20 Finest Coffeeshops and Cin Oxford to Go to

These are a number of the greatest espresso retailers and cafes in Oxford, as picked by an Oxford College alumna!

Oxford is thought for its lovely structure, the famend college and its Harry Potter filming places. However do you know that there’s additionally a tonne of wonderful unbiased cafes in Oxford?

Oxford’s ever-growing espresso scene is simply another excuse so as to add this to your UK bucket checklist.

After I was a pupil there, I beloved visiting these cafes for breakfast, examine breaks and catch ups with associates. Right here’s the low down on a number of the greatest espresso retailers and cafes that Oxford has to supply.

Learn extra: The Finest Locations for Brunch in Oxford

20 of the Finest Cafes in Oxford

Deal with Bar Cafe & Kitchen

Deal with Bar Cafe in Oxford is one among my favorite areas for a gradual breakfast. It’s positioned above a motorbike store and takes its inside inspiration from there. You’ll discover lofty ceilings, loads of gentle and the odd bike or three.

I’d counsel getting up early for a spot of avocado on toast (with feta, chilli and paprika!) after which getting your laptop computer out for a productive morning of labor. Alternatively, should you’re solely in Oxford for twenty-four hours then that is additionally the place my at some point Oxford itinerary begins!

The area can typically be very busy at mealtimes (they serve breakfast, lunch and dinner), however the in-between intervals are nice for knuckling down together with your tasks. After all, there’s loads of good espresso to gas you thru your session too!

Handle: 28-32 St Michael’s Avenue, OX1 2EB
Opening Hours: Varies. 8pm – 5/11pm
Web site: www.handlebaroxford.co.uk

The Lacking Bean

The Lacking Bean is, and at all times might be, an Oxford establishment. It’s a agency favorite amongst college students and locals alike due to its pleasant and relaxed ambiance. They promote their very own mix of home espresso in addition to ethically sourced coffees from around the globe.

There’s typically a queue going out the door for morning espresso so you understand it’s good!

The breakfast and lunch choices listed here are easy, however they hit the spot. A easy bagel and jam within the morning right here was one among my favorite methods to start out the day. They’ve a collection of sandwiches, with bread sourced from native bakeries, in addition to desserts and pastries.

Whether or not you go and keep for just a few hours or get your espresso to go, you merely should go to the Lacking Bean in your journey to Oxford. Be sure to get there early to nab one of many coveted window seats!

Handle: 14 Turl Avenue, OX1 3DQ
Opening Hours: 8am – 6:30pm Monday to Friday, 9am – 6:30pm Saturday, 10am – 5pm Sunday
Web site: www.themissingbean.co.uk

Gulp Fiction

Gulp Fiction is a brand new bookshop cafe in Oxford, and it’s already one among my favorite locations in Oxford. Each time I go to the town I come to Gulp Fiction and I’ve been dragging all my associates right here too! This bookshop cafe is positioned inside Oxford’s Lined Market within the centre of the town, so it’s a simple one to go to.

What I like is that they’ve tables or books dotted across the bookshop and if you are going to buy books from sure tables, you get a free espresso! Fairly wonderful deal, proper? It’s a dream for any e book and low lover.

On the downstairs stage there are many tables to at least one facet of the bookshop the place you’ll be able to sit and work, learn or chat to your pals. There are much more tables upstairs in a cute and cosy area the place you’ll discover the fiction and sci-fi books.

The workers are pleasant and actually educated about books – veritable bookworms themselves – so should you’re struggling to seek out one thing, they’ll be capable of give you some suggestions.

Handle: Unit 28, 29 Lined Market, Oxford OX1 3DU
Web site: gulpfictionbooks.com

Barefoot

Barefoot is positioned slightly manner out of the centre in Jericho nevertheless it’s 100% value making your manner on the market for these scrumptious desserts. Barefoot promote the easiest desserts in Oxford, which aren’t solely lovely however very, very tasty!

Their desserts are so good that they provide over 30 different Oxford cafes, pubs, eating places and so on. with their yummy creations. I do know their desserts could be discovered at numerous the opposite cafes on this checklist, so why not head to their fundamental store to find all they’ve to supply?

I’m secretly glad that it’s positioned away from the busy centre as a result of it meant {that a}) I wasn’t tempted to eat right here day by day and b) it wasn’t utterly overcrowded.

Their desserts are so lovely I feel one might class them as artwork and so yummy it must be unlawful so undoubtedly find time for Barefoot. It’s the type of place I’ll be conserving in thoughts if I’m on the lookout for a marriage cake (it’s that good)!

Handle: 74A Walton Avenue, Oxford, OX2 6EA
Opening Hours: 8am – 6pm day by day (9am on weekends)
Web site: www.barefootoxford.co.uk

The Grand Cafe

The Grand Cafe in Oxford has a fully attractive exterior that you simply’ll little question have observed should you’ve strolled down the excessive avenue.

It calls itself the oldest espresso home in England (relationship again to 1650!) so espresso lovers should take a step inside only for that cause.

It’s among the best locations for afternoon tea in Oxford and a great place to deal with your self after a day of exploring and even to carry the mother and father in the event that they’re visiting.

Handle: 84 Excessive St, Oxford OX1 4BG
Opening Hours: 9am – 6:30/7pm day by day
Web site: www.thegrandcafe.co.uk

Thirsty Meeples

Thirsty Meeples is slightly completely different from the opposite cafes on this checklist. It’s a board recreation cafe open from morning ’til midnight and a terrific area to spend a wet afternoon in Oxford. There are a whopping 2700 board video games to select from right here so there’s a lot to maintain you occupied!

You pay a canopy cost after which you might be free to play no matter you need. In case you aren’t consuming then it’s £7.50 for 3 hours play per grownup however should you’re going to order food and drinks sooner or later then it’s £6 for 3 hours as an alternative.

Learn Extra: Issues to Do in Oxford within the Night

In case you’re unsure what you need to play then the Sport Guru will help you choose an acceptable recreation primarily based on how lengthy you need to keep, what number of gamers there are and the way skilled you might be. What’s extra, should you fall in love with a recreation, you’ll be able to even purchase it!

You’ll possible want sustenance to maintain you going via that uber aggressive recreation of Threat however you’ll be able to relaxation assured that the food and drinks choices at Thirsty Meeples are additionally glorious.

My private advice is the coronation hen sandwich – it’s simply so good! It’s referred to as the Baratheon, which is a pleasant contact.

Handle: 99 Gloucester St, Oxford OX1 2DF
Opening Hours: 11am – 12pm day by day (9am on weekends)
Web site: thirstymeeples.co.uk

Brown’s Cafe

If you’re within the temper for an enormous fry up, Brown’s Cafe is the one. Their full English breakfast is positively monumental (see beneath!) and scrumptious. I’m a agency believer {that a} full English isn’t full with a big serving to of baked beans and it appears the oldsters at Brown’s Cafe agree.

Brown’s have been a fixture in Oxford’s Lined Market since 1924. It’s a historic Oxford establishment and in style amongst each locals and college students. Slightly slice of historical past stays on the partitions right here as the unique Brown’s menu is displayed on the wall. A full English used to value “1/9” and a cup of espresso was “4d” (4 pence).

It’s a stunning native cafe with scrumptious and fairly priced breakfasts that I’d extremely advocate.

Handle: 92, The Lined Market, Oxford OX1 3DY
Opening Hours: 8am-4pm weekdays, 8am-5pm Saturdays, 10am-3:30pm Sundays
Web site: https://oxford-coveredmarket.co.uk/merchants/browns/

Cafe Coco

Cafe Coco is away from the bustle of the town centre on the Cowley Street and price visiting should you’re venturing to East Oxford. This place is nearer to a restaurant than a restaurant and has some actually delicious meals choices.

There’s a variety on provide right here from a toasted sandwich (with an enormous serving to of fries) or a stupendous combined mezze platter laden with goodies.

In case you’re stopping by within the morning then there are many brunch choices to get pleasure from, together with the standard full English in addition to some more healthy choices like superfood porridge.

PLUS, the proprietor of this joint is definitely Florence Pugh’s Dad! Her faves are the garlic bread with tzatziki and chorizo pizza with chillis (she stated so right here!).

Handle: 23 Cowley Street , Oxford, OX4 1HP
Opening Hours: 10am-11pm weekdays, 9am ’til late on weekends
Web site: www.cafecoco.co.uk

Peloton Espresso

Peloton Espresso is one other biking cafe in Oxford serving up speciality espresso blends on the Cowley Street. I got here right here with a buddy seeking their scrumptious banana bread and I used to be not disillusioned. Pure. Toasted. Goodness.

And don’t get me began on the cinnamon swirls!

For these on the lookout for the right Instagram flatlay, additionally they do a number of the greatest latte artwork in Oxford. In case you’re extra within the biking facet, then additionally they do screenings of main biking occasions.

It’s slightly out of the way in which however value poking your head into should you’re within the Cowley space.

Handle: 76 Cowley Street, Oxford OX4 1JB
Opening Hours: 8am – 5pm weekdays; 9am – 5pm Saturdays; 10am – 5pm Sundays
Web site: www.pelotonespresso.com

Oxford Wine Cafe

Oxford Wine Cafe was once one among my favorite cafes for distant working in Oxford as a result of it’s normally very quiet through the day and you may get your self arrange at a big desk close to a plug.

It’s not too costly, regardless of the fancier setting than a number of the different cafes, and I loved each the breakfast and lunch choices.

At evening this turns right into a wine bar and is a pleasant place to get pleasure from a bottle of excellent wine with a platter of cheese.

Handle: 32 Little Clarendon Avenue
Opening Hours: 10am – 11pm day by day
Web site: oxfordwinecafe.co.uk

Vaults & Backyard

Vaults & Backyard Cafe is slap bang in the midst of Oxford in Radcliffe Sq.. You’ll undoubtedly go previous it while you’re in Oxford as a result of it’s reverse the Radcliffe Digital camera, Oxford’s iconic spherical library.

The very best time to go to the Vaults & Backyard is in the summertime so you’ll be able to sit on the patio outdoors and search for on the lovely Radcliffe Digital camera.

The cafe is related to the church behind it and so within the winter the inside part generally is a little darkish and I want to go on a pleasant sunny day and nab an out of doors desk.

Learn Extra: Issues to Do in Oxford within the Summer time

The Vaults & Backyard is nice for breakfast, lunch, or perhaps a spot of cream tea. You may get an infinite (and scrumptious) scone, clotted cream and jam, a pot of tea and wonderful views for £6.40.

Handle: College Church, Excessive Avenue, Oxford, OX1 4AH
Opening Hours: 8am – 6pm day by day
Web site: www.thevaultsandgarden.com

Jericho Espresso Merchants

Jericho Espresso Merchants is usually shrouded behind misty home windows which steam up simply however this small espresso store is among the greatest in Oxford.

There isn’t a lot seating inside and it’s a preferred institution so it wouldn’t be high of my checklist for locations to go should you’re hoping to have a natter with a buddy or do some work as you by no means know if there might be room. It’s nice for seize and undergo!

Handle: 105 Excessive Avenue, Oxford, OX1 4BW
Opening Hours: 8:30am – 5:30pm Monday to Friday; 9am – 5:30pm Saturday; 9am – 5pm Sunday
Web site: www.jerichocoffeetraders.com

Society Cafe

Society Cafe is a small chain with branches in Oxford, Bristol and Tub. The Oxford department sits reverse the Oxford Union and is a straightforward area with minimalist interiors.

There are many very small tables dotted round so it’s a favorite spot for college kids to work in. For many who work extra collaboratively, there’s a big desk within the center which is sweet for small teams.

There’s a variety of cold and hot drinks obtainable and I consider they get their desserts from Barefoot, the cake store I discussed above.

There are little touches that make me love this place just like the tea timer you get so you’ll be able to have the right brew, the tradition magazines dotted round and the gorgeous latte artwork!

Handle: 12-16 St Michael’s St, Oxford OX1 2DU
Opening Hours: 7:30am – 6:30pm Monday to Friday; 8am – 6:30pm Saturday; 9:30am – 6pm Sunday
Web site: www.society-cafe.com

BREW

BREW is the furthest cafe from the centre of Oxford on this checklist however due to that it’s much less busy than these different espresso retailers and has a pleasant, relaxed ambiance.

There’s a document participant within the nook, which is normally taking part in jazz music, and the darkish woody interiors make BREW appear extra homey.

As that is fairly a small area, you’re much less prone to discover folks and their laptops right here.

They serve teas and pastries on essentially the most lovely blue and white china teacups and plates and the cinnamon buns are scrumptious.

A cup of espresso at BREW is slightly pricier than at these different cafes however it’s a speciality espresso store and so they know what’s what in terms of espresso. Their monumental classic copper espresso machine isn’t just for present!

Handle: 75B Banbury Street, Oxford OX2 6PE
Opening Hours: 7:30am – 5:30pm Monday to Friday; 8:30am – 5pm Saturday; 8:30am – 4pm Sunday
Web site: www.brewoxford.co.uk

Jericho Cafe

Jericho Cafe will not be as fashionable as a few of these different new and stylish cafes in Oxford nevertheless it’s a agency favorite within the Jericho space. It’s identified for its pleasant workers and tremendous relaxed ambiance and each locals and college students adore it.

It’s a terrific place to go to if you wish to pattern numerous Oxford’s highest meals because the bread is from the Pure Bread Firm, the desserts are from Barefoot and low is from The Lacking Bean!

One of many issues I like about Oxford is how collaborative all the companies on this small metropolis are. It’s so good to see a thriving group of unbiased companies.

Additionally, order the bacon and egg waffles.

Handle: 112 Walton Avenue, Oxford OX2 6AJ
Opening Hours: Varies. Round 8am – 7pm day by day, late shut weekends
Web site: www.thejerichocafe.co.uk

Opera Cafe

The meals at Opera Cafe is a number of the greatest within the Jericho space of Oxford. They serve up scrumptious meals at very respectable costs, all in a cute cafe with a really pleasant ambiance.

The meals is home made and if you wish to attempt one thing a bit completely different then go for the Morrocan crepes that are their speciality.

There are a large number of vegetarian choices and milk substitutes in your espresso making it nice for vegans and veggies too.

In the summertime months, you’ll be able to sit on the small patio space outdoors and luxuriate in recent meals out within the solar. It’s most likely not sufficient to persuade you that you simply’ve been transported to Morocco however you’ll be able to shut your eyes and take a look at.

Handle: 31 Walton St, Oxford OX2 6AA
Opening Hours: 8am – 7pm day by day (9am weekends)

Natural Deli Cafe

Natural Deli Cafe is tucked down an alleyway main off from Magdalen Avenue so it may very well be very simple to overlook. Half cafe, half deli, that is the place to come back for recent produce and healthful meals.

As you make your manner down the alley you’ll see containers and crates filled with vivid, recent greens and also you’ll know you’ve discovered the appropriate place.

Upstairs within the cafe, you’ll be able to look forward to finding vivid and vibrant bowls and plates of meals, which is able to depart you full and able to tackle the remainder of the day. They promote typical cafe fare: sandwiches, salads, jacket potatoes, eggs on toast and extra however every chunk is wholesome and hearty.

They’re actually good at catering for various dietary necessities and are comfortable to make swaps to their menu gadgets to go well with you should you ask properly!

Handle: 24 Friars Entry, Oxford OX1 2BY
Opening Hours: 8am – 6pm
Web site: www.organicwholefoods.co.uk

G&Ds

George & Danvers, extra generally known as G&Ds, is known in Oxford for its home made ice cream. Whether or not it was for the distinctive ice cream flavours or tasty pizza bagels, I used to be an everyday at G&Ds throughout my time at Oxford.

There are a number of branches in Oxford, all of that are pretty giant, and because it opens early and closes at midnight, it’s a certain wager should you’re unsure the place to eat or snack.

In case you’re visiting Oxford in the summertime then they may even be promoting G&Ds from the ice cream bike outdoors the store, which is a pleasant contact.

Handle: 94 St Aldate’s, Oxford, OX1 1BT
Opening Hours: 8am – midnight day by day
Web site: www.gdcafe.com

Georgina’s Cafe

Georgina’s Cafe is a hidden gem in Oxford’s Lined Market. It’s not the simplest place to seek out should you don’t know what you’re on the lookout for because the cafe is definitely positioned on the primary flooring above the cafe signal.

Enter from the Excessive Avenue, subsequent to Whittard and Chelsea, and carry on that path you need to finally see the indicators for Georgina’s in your left. Go up the stairwell with giant vibrant work lining it and also you’re there.

Georgina’s serves up no-frills good meals that’s good for a fast chunk to eat. They’ve an genuine Greek meals menu, which is all home made, and salads are made recent each day. Good portion sizes too!

Additionally, the decor is one thing particular and I didn’t know the place to focus my eyes once I first visited! There’s a pink/pink theme happening with numerous posters up on the partitions and ceilings.

Handle: The Lined Market Turl Avenue, Oxford OX1 3DQ
Opening Hours: 9:30am – 4pm Monday to Saturday, 10am – 4pm

Fashionable Artwork Oxford Cafe

The Ashmolean is essentially the most well-known museum in Oxford however there are many smaller ones, equivalent to Fashionable Artwork Oxford, value exploring too. There’s a lot happening right here from exhibitions to workshops and performances and the cafe area is nice for working in.

With good huge work tables, it’s a nice area for collaborative working and there’s free wifi too. There isn’t an intensive menu however there’s normally a collection of soups, tarts, toasties and salads to maintain you going after searching the exhibitions or a piece session.

Handle: 30 Pembroke Avenue, Oxford OX1 1BP
Opening Hours: 10am – 5pm Tuesday to Saturday, 12 – 5pm Sunday
Web site: www.modernartoxford.org.uk/cafe

Learn how to get to Oxford

By Practice 

There are common trains from all main UK stations to Oxford. If you’re coming from London, you will have to go by way of London Paddington. Oxford station is slightly manner out of the town centre however you’ll be able to then take a bus or stroll into city.

E book by way of the Trainline for the most cost effective tickets.

By Bus

In case you’re planning to come back by bus, goal to get off at both Oxford Excessive Avenue or Gloucester Inexperienced bus station relying in your first Oxford vacation spot.

The Oxford Tube is an excellent handy and low cost bus service that’ll take you from the centre of London straight into the center of Oxford. In case you’re taking this route, I’d advocate getting off on the Excessive Avenue so to stroll to Radcliffe Sq. in simply 3 minutes. 

By Automobile

Oxford is well accessible by way of the M4, M25, M40 and A roads.

The place to Keep in Oxford

Pin now, learn once more later!

This submit was up to date in October 2024.