TOP 65+: 2023’s best pub gardens, alfresco cafes and restaurants in Oxfordshire! Where to eat, drink and soak up the sun

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 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.

2) The White Hart, Fyfield – now boasts an orangery, as well as an extensive garden with outdoor kitchen and pizza oven, it’s all going on – from fine dining to something more casual and the summer menu is spectacular. What are you waiting for?

3) The Plough in West Hanney (see main pic), has recently been taken over by Owain Llwyd Jones and talented chef Luke Mayor who can not only ply you with some momentous food but sit you in their picturesque garden. read about it here

4) 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.

5) 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 new head chef Jason Christie in the kitchens, is well worth a visit. . Think classic with an upmarket twist. read our review here

6) 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

7) KazBar and Cocos – Cowley Road – Now that Dawson Street has been pedestrianised you can dine outside via Coco’s by day and KazBar by night. Think Mediterranean brunches and lunches followed by the Moroccan tapas in the evenings. You can’t book so just turn up and enjoy.

8) New look Gees, Oxford – it always feels like you are outside at Gees, with its glasshouse interior, but after a massive refurb it has reopened with even more outdoor dining options under head chef Matt Smith.

9) The Mole Inn, Toot Baldon – not only is the food delicious but the garden is enchanting as well, with little hidden pockets for you to dine in style.

10) 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.

11) The Wild Rabbit, Kingham – has a huge, 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

12) 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. What’s not to like?

13) The Perch, Binsey – has always had lots of dining options thanks to its extensive lawn leading down to the river beyond with outdoor tables and a marquee.

14) Worton Kitchen Garden Cafe, Cassington – couldn’t be any beautiful at this time of year (see main pic). 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

15) 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.

16) 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!

17) Cherwell Boathouse, Oxford – has arguably the best location in Oxford and is especially well presented for outdoor dining. Sit and watch the punts slide past from this classic Oxford setting, with sophisticated food to match.

18) Waterfront Cafe, Benson – Enjoy the vast outside covered decking area, thanks to the newly installed additional outside heaters and new roof to create extra cover, you’ll be cosier than you think.

19) Anchor, Jericho – Check out the Bedouin Tent at the North Oxford pub with covered, heated areas, lounge seating,toasty fire pits and a variety of home cooked and street food offerings.

20) The Old Parsonage, Oxford – Quintessential Oxford, with an immaculate covered terrace right in central Oxford and some charming food to match.

21) Silvie’s East Oxford – this charming Iffley Road cafe is not only one of Oxford’s best kept secrets but hidden away at the back boasts a gorgeous garden where you can enjoy the best brunches, lunches cakes and coffee this side of the Magdalen Bridge.

22) Quod, Oxford – The Italian Garden Terrace now has a roof when needs be, meaning you can dine is style whatever the weather.

23) The Vaults and Garden, Oxford – settle into the historic space in the eaves of  University Church of St Mary the Virgin and enjoy light brunches, cakes, lunches, salads or cream teas while enjoying the spectacular sights of Radcliffe Square. A respite from city life with an incredible dedication to locally sourced food.

24) 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 for dinner. Check the website for opening times.

25) 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.

26) White House, Abingdon Road – Tap Social has transformed its former car park into a beer garden with bright and colourful tables and lots of plants and greenery. Throw in head chef Michael Carr’s epic food and you’re onto a winner.

27) 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. Reservations are essential due to its popularity.

28) The White House, Bladon – A massive community effort to paint and build the extensive garden has been a stunning success. Expect a willow weave fence, newly grassed raised area and the prospect of good pub food thanks to head chef Ben Bullen at this community pub.

29) 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.

30) The Fishes – Hinksey – Always a beautiful spot, but particularly appreciated from the verandah. The teepee is also back which you can book.

31) The Greyhound, Letcombe Regis – with new head chef Martin Sherriff at the helm and a spanking new menu to enjoy, why not venture down to its revamped garden in this quintessential Oxfordshire village?

32) The Thatch, Thame – Always a lovely spot for outside dining with its terrace at the back and the prospect of adding high bar tables at the front, permission pending.

33) Killingworth Castle, Wootton – dine in splendour in the Killy’s sunny garden in this beautiful Oxfordshire village pub’s historic beauty – the food’s worth the trip alone!

34) The Plough at 38, Oxford – Best for people watching – take full advantage of this classic Oxford city centre pub’s location.

35) Cinnamon Stick, Middle Barton – There’s something about eating Middle-Eastern mezze in a proper souk tent that only enhances the experience…….

36) Tap Social, Botley – At the Botley brewery, the eclectic partnerships with local foodie vendors continues with the added bonus of heaters, covered seating and of course Tap Social’s own brewed beer. Go to or check its social media for regular updates

37) The Plough at Witney 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.

38) The Parsonage Grill, Oxford – its dreamy terrace has always been a top spot, in terms of discreet elegance in terms of both food and aesthetics.

39) Black Horse Thame, such a beautiful outdoor area where you can soak up the sun and enjoy the classic French cooking.

40) 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.

41) Waste2Taste Cafe, Cowley – Not only a community enterprise but this amazing little cafe uses food surplus, keeps its prices down and runs a ‘pay what you can’ scheme. It also has an incredible little garden in its spanking new premises. Sneak off here for breakfast, lunch, ice lollies and cake.

42) Kingham Plough, Kingham – Offers a variety of outdoor dining to accompany its exquisite food.

43) The Masons Arms, Artist Residence, South Leigh Think Cornish lobster, chargrilled steaks, frozen margaritas and more. Enjoy the garden and terrace with veggie patch, table football and ping-pong

44) 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.

45) 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.

46) The Snug, Bishops Court Farm, Dorchester – take a walk, cycle, see the animals, meet the alpacas, and eat at this gorgeous little eco cafe. I’d recommend the sharing plates. There’s an extensive picnic area as well.

47) The Bear & Ragged Staff in Cumnor offers a huge terrace outside, a large, cosy stretch tent furnished with smart rattan chairs and coral striped cushions, round wooden tables, festoon lighting, lanterns and patio heaters catering for breakfast right through to dinner. Book at 

48) 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.

49) The Chester Arms, East Oxford – Their garden is open and the perfect place to enjoy their famous steak platter and wonderful food.

50) The Jericho Cafe, Jericho – thanks to a new city council scheme this wonderful, independent cafe can now spill out onto the pavement and serve its wonderful brunches, coffees, lunches, cakes and teas.

51) The Duke Of Marlborough, Woodstock – boasts a huge beer garden, fab food and a family-friendly vibe. it’s definitely one to try.

52) 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.

53) 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.

54) The James Figg, Thame – locals are making a bee-line to the popular pub’s beer garden. The big marquee is back so you can enjoy the Famous James Figg Burgers and pub classics like Aubrey Allen 28 day dry-aged steak and chips and Jimmy Butler’s sausage, mash and onion gravy, plus veggie options. 

55) Double Red Duke, Clanfield. A picture perfect setting for an al fresco extravaganza. Join the beautiful people and dine in style.

56) The Wychwood Inn, Shipton-Under-Wychwood – Under head chef Joe McCarthy you can expect some fantastically stylish food to go along with this chic new outdoor look. Expect burgers, sharers like Salt Pig charcuterie, basket meals and a few pub classics.

57) 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.

58) 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:

59) The Bell at Langford should lure you in with their fantastic and complex outdoor spaces as well as their infamous food. Get booking!

60) George and Dragon, Long Hanborough – eat front or back. A massive effort has been made to accommodate you in both. The back is grassed and has huge capacity at this family-friendly spot.

61) Oxford Arms, Kirtlington – The historic gastro pub, now under new ownership, boasts a lovely garden where you can enjoy seasonal, locally sourced food.

62) The Westgate Roof Terrace, Oxford – with so many restaurants to choose from there needs to be a good open-air al fresco option for diners, and this seated area doesn’t disappoint.

63) The Lamb Inn, Little Milton – the historic pub was recently reopened by Charmaine and Ben Tavassoly-Moss, and boasts an insanely large garden where you can eat from head chef Justyna Nowogrodzka‘s menu. 

64) Black Horse, Standlake – excels at the whole indoor/outdoor transformation perfectly.

65) The Lamb Inn, Crawley has a newly installed outdoor kitchen, garden canopies and heaters to entice you with. Think ski lodge meets south of France vibe! Book at [email protected]