I recently ventured from West to East Oxford on a mid-week evening led to discover Oxford’s newest vegan pub, Oxford Blue. Run by the owners of Greenbox Food Co and co-founders of Green Routes (situated on Magdalen Road, East Ox), the founder Tom greeted us with genuine humility, sharing the story of their small but loyal following in Oxford that paved the way for this latest venture.
Entering the pub, we were taken by the warm service and the relaxed atmosphere, where even our furry friends were welcomed in the bar area. This pub has a very Dodo pub-esque vibe about it.
Opting to leave our choices in Tom’s capable hands, we were delighted with his selection:
Charred Leek Dip: While the dish appeared unassuming, the creamy leek and cannellini bean dip stole the spotlight with its rich, earthy flavors, perfectly complemented by the warmth of the focaccia.
Plantcetta Arancini with Pea Puree and Pink Onions: A playful reinterpretation of the classic “pea and ham” arancini, this dish was both innovative and satisfying. The addition of pink onions elevated it to another level, adding a delightful burst of flavor. The “ham” was very realistic!
Loaded Fries: Skinny fries adorned with katsu sauce, spring onions, pickled ginger, and coriander. The sweetness of the katsu sauce against the sharpness of the pickled ginger felt very naughty!
Forage pizza: The star of the show in my opinion!
This white sauce based pizza with wild mushrooms, truffle, and tarragon could rival the best pizzerias in Oxford! Just look at that doughy goodness. It boasted delicious flavors and was amazingly light.
Their dough is handmade with a 48-hour fermentation and 63% hydration, for the perfect texture. In their words “UP THE CRUST!’
The pizza alone was well worth returning for!
What sets Oxford Blue apart is its ability to deliver exceptional flavors without compromising on its vegan ethos. Each dish showcased the culinary creativity and dedication to quality ingredients.
Oxford Blue is a must-visit destination for vegans and non-vegans alike, where every bite tells a story of passion and creativity.
Small dishes start from £4 per dish and the pizzas on average cost £12.5.
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