I live in hope for sunnier days, and when the sun does come out, I’ll likely be heading to one of these spots for an alfresco drink or something delicious to eat! We’d love to hear about your favorite alfresco chill-out spots that don’t compromise on top-quality food.
Lakes by Yoo offers swanky lakeside property spots near Lechlade. If you can’t afford a three-story property with an infinity pool for the weekend, you can still enjoy a nice drink and meal at Lakes by Yoo Bar and Kitchen, a luxe glamping-style tipi with outdoor seating overlooking a beautiful lake. Service was slow when we visited, but it’s worth the wait if you’re not in a rush. It’s dog-friendly too!
Waterside Cafe. If you’re looking for a lakeside view near Oxford, Waterside Cafe is the perfect spot. Located at Farmoor Reservoir, the cafe serves Dark Horse Roastery coffee and a variety of homemade cakes. They also offer brunch and lunch options. Enjoy a 5k jog or walk, and then reward yourself with a treat afterwards because life is all about balance!
Worton Kitchen Gardens is one of my absolute favorite places. The beautiful wild gardens, secluded spots, and new animals on each visit make it a wholesome delight. It can get pricey for a full meal, but booking a table for coffee and cake for a couple of hours via their website is a great way to experience it.
The Double Red Duke is perfect if you’re looking for a quintessential English garden drink vibe. Close to home for West Oxford folk, it offers a gorgeous aesthetic and feels quite boujee. You can even drop into Blakes for a cheeky bun on your way home.
The Bull Charlbury offers a terrace garden sun-trap nestled in the village of Charlbury. The outdoor terrace is a real sun trap on a sunny evening, and the small plates here transport you to holiday vibes. The outdoor cooking is a real treat too.
Pit Kitchen is as alfresco as it gets. Recently relocated, it offers uninterrupted vistas of rolling hills and amazing, reasonably priced food. It’s a great place to take friends or a date on a sunny evening. Also, check out the recently opened Good Gathers, which offers wood-fired pizza vibes.
Fire and Wine is perfect for a very decent Sartorelli neopolitan-style wood-fired pizza with a delicious glass of wine. Located on an unglamorous industrial estate, it exudes East London hipster vibes without the pretense. The outdoor benches and bean bags make it a lovely spot to grab pizza and try their wine and homemade ice cream. You can even buy a bottle of wine or a cocktail from the shop next door.
The Medley is a great option if you want something closer to Oxford. Enjoy a lovely stroll on Port Meadow followed by a delicious drink in a boho secret garden. Combine a visit with some pick-your-own on one of the nearby PYO farms before or after, all the ingredients for a cute date.
The Cotswold Guy is perfect if Soho House is your vibe but you lack the membership. Located just a stone’s throw from Soho Farmhouse, it offers a lovely outdoor area to enjoy coffee, brunch, or bakes. Don’t miss the famous sausage rolls, even David Beckham can’t get enough of them.
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