Spending a day with The Oxford Collection means stepping through three distinct dining personalities – from the contemporary flair of Gees, to the elegance of the Old Parsonage, and finally, the lively charm of Quod. Across the day, we moved from leisurely lunches to cocktails, afternoon tea, a walking tour of Oxford, and finally, dinner.

Gees
61-63 Banbury Rd, Park Town, Oxford OX2 6PE

We began at Gees, a light-filled conservatory with statement lighting and curated art and sculpture.

Sharing plates here is the way to go – we grazed through ham croquetas, burrata with peaches, aubergine parmigiana, crab linguine with chilli and garlic, sea bream carpaccio with orange and fennel, and braised octopus with Romesco. Everything was fresh and well-seasoned, but the octopus was a standout for me – smoky, with the perfect crisp-chewy balance. The crab linguine was generously portioned, with just the right hit of chilli. Gees’ modern, colourful style makes it a perfect setting for a celebration, date, or a special lunch in Oxford.

Old Parsonage
1-3 Banbury Rd, Oxford OX2 6NN

From there, we strolled to the Old Parsonage for cocktails in the back courtyard’s wooden pergola.

The drinks menu is strong, and the staff are passionate and knowledgeable. Afternoon tea followed – fresh scones, soft sandwiches with thoughtful fillings, and miniature cakes just the right size to enjoy without feeling overfilled. The tea selection was extensive, though a printed menu would have been a nice touch for browsing. Sitting in the courtyard, with its fountain and stone façade, felt more South of France than central Oxford on a sunny day.

The Walking Tour

Next came a highlight for any visitor – a complimentary walking tour for guests of the Old Parsonage or Quod, led by resident guide Isabella. Knowledgeable, engaging, and full of stories (including food-related gems), she brought the city’s history to life. Unexpected detours – like stepping inside Pizza Express to see ancient paintings and a fireplace – made it feel wonderfully personal.

Quod
92-94 High St, Oxford OX1 4BJ

We wrapped up the day at Quod, starting with a ginger chilli margarita in the garden – fiery, aromatic, and perfectly balanced.

Dinner began with oysters served with Tabasco and a bright shallot vinaigrette. My starter of beef carpaccio was fresh and well-flavoured, while the seared duck breast with sweet potato purée, chicory, and orange sauce made for a hearty main. The duck was well-cooked, though the presentation and flavour profile felt more winter than summer – a lighter touch might suit the season better.

A day with The Oxford Collection isn’t just about the food – it’s the variety of atmospheres, the personal touches from staff, and the seamless way you can move between experiences.

From modern conservatory dining to historic elegance and garden cocktails, it’s a culinary tour of Oxford in three acts. A huge thanks to Ben who hosted us for the whole day, and really showed the beauty of these three spots.

If you’re looking to book somewhere for a birthday, general celebrating, or a date night – I definitely recommend considering one of these three spots – you won’t be disappointed!

Bitten were invited as guests, all views are our own