Coffee o'clock-Oxford
About this time last year I moved out from my 'oh so favourite' Coventry and spent a few weeks in the beautiful charming Oxford. Oxford is a dream! And especially beautiful during autumn. In fact England is especially beautiful during the autumn season and I am so excited for it. But let's get back to Oxford. The town has so many things to offer-beautiful architecture, quirky shops, streets full of wonders (you can find a new and unexplored street, literally every time you are out and about exploring the city), and of course plenty of chilled, relaxed, hygge-like coffee shops.
And as you may already know, I've spent quite some time exploring these coffee places. In this post I give you my top favourites. Good thing is every time I visit the town, a new place appears on the surface, which makes my search for the best coffee in town, ever so exciting and enjoyable.
The Missing Bean
14 Turl Street, Oxford OX1 3DQ
The missing bean is a specialty coffee roasters cafe, with exceptional... you guessed it, coffee! A large glazed facade captures you from the street, allowing to observe the passing by strangers from the inside, as well as have a peak of the thoughtful in their own everyday challenges, souls, longing for their special cup of the black goodness, from the outside.
The Handle Bar Cafe and Kitchen
28-32, St Michael's St, Oxford OX1 2EB
Bikes. Oxford, in a very large percentage, is all about bike. This is also the first thing I noticed about the town. Bikes are a big part not only of the transportation around the city, but have been incorporated in the everyday life as decorative elements, making interior spaces very much 'Oxfordy'. The other element is books, but this is a topic for another conversation.
The handle bar brings a peace of tranquility and calmness, amongst the hustle and bustle of the Oxford city centre. Tucked away above a bicycle shop, it gathers residents and visitors from all around the world. Definitely worth visiting, plus try their cold brew! One of the best in town.
Society Cafe
12-16 St Michael's St, Oxford OX1 2DU
Another coffee shop, another bicycle artefact hanging off the wall.
'Society Cafe is designed with all of us in mind. Come and park your bike, buggy or dog. Come with your friends, to maybe make some new ones or come alone for some solitude and people-watching.'
I simply can't explain it any better...
Vaults and garden
1, Radcliffe Square, University Church, Oxford OX1 4AH
Vaults and Garden was the first cafe/breakfast spot that I visited in Oxford. Needless to say I was attracted by the magical interior space and beautiful concept behind the venue. Set in a Grade I-listed University Church Building, the atmosphere is definitely worth experiencing.
The cafe tends to be quite busy and always packed at lunchtime. But this timeless classic offers delicious homemade cakes, salads & filling hot dishes made of ethical, well-sourced ingredients and is definitely a must.
Turl Street Kitchen
16-17 Turl St, Oxford OX1 3DH
And another magical place, which definitely attracted me with its interior spaces and cozy atmosphere. Turns out they also have delicious food, coffee and afternoon treats. It is also quite convenient that Turl Street Kitchen is also a guest house, as well as offers desk spaces right from Oxford's very city centre. All in one, sounds good, right? Go check it out next time you are exploring Oxford.
Barefoot Jericho
74A Walton St, Oxford OX2 6EA
Well, now we are talking serious business. Barefoot Jericho Bakery is the place to treat yourself! Coffee and cake, sounds like a perfect combo. It gets even more perfect-their cakes are true unique pieces of art. Try it once and surely you would want to come back to this charming little bakery heaven.
Hungry or thirsty already? Then I am happy, I did my job right. Now it's your turn to visit this beautiful town and discover all its wonders. Enjoy your trip!