As lockdown restrictions ease and venues start to reopen, August may be the perfect month to eat out, especially as August 3rd marks the launch of the government’s ‘Eat Out to Help Out’ scheme, aimed at boosting restaurants hit by the global pandemic.
How the scheme works
A 50% discount on food and non-alcoholic drinks to consume on site (no takeaways), up to a maximum of £10 discount per diner. This won’t be applicable to alcoholic drinks or service charges.
The discount will be available every Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday between 3 and 31 August - but some restaurants may be topping up the scheme so it starts earlier or covers more days of the week.
You can use the discount as many times as you like. You do not need a physical voucher and it will be automatically worked out by participating venues.
If you feel comfortable eating out, some of the best eateries in Oxford and the surrounding areas are taking part. Daily Info has picked out some of our favourite that you should consider visiting.
Central
The Jam Factory
Reopening at the end of July, The Jam Factory’s airy locale is perfect for summertime dining. Open from 10am each day for breakfast, The Jam Factory is particularly worth visiting for their fabulous roasts. Plus, you dine surrounded by some exceptional art, mixing culture and food.
The White Rabbit
The home of some mighty fine pizzas (including a vegan-friendly), The White Rabbit have expanded their outdoor seating, which feels the perfect way for the central pub to respond to new Covid restrictions.
Pierre Victoire
While it might be trickier this summer to get across the channel and enjoy everything France has to offer, that doesn’t mean you have to miss out on their cuisine. For Francophiles and casual diners there’s Pierre Victoire, a Little Clarendon Street institution, which is set to reopen on 4th August.
Organic Deli Café
Whether you’re looking for breakfast, a coffee or a scrumptious salad for lunch, the Organic Deli Café is the place to seek out, with customers now able to pre-order their food through the café’s website.
Art Café
Nestled on Bonn Street opposite the entrance to the Westgate, the Art Café is the perfect stop for weary shoppers. Serving coffees, jacket potatoes and baguettes, as well as some of the most scrumptious cakes in Oxford.
North Oxford
Mamma Mia
A strong contender for the best pizzeria in Oxford, Mamma Mia has two establishments for you to visit, one in Jericho and one in Summertown. It’s a popular destination and you will need to book ahead, but you will get some outstanding pizza and pasta in a charming atmosphere.
Cherwell Boathouse
August may be the perfect time for a slice of scrumptious luxury and Daily Info can’t think of a better venue for this than the Victorian-era boathouse. Plus you can hire a punt and take a trip up the river, building an appetite for the Cherwell Boathouse's delicious offering.
Joe’s Bar & Grill
The 20 year old eatery is well-placed in central Summertown, beginning its day with a highly-recommended brunch. But the rest of Joe's menu mixes pastas, salads and grill items perfectly. And Tuesday night is Burger club, which for Daily Info’s resident burger enthusiast sounds like heaven!
Gee's
Another one of Oxford’s more upmarket venues will be cheaper this August, with Gee's offering rustic Mediterranean dining in their beautiful Victorian Glasshouse. Brunch, lunch and dinner are all covered here to a mouth-watering standard.
East Oxford
Brewdog
Having spent lockdown making hand soap, Brewdog are now back open and ready to serve you their food and drink. Their burgers are great, particularly their vegan options where they’ve perfected the use of seitan.
The Coconut Tree
Since the Coconut Tree opened their doors, their menu of Sri Lankan street food has been a firm favourite of the Daily Info team. It is worth a visit for the Hoppers (coconut milk pancakes with an egg in the middle) but there are fabulous dishes across the menu that you won’t find in any other restaurant in the area. And even better, The Coconut Tree will be extending the scheme to cover all food and drink purchased in the restaurant (including alcoholic beverages), with no limit to the discount!
Moya
Moya serves a delicious range of Slovakian food and Daily Info has frequented their establishment numerous times. They’re also a great choice for those with additional dietary requirement, with an extensive gluten free menu.
The Rusty Bicycle
Dodo Pubs (with venues dotted around Oxford including The Rusty Bicycle, The Rickety Press and The Up in Arms) have already kicked-off the ‘Eat Out to Help Out’ scheme. With a menu of flavoursome burgers and exceptional woodfired pizzas, they are great places to sit back and relax, particularly in their beer gardens.
Further Afield
Mollie’s Motel & Diner
Out in Faringdon is Mollie’s Motel & Diner, offering burgers, shakes and all day breakfast in a sparkling 50s-inspired setting. As well as participating in the ‘Eat Out to Help Out’ scheme, Mollie’s will be passing on VAT reductions to customers until January 2021, which means there are even more savings to be had.
The Wandering Kitchen
Nestled on the outskirts of Berinsfield are Queenford Lakes, home to both Oxford Wet n Wild and The Wandering Kitchen. The views over the water are gorgeous and the food is even better, with their burgers proving a lockdown lifesaver for one of our team members. Plus on Wednesday and Sunday they open from 6am to serve breakfast. So why not venture out?
The Old Post Office
Wallinford’s own The Old Post Office has extended this scheme into July, with the venue offering a friendly atmosphere and plenty of outdoor seating. Their pizzas are exceptional, their brunches are divine and their roasts are some of the best in the area. Plus Wallingford is situated on the Thames with plenty of riverside walks for visitors to go on to work up an appetite.
The White Hart of Wytham
The 16th-Century country pub nestled in one of Oxford’s surrounding villages does gourmet food in a charming setting. The White Hart has installed ten pods in its garden that allow diners the chance to dine in the comfort of a socially distanced setting, come rain or shine. Book one today as they are proving exceptionally popular!