The Turf is one of Oxford's oldest pubs. It is accessible only down a narrow alley, nestling up against a section of the old city wall. For trivia buffs, this was the scene of the hero's courting in Thomas Hardy's, 'Jude the Obscure'. Inside, the low-ceilinged rooms are arranged on two levels. Outside, there are rows of benches in the courtyard, which is warmed by braziers in the winter. The Turf offers a good range of beers, lagers and real ales, plus mulled wine on colder nights. Food is served from noon until 8pm.
Set in a beautiful plant-filled conservatory, Gee's is perfect for summer dining. The high ceiling and huge windows give this restaurant a very airy feel. It is almost always full for lunch and dinner, and is a favorite for family celebrations. The menu is always diverse and the seafood can be especially interesting.
Oli's Thai is a restaurant located in the bustling neighborhood of Iffley in Oxford. It is a very popular restaurant in the area that serves authentic Thai delicacies. On the menu, they have the duck Panang curry, pad Thai, stir- fried tofu and prawn crackers. The place is quite cozy but is definitely one of the best spots to enjoy a good meal.
With its pontoon on the Thames, its view of passing river craft and the honey-colored stone of Folly Bridge, this is one of the most agreeable places to relax in the city-center. The varied and interesting menu is particularly strong on seafood, but there are also light meals, snacks and drinks available throughout the day. The interior is conservatory style, with plenty of light, and windows overlooking the water. The staff are friendly and ready to assist. Ten minutes walk from the university and city center, and you can come in by boat too.
Although part of a chain, Pierre Victoire does manage to convey the sense of being a truly authentic French restaurant; it is even managed by a French lady! Wooden tables and rickety wooden stairs dominate the restaurant's closely packed two floors. With its intimate lighting, Pierre Victoire is suitable for both families or couples, groups might be a bit squeezed, and the Edith Piaf background music certainly gets you in the right frame of mind. The food here is delightful, particularly the juicy and succulent duck. Look out for the lunchtime bargains.
An evening at Aziz will feel like a special evening out, so dismiss any mundane images of your local curry house. The restaurant is located within The Tree Hotel and has garnered numerous awards in the more than two decades of its inception. The interiors are done up in mellow hues, with soft, warm lighting and minimal decor. The usual dishes are on offer, but the quality of the ingredients makes all the difference.
Situated on Lambourn Road in Newbury, The Woodspeen Restaurant is a great place to visit for food lovers. This sophisticated restaurant is set in a farmhouse that was constructed back in the 19th century. Established in 2013, this restaurant was previously a pub. The restaurant’s seasonal menu includes a variety of flavorful dishes that are prepared with locally-available ingredients. Apart from wines, patrons can also try out the restaurant’s specially-crafted gin. During the warm summer months, patrons can sit outdoors on the terrace and enjoy the scenic views it has to offer.
Jee Saheb has only been around for few years but already has quite a reputation. A great deal of attention has been paid to the decor, and the softly lit interior and statues dotted around the room give an impression of luxury. There are both booths and large tables for either intimacy or group fun. The soft Indian music is never grating and can actually act as quite a soothing accompaniment to your digestion. Taking its menu from India, Pakistan and Bangladesh, Jee Saheb has more range than most competing restaurants. The quails and seafood not often associated with Indian food are particularly recommended. It's a little more expensive than its competitors, but the extra gusto is worth the extra cash.
This is a real Italian restaurant, run by Mario, who certainly doesn't let business get in the way of pleasure. This multi-tiered restaurant looks like something straight out of Naples. The food is wonderful and the wine is excellent too. The pizzas are the best you're going to have in the city, so you'd be foolish to miss out. The starters are simple, but everything is very well prepared and the ingredients used are superb.
This warm and welcoming 400 year-old brick and flint inn lies close to the glorious beech-clad Chilterns.