Jacobs Brasserie, formerly known as Jacobs Chop Shop, is one of the five pillars of the House of Jacob that have gained a reputation in Oxford for fine cuisine and a welcoming atmosphere since 2009. Having loved the cuisine of Jacob & Field with their gorgeous brunches and divine pizzas (plus the best spaghetti bolognese in Oxford) I felt it was time to branch out and try Jacobs Brasserie. And it didn't disappoint.
Upon arrival we were warmly welcomed by the staff who were very accommodating to our needs (and those of our young daughter). The staff were friendly throughout our time at the restaurant and were a credit to it. We surveyed the menu and found many potential treats - I was tempted both by the mussels and by the Cornish lamb burger, whilst my partner circled the roast Cotswold free range chicken breast. In the end I chose the brasserie cottage pie whilst my partner picked the Caesar salad with chicken and bacon with a side order of chips.
Having ordered, we sat back and enjoyed the ambience of the restaurant, complete with some finely chosen music (any establishment that plays LCD Soundsystem is a potentially great one in my eyes). Our food and drinks arrived quickly and proved tasty. The Caesar salad with chicken and bacon was a fine, appetising salad whilst the accompanying chicken was well-cooked and delicious. The chips were exceptional, satisfyingly crunchy without being overcooked and with enough fluffy potato at their centre.
The brasserie cottage pie came with a mountain of mashed potato on top (always a good sign) with the filling underneath being particularly tasty. My one issue with this meal was the choice to serve the pie separately from the accompanying carrots on a wooden pallet. The vegetables and pie should be able to fraternise together with ease. But this seems a small criticism for a homely, flavoursome meal.
The desserts were too tempting and so my partner ordered the walnut brownie with cappuccino ice cream, whilst I went for the dark chocolate brownie with vanilla ice cream. The brownies were gooey, chocolatey perfection, while the walnuts gave that particular brownie a satisfying crunch. My partner was worried about the prospect of a cappuccino ice cream but it was, to use their term, immense: a light and perfect accompaniment. The desserts were exemplary and are a great addition to a meal at Jacobs Brasserie.
Overall, Jacobs Brasserie is a great member of the House of Jacob. The staff were friendly and welcoming to us, accommodating to our needs. The food was delicious, generously portioned and, as with the dessert, some of the best food in Headington. One note is that on a humid day, like the day we visited on, the restaurant can be a tad too warm. It is something you get used to, but at least initially, it is not the most comfortable environment to eat in.
Price: £46.50 for two courses and soft drinks for two. There is also a 10% discount for NHS staff!