Our Top 35 Places to Eat Al Fresco
The Angel, Henley on Thames
The Angel on the Bridge dates back to 1728. Probably one of the most photographed and painted pubs in England, because of its architecture and the amazing riverside location on the River Thames.
Tables on the terrace can’t be reserved and are first come, first served
Arbequina, Cowley Road
Known for it's wonderful tapas, like Onion tortilla, Beetroot borani, Hispi cabbage and Patatas bravas, Arbequina has now added pavement dining. Booking is essential. ust make sure you book. https://arbequina.co.uk
Beetle and Wedge, Moulsford on Thames
The Beetle and Wedge Boathouse is tucked away on the most stunning part of the River Thames. The menu includes Pan-fried Scallops in a Cauliflower Puree, Confit Pork Belly, Sole Meunière with brown shrimp and so much more. https://www.beetleandwedge.co.uk/
Benugo at The Ashmolean
The Ashmolean Rooftop Restaurant & Terrace is open daily for a delicious lunch, an indulgent afternoon tea or traditional cream tea while enjoying a great view of the city and the colleges from above. Floor to ceiling glass windows open out onto a large terrace which, in the warmer weather, visitors particularly appreciate the option of alfresco dining this allows
Black Horse, Standlake
Their award-winning executive head chef, Martin Sherriff, is classically French trained with a contemporary twist to his cooking. Known for his approach to game, fish, local Cotswold and foraged ingredients. Even if the sun isn’t, the Black Horse shines when it comes to outdoor eating. https://www.theblackhorsestandlake.com
Bistro at the Boathouse, Henley on Thames
Bistro at The Boathouse is a small, family-run Bistro over looking the Thames, with Shaun and Gemma Dickens leading the team. Casual and perfect for a quick bite or a leisurely lunch . .https://www.bistroattheboathouse.co.uk
Branca, Jericho
With a surprisingly large, beautiful terraced garden in the heart of Jericho, Branca is a delight for the senses. What's not to like - chilled gazpacho, Asparagus and pea risotto, steaks and burgers - the menu is fantastic. https://www.branca.co.uk
Cherwell Boathouse, Oxford
Undoubtedly one of the most wonderfully located spots in Oxfordshire, where outdoor dining is twinned with a classic English sense of occasion. Sit and watch the boats from the River Front dining area, the open sided conservatory or the marquee. https://cherwellboathouse.co.uk
Cinnamon Stick, Middle Barton
If you have never experienced this type of food before (often referred to as 'Lebanese' food), it is found in the regions of Lebanon, Syria and Jordan and now in Middle Barton.
Enjoy a Middle-Eastern mezze in their brand new outside Arabian Lounge. Similar to the Spanish tapas style of eating where you enjoy several dishes at a time, there is something for everyone; meat eaters, vegetarians and vegans alike
https://www.thecinnamonstick.co.uk
Read our review :
Duke of Marlborough, Woodstock
The Duke of Marlborough is a family friendly pub with rooms on the outskirts of Woodstock; offering a street food influenced menu, local real ales, expertly barista crafted locally sourced UE coffee, and a balanced wine list The large beer garden is a great place to sample the delightful menu inspired by the team's extensive travels around the world. https://www.dukeofmarlborough.co.uk
Fat Lils, Witney
From stone baked pizza, to Mexican tacos and classic burgers, there is bound to be something to sate your appetite. Drinking Cocktails on the pavement - so decadent and lovely.
https://fatlils.co.uk
The Feathers, Woodstock
The Feathers is an independent Oxfordshire hotel that is bursting with Cotswold charm and Oxfordshire heritage – not forgetting unique rooms and delicious food.
The Churchill Room at The Feathers, is fine-dining whilst for lunches, drinks, and light meals al fresco, The Chartwell’s Courtyard at The Feathers is the perfect place to go in Woodstock. https://www.feathers.co.uk
The Folly, Abingdon Road
The Folly provides simply served, excellent cooked dishes crafted from the freshest seasonal ingredients. The restaurant's terrace floats on the waters of the River Thames as she runs gently under Folly Bridge.
Gees, Oxford
Fundamentally a Mediteranean based restaurant in a most wonderful glasshouse.
A recent makeover has added a gallery and a outdoor dining area.
See our review of Gee's (pre the Makeover) https://iloveoxfordshire.com/lunching-at-gees-oxford/
https://www.geesrestaurant.co.uk
The Head Of The River, Oxford
This long standing Oxford pub has a large decked outdoor dining area ready to enjoy some sun kissed hours with a pint or two of Fullers, gazing at the scenic River Isis.
https://www.headoftheriveroxford.co.uk
Isis River Farmhouse, Oxford
Isis River farmhouse serves proper food, have lots of local beers and ales on tap and have a huge garden on the river
https://www.theisisfarmhouse.co.uk
Kingham Plough, Kingham
The Kingham Plough was made famous by chef patron and Great British Menu winner, Emily Watkins and Matt & Katie are continuing the Ploughs legacy of championing the very best fresh, local, seasonal ingredients. http://thekinghamplough.co.uk
Kings Arms, Sandford
The Kings Arms is situated by the river side in Sandford on Thames, Oxford and is a traditional pub restaurant with al fresco dining in those hot summer days.
Kings Arms Website
Lamb Inn, Crawley
There are beautiful terraces outside, spread over 3 levels with pizza ovens, BBQ, an outdoor restaurant (heated and covered for alfresco dining in the warmer months), a suntrap of a beer garden and an outdoor bar which can accommodate many people and has multiple [email protected]
Masons Arms, South Leigh
With garden and marquee, a casual menu served from its Garden BBQ including steaks and fresh lobster and mighty tasty Frozen Margaritas and Strawberry Daiquiris https://www.artistresidence.co.uk/masonarms/
The Mole Inn, Toot Baldon
The Mole Inn is a beautiful family owned AA Rosette country Pub & Restauran offering a mix of fine food, great wines, real ales and relaxed and friendly service. Dine within the beautiful & cosy restaurant or, weather permitting, dine outside in the truly stunning gardens, possibly one of the best restaurant gardens in Oxfordshire
Nags Head, Abingdon
This enchanting Abingdon pub icon an island in the Thames. They offer Fine dining inside or more traditional fare outside. They also do Wood Fired Pizzas.
Old Swan, Old Minster
In the middle of Old Minster you will find the Old Swan and its sister hotel, The Mill over the road. For fine dining, one should probably visit The Mill, but for more traditional pub fare, the menu at The Old Swan pub features a range of traditional favourites. The Sunday Lunch is incredibly good and so are the pies, I have been reliably informed. The gardens of the hotel are magica with wild flower meadows, river banks and a working water mill.
Orangery, Blenheim Palace
The Orangery is open Mon to Sat 12 -4. Enjoy the refined delights of Chicken liver and cognac pâté, apple chutney with brioche toast, Chalk Stream trout nicoise salad, Blenheim Estate lamb cutlets and Eton mess. With the wonderful backdrop of the Palace. https://www.blenheimpalace.com/visitus/cafes-restaurants/orangery/
The Plough, West Hanney
The tenants of The Plough are Owain Jones and local boy Luke Mayor. An award winning manager, and an award winning Head Chef.
Luke’s food style is modern British, with a passion for exciting local produce.
The Plough at Witney
There has been little opposition to its claim to be the ‘oldest pub in Witney’ and equally the only Witney pub with a river frontage – a fact enjoyed by many who have experienced a wonderful sunny day in The Plough’s long garden leading to the River Windrush. With a garden bar the Plough is perfect spot for a traditional pub lunch. https://theploughwitney.co.uk
Pompette, Summertown
Pompette is an independent restaurant and wine bar in Summertown, Oxford, from husband and wife duo Pascal and Laura Wiedemann.
Whilst being classically trained in French cookery, and from French roots, Pascal's culinary take at Pompette will take inspiration from across Europe
The Punter
The Punter, Osney Mead, Oxford – al fresco Vegetarian and Vegan dining by the river.
All food locally sourced
https://www.thepunteroxford.co.uk
Quod, Oxford
Regulars and visitors alike flock to Quod for its broad menu of European classics with an emphasis on British produce. Under there Covered Terrace over their Italian style garden you can have an enjoyable Mediterranean dining experience in the heart of the city, no matter what the weather throws at you. https://www.quod.co.uk
Swan Inn, Ascot under Wychwood
There’s an imaginative menu at this 16th century pub. Their signature burger with toffee apple sauce and blue cheese, sharing plates like flambée tart, or Shorthorn beef, and classics with a twist such as sea bream with roasted peppers and some scruffy desserts
The Trout, Wolvercote
The Trout Inn is a 17th century pub Positioned on the banks of the River Thames in Lower Wolvercote
https://www.thetroutoxford.co.uk
Victoria Arms, Old Marston
Situated on the banks of the River Cherwell in Old Marston, The Victoria Arms is a stunning riverside pub and restaurant with mooring available for punts on the River Cherwell. https://butcombe.com/the-victoria-arms-oxfordshire/
Waterfront Cafe, Benson
Sat adjacent to a Thames Marina in Benson this independent family owned waterside cafe has been a delight for three decades. A varied menu is on offer including Fish Cakes, Steaks and of course Fish and Chips. https://www.waterfrontcafe.co.uk
White Hart, Fyfield
Voted by The Independent as one of the TOP 50 pubs in England to visit post-lockdown this lovingly restored 15th century hostelry is in unforgettable setting. With a large garden and an Orangery its an ideal spot for great food whether full a la carte menus, pizzas or simply relaxed nibbles. https://www.whitehart-fyfield.com
The Yurt at Nicholsons
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. Open for breakfast or lunch. https://www.nicholsonsgb.com
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