5 reasons why Oxford needs to be your next foodie break
Discover the best things to do in Oxford for food lovers…
Gourmands in search of their next destination for a foodie break in Britain should look no further than one of the south east’s prettiest cities, where many of the top things to do in Oxford are centred around food, making it a fine choice for indulging in one of life’s greatest pleasures on a weekend break.
Whatever your culinary style, whether you’re looking to eat like a local in a cosy pub, or splash the cash in a top-notch restaurant at Oxford hotels, here are five reasons why an Oxford city break needs to be on your foodie bucket list…
You can browse deliciously fresh produce at a historic market
Oxford’s home of independent shopping, the Covered Market dates back to the 18th century and is a hub of wonderfully unique retailers. Eating here is an experience you won’t find anywhere else in the city, with a huge variety of produce to choose from.
Kick-start your day with a full English breakfast at Browns, watch the skilled bakers of The Cake Shop create masterpieces and quench your thirst at a juice bar, coffee shop or the rooftop cocktail bar.
There's Michelin-starred decadence at one of Britain’s best hotels
Consistently rated one of the top hotels in the UK by TripAdvisor reviewers, Belmond Le Manoir is the ultimate spot for a gourmet getaway, located in the village of Great Milton, just a few miles from Oxford.
Tucked away in the Oxfordshire countryside, the luxury hotel’s Michelin-starred restaurant has Raymond Blanc at the helm, bringing exceptional dining that used quality organic produce.
Check into the honey-coloured five-star hotel on this exclusive escape, which includes dinner and a signed copy of Raymond’s A Taste of My Life book.
The riverside dining offers utter bliss
Serving understated but upscale European dishes on the banks of the River Cherwell, restaurant at Cherwell Boathouse showcases a delightfully creative menu.
Founded in 1904, the restaurant can be found within the authentic Victorian working boathouse and is a great spot to relax. After your meal, why not enjoy an afternoon on the river by hiring a punt?
You can enjoy a marmalade-inspired pint of beer
The first batch of Frank Cooper’s marmalade was made in Oxford in 1874. Today, you can experience Oxford’s marmalade heritage with a trip towards the Cotswolds to visit the Hook Norton Brewery.
The passionate family business brews a range of award-winning beers, many of which are inspired by the city’s marmalade history. Here, you can take a brewery tour, learn modern beer brewing methods and buy marmalade made by the brewery.
The Ashmolean Museum's rooftop serves up a feast
After an afternoon of exploring the streets of Oxford, stop at the top of the world’s first public museum; the venerable Ashmolean. The Ashmolean Rooftop Terrace boasts exclusive views across the city's spires, with a world of ancient history quite literally beneath your feet.
The restaurant lives up to its spectacular setting, with seasonally prepared European dishes in a unique dining location.
Roshina is a contributing editor to Hearst UK. She was previously Senior Travel Editor, where she covered titles including Country Living, Red, ELLE, Harper's Bazaar and Good Housekeeping.
When she's not scoping out the next destinations we should explore (Uzbekistan, the Austrian Alps, Tbilisi), she loves revisiting old favourites (Mauritius, the Dolomites, Istanbul) and spending summer in the mountains - especially when hiking or wrapped in a spa robe.
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