Pub lunch by river in Oxford

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Can anyone recommend somewhere pretty for a mid week lunch by the river in or near Oxford? I have a work meeting in Oxford and meeting elderly friends after, who suggested a riverside lunch. Had been thinking The Trout but the reviews are poor and I want to make a good impression. Looking for a mid week lunch somewhere pretty. Friends are coming in by train but it doesn’t matter which end of town. They eat everything - steaks and traditional fare would be a bonus!

That's such a shame! I have very nice memories of eating or drinking (actually, I think the only time I ate there, my parents were visiting) in the garden, with the peacocks trailing around, and fish jumping. But that was in the 90s, when dinosaurs walked Port Meadow.

We had DD1’s graduation meal at the Trout ten years ago. Had a fabulous meal, sad to hear it’s gone downhill.

But that was in the 90s, when dinosaurs walked Port Meadow.

😂

The walk out to The Fishes is indeed lovely, and I have enjoyed the food and drink the couple of times I have been there. The garden with its tributary frontage is lovely. We have seen swans close up.

Also agree with The Perch.

Not sure if this is too far, but also lovely.

Home - The Beetle and Wedge

Exactly the same as my memories from the 1990s and I also only ate there when someone else was paying!

I completely agree it's a shame but I still have the memories.

Nags Head Abingdon if you can go a little further.

Seconding The Punter in Osney. It is no longer just vegan/vegetarian - they added fish and meat due to the impact on trade because of the Botley closure.

agree about the Perch and the trout - give them a wide berth.

Folly is lovely

The Perch is lovely, better food than the Trout

Yes, that is my recollection.
The Trout was definitely a "destination" pub, made moreso by later being used in numerous episodes of Morse, Lewis etc.
Had some wonderful times there.

Head Of The River used to be nice.
Great location and the food used to be nice.
A few years since I have been there now unfortunately.

Was at The Trout two weeks ago - it was fine. Packed but with lots of locals so don’t agree with tourist trap.

My DS had a shocking meal at The Perch recently. Vicky Arms was dire last time I went.

Honestly I am not sure you’re getting location and great food in Oxford. I’d go Head of the River. Pub food but great location. Keep it simple.

We've eaten at both The Trout and The Head of The River in the lat 6 months. The former was quite poor, and the latter standard pub grub with a strong suggestion of lots of bought in elements. However the locations are so lovely I would happily return for a pint and bar snack or two, so I suppose it depends how food-orientated you are. I’ve yet to find a riverside pub in that neck of the woods with great food so watching with interest!

Yes, it looks like many pubs have the pretty setting but with not so good food. I think these friends remember The Trout in its old incarnation when their son was a student at Oxford. Oh dear!

Are there other pubs in Wolvercote? Or other districts in Oxford - Old Marston where the Victoria Arms is, or Headington?

I think I would prefer reliably good food over the river thing then. Maybe the Folly is my best bet.

Youve all been a great help!

In the circumstances then, another vote for The Fishes, the Vicky Arms, the Perch or the Punter. I just think the Isis Farmhouse has been too unreliable recently to take guests, and you can’t park nearby.

You could look at reviews for the Kings Arms at Sandford? Location is fab with lovely views of the lock, my impression is of a basic chain pub menu but I could be being harsh, or that might be ok for you.

If it were Monday I’d suggest pizzas at the Hollybush but it’s not…

I like the Butchers Arms in Headington for drinks but have never eaten there.

The Rickety Press in Jericho always seems nice but again I haven’t eaten there and the vibe feels a bit ‘yoof’ as I’d be worried about enough space to sit down?

If you have a car and can take everyone, it doesn't have a river view but could I just suggest Sturdys Castle. Its a couple of miles from Oxford (kidlington) , the food is amazing. If you go have the lamb biryani - best ever! But they have a lovely menu

Just coming back to this thread. Has anyone tried The Folly? Is it a pub or a restaurant? How swanky?

Would it be best to park in the Westgate centre for there?

Also, does Wolvercote have any other pubs which do food other than The Trout and are they any good?