dine on the sumptuous Japanese menu and relax in style! And with Tokyo Nights to enjoy every Friday night in the summer complete with DJs you know where to head https://kibou.co.uk/locations/kibou-oxford
6) The Star, Rectory Road, off Cowley Road – Calling itself the best beer garden in Oxford you can see why, and as it’s just off the main drag, has an off the beaten track vibe that’s very enticing.
7) 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.
8) Pompette, Oxford – terraced eating at its best – dine in style and watch the world go by as you dine on the Alsace-Lorraine based menu and fabulous cocktails. Tres chic!
9) Tap Social, Botley – Tap’s pizzas are a big draw at the Botley brewery, as well as its eclectic partnerships with local foodie vendors, with the added bonus of Tap Social’s own brewed beer. Go to https://www.tapsocialmovement.com
10) 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
11) 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 cocktail menu, this is a great place to hang out! https://www.whitehart-fyfield.com
12) 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.
13) 35) The Feathers, Woodstock. The new look restaurant and garden have just reopened after an extensive refurb with multiple indoor/outdoor eating options, a pizza over and some mighty fine cocktails in the beautiful courtyard – a little oasis in the busy town. https://www.feathers.co.uk
14) The Oxford Blue, Iffley Road – The 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.
15) 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.
16) 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
17) The Feathered Nest, Nether Westcote – a foodie’s paradise thanks to head chef Renemar Pinedo (EXCLUSIVE: We talk to The Feathered Nest’s new, ex-Manoir, head chef Rene Pinedo) which boasts some of the best views in the county. What’s not to like?
18) 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!
19) 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!
20) 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.
21) 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
22) 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.
23) 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
24) 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
25) 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
26) 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.
27) 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
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 Cheese Shed, Nettlebed Creamery – Literally made for the outdoors in all its incarnations, full of dog walkers, hikers and families desperate for one of their infamous toasties. With lots of parking
30) 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.
31) 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
32) 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
33) 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
34) Double Red Duke, Clanfield. A picture perfect setting for an al fresco extravaganza. Join the beautiful people and dine in style.
35) KazBar/Cocos – Cowley Road – Now that Dawson Street has been pedestrianised you can gorge on tapas outside and actually feel like you’re abroad!
36) 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.
37) 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
38) 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.
39) Killingworth Castle, Wootton – dine in splendour in the Killy’s sunny garden in this beautiful Oxfordshire village
40) The Duke, Woodstock – a packed schedule of fun events and a gorgeous garden from where you can enjoy its delicious upmarket pub grub vibe, which makes this a hugely popular spot.
41) The Plough in West Hanney is always busy and fun, their extensive garden the site of numerous fabulous events (there’s an all day anniversary party on May 24) and top nights out, or just enjoy some appetising food in their picturesque grounds. read about it here
42) Slow & Steady, Abingdon Rd, Oxford – Such a great outdoor space for the huge pizza and burger offering provided by Dodo. Cycle there or walk across Christchurch Meadows. https://dodopubs.com/the-slow-and-steady/
43) 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
44) 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/
45) The Edge Deli, Witney – lots of outdoor seating at its new cafe/deli from where you can try its daily changing menu and soak up some rays at any time of day.
46) 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.
47) Black Horse Thame, such a beautiful outdoor area where you can soak up the sun and enjoy the classic French cooking.
48) 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
49) The Bell, Charlbury – not only has a lovely courtyard terrace but an extensive garden where you can enjoy the nostalgic and seasonal food.
50) 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.
51) Kingham Plough, Kingham – Offers a variety of outdoor dining to accompany its exquisite food. http://thekinghamplough.co.uk
53) 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
54) 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. https://www.themoleinn.com
55) 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
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 garden http://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) 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
62) Black Horse, Standlake – excels at the whole indoor/outdoor transformation perfectly. https://www.theblackhorsestandlake.com
63) The Bell at Langford should lure you in with its spacious outdoor offering as well as its mouth-watering food. https://www.thebelllangford.com
64) 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
65) The Covered Market‘. Not exactly open air but its new hospitality friendly, late night opening ethos incorporates all sorts of cafes, bars and restaurants meaning you can sit and eat everything from pizza and gyros with a pint, wine or coffee in the communal eating areas. And with Arbequina and Lula’s opening up this summer it’s going to be the place to be!
66) The Plough at Witney and under new ownership, it 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
67) 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/
