We’ve not got a scooby where this year is going or how on earth we’re already talking about Easter, but here we are! The Easter break is around the corner, and we’re here with a guide full of food, drink, and activities for you to try out.
Easter weekend dining
Jojo’s Cocktail & Pizza Bar, Cowley Road
Easter doesn’t have to mean a big roast dinner. If pizza and cocktails are more your thing, why not hop into JoJo’s for live music and a cosy, social atmosphere. Jojo’s will have drink specials and themed prizes across the Easter weekend. Follow the team on Instagram @jojoscowleyroad for updates on special deals and events.
Nut Tree Inn, Kidlington
Looking for somewhere special? Why not book the Nut Tree Inn for Easter weekend, both their pub classic and 6 course Tasting menu will be available. The Michelin starred roast will be served on Easter Sunday. Bookings advised.
The Greyhound Inn, Letcombe
This cosy pub will be open for the whole of Easter weekend. Delicious Sunday roasts will be served 12-8pm on Easter Sunday. It’s mega dog friendly too, with plenty of good walks nearby. Book your place now!
The Chester Arms, East Oxford
The roast that attracts a very long queue every week deserves a shout out. Conveniently not too far from the river either, so if you need a stroll to work out those tatties after (and you will) this is the perfect spot.
Check out our recently updated Sunday Roast Guide for our full list of recommendations.
Main tip: book in advance! Places get crazy busy.
Coffee and sweet treats
Monkey Puzzle, Thame
Located in the charming market town of Thame, Oxfordshire, this coffee shop offers a welcoming space to enjoy expertly prepared coffee and delicious homemade treats (including gluten free and vegan options) with the added convenience of ample nearby parking. They are proudly dog-friendly and warmly welcome well-behaved canine companions.
The seasonal treats include Creme Egg brownies, mini egg blondies and mini egg cookies, freshly prepared and available for a limited time. As the weather becomes warmer, the cafe’s beautiful garden provides a peaceful setting to enjoy coffee, homemade cakes and good company – they also serve alcohol if you fancy a little drink! It is the perfect place to relax during the spring and summer months, whether you are meeting friends, enjoying an afternoon tea, or simply taking a quiet moment to unwind in the heart of Thame.
Happy Cakes, Summertown
Treat your loved one this Easter with the adorable Easter themed cupcakes featuring Easter bunnies and chocolate mini eggs. £48 for a box of 12/ £24 for a box of 6.
Opera Cafe, Jericho
Opera Cafe are bringing back the mini egg jar competition – guess the number of eggs in the jar and get your next coffee on the house, as well as getting to take the full jar of mini eggs home. Alongside this, the cafe will be offering Easter special cakes and other treats.
The Paper Boat Cafe, Central Oxford
This place is SO easy to miss, sat right on Follly Bridge but oh my it’s such a gem. They have a teeny terrace looking over the river, perfect for a coffee date, or a date with a good book. Yum pastries too!
Watch this space – our Hot Cross Bun Guide is being published VERY soon!
Family Friendly
Permit Room, Central Ox
This Easter holiday, go and play Family Matka at Dishoom Permit Room. No matter what number is rolled, your little ones will take home some treasure. Dine in any Dishoom café with little ones (under 11 years of age), ask your server to play Family Matka as you request the bill and magic will result.
A wooden board, a brass pot and single die will appear. Have a family huddle, decide who will shake the pot and cast the die. Should you roll a six, your bill will be taken care of. Your whole bill, for the whole family (for tables of up to 12). Yes, we are quite serious. And of course, no little hands will go empty – no matter what number is rolled, all children will take home little treasures. So, if you’d like your little one to feel like the hero of Easter, book your table, or walk in and ask your server to play. The Matkas insist.
Beefy Boys, Central Ox
KIDS EAT FREE THIS EASTER!
Valid Monday – Friday throughout the Easter break, 3 – 6:30pm. 1 free kid’s meal with each standard burger purchased.
The Covered Market Easter Egg Hunt
Head to Wicked Chocolate, iScream or The Garden of Oxford in the market to grab your entry card, and then it’s time to start hunting for stamps and chocolagte, which may lead to prizes!
Blenheim Palace, Woodstock
Blenheim have a ton of family-friendly activities going on over Easter. From the miniature train to a circus show, a vintage fairground to an Easter egg hunt, and of course the opportunity to meet the Easter bunny himself!
Drinks
Tap Social, multiple locations
Make up your own 12-pack of fresh, locally brewed beer from Oxford’s award-winning social enterprise brewery Tap Social Movement! There’s something for everyone, from hoppy ales and crisp lagers to alcohol free options.
Teardrop Bar, The Covered Market
Teardrop offer beer and wine tasting flights in the Covered Market, Oxford. It sits right next to Sartorelli’s so you can pair your flight with some delicious pizza. The perfect day off plan!
The Perch
Don’t get me wrong, this pub is gorgeous at all times of year, but spring is where it really comes into its own. It’s definitely one of the best pub gardens in Oxford, and whether you do a pint and a sausage roll from the outside bar and sit under the many willow trees, or opt for a wine inside by the fire, it never disappoints. (And perfect pre or post stroll along Port Meadow!)
Now that the sun has been making an appearance, we’ll be updating our Pub Garden Guide soon!
When you need to walk off the choccy
No chocolate shaming here, but always good to get some steps in over a bank holiday (especially if it’s sunny!)
- Port Meadow loop (if you do the whole thing this can be about 10k! And then you can reward yourself with a fresh pint at The Perch)
- Christchurch Meadow loop – extra lovely if you catch the cows!
- Aston’s Eyot – really beautiful area, and I pretty much always spot a muntjac or two
- Uni Parks – v central and very easy to get to a pub quickly afterwards
- Iffley Lock / along the river – beautiful views and if you keep going, you’ll get to Proof Social
- Shotover – tiny bit further out but beautiful views
- Check out the Brakspear Pub walks page – it has a few walks for each of their pubs, so you know you can finish up with a good lunch and a bev after all those steps!
So what are the Bitten crew doing this Easter?
Holly is planning on taking it super easy this Easter, going for iced lattes in the sunshine (she really wants to try Nepa on Cowley Road), taking long dog walks and doing as much al fresco dining as possible. She’s also been loving the Missing Bean spring special – creme de la cafe.
Nicola is going to grab a burger and a spritz from The Up In Arms to kick off the Easter weekend, she’s hoping for sun so she can get out in the garden and sunbathe!
Faith is heading to Bigfoot for some margs in the sun – highly recommend if you haven’t been, really fun chill vibes and v tasty tacos.
I’m away over the Easter weekend as we have a couple of weddings, but will deffo be stopping off for a pint (in the sunshine hopefully) at the Magdalen Arms before we go, and hoping to nab some goodies from Chatsworth Bakehouse while I’m in London.
Let us know what your Easter plans are, and have a good one!
Some businesses paid to feature in this guide
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