PAUL Oxford — Restaurant in Oxford

Have bought a birthday cake for several occasions and would say that PAUL is usually a good choice - their cakes are in no way extraordinary per se but they are a safe bet in that you can expect a fresh, light, simple cake that was probably made on the day.

The one pictured has definitely been the most extravagant one I’ve had from PAUL: it’s the chocolate macaron cake. It was definitely a wonderful sight at the birthday but taste-wise far from the showstopper it is described to be on the website. I would say that the small version of the cake probably pays off but with the large version you are not really getting your money’s worth. It’s mostly layers of alcohol soaked sponge interspersed with chocolate and then some more chocolate frosting on top, but to be fair, the exterior of it looks beautiful.

The other cakes I’ve had from there are the Forêt Noire, Charlotte Fraise, and the Fleur de Lys cake. They’ve actually all been quite good, probably my favourite one was the simplest, Charlotte Fraise but the Forêt Noire was also a great choice and the Fleur de Lys would be ideal for the chocolate lover.

Overall it is a bit disappointing that the store advertises itself as a French patisserie but most of their cakes are quite uneventful and frankly a bit dull after you’ve had them more than once.

Only other product I can comment on are the macarons which I would say are definitely a disappointment, especially with some odd flavours that make no sense.

If planning for a birthday party, beware that they only take orders the day before the cake is needed which is quite annoying as it might turn out that the actual cake you want is not available. I had this experience when trying to order a small chocolate macaron cake a week in advance and found it extremely annoying that they do not accept advance orders so you have to settle for whatever’s available on the day (for me this meant paying more than planned for a cake that was a lot larger than it needed to be).

On the other hand this can be a positive thing if you are doing a last-minute cake run as you don’t need advance notice and can pick up whatever they have fresh on the day (the earlier you come in the bigger your choice so don’t leave it till last minute).

Unrelated, but do not go for their “party decor” box of £15 for a bunch of balloons and bunting as it’s a ripoff and you can get a much better deal at a dedicated party store like Card Factory, just across the street.

Overall a decent choice if you’re looking to tick a “cake” box at a party but don’t...

Review of Paul Café, Oxford:

Nestled in the vibrant heart of Oxford, Paul Café is a delightful gem that perfectly marries the charm of a French bakery with the cozy atmosphere of a cafeteria. Upon entering, you are immediately greeted by the inviting aroma of freshly baked goods, which transports you to a quaint boulangerie in Paris.

The café boasts an impressive selection of pastries, and I couldn’t resist indulging in a few. The fraise tart was a standout—its delicate crust complemented by a luscious cream and topped with succulent strawberries that burst with flavor. Each bite was a reminder of the artistry that goes into French patisserie.

The coffee at Paul is nothing short of exceptional. I ordered a café crème, and it was robust and rich, striking the perfect balance between strength and smoothness. The baristas clearly know their craft, as the coffee provided a delightful jolt of energy, making it an ideal companion to my pastry selection.

While the ambiance and offerings are superb, I must mention that the service was a bit peculiar. The women serving seemed somewhat aloof, which created an odd juxtaposition against the otherwise warm and inviting setting. Despite this, the overall experience was enjoyable, and I found myself immersed in the café's charm.

In addition to the pastries, Paul also offers a variety of light meals, including quiches and salads, perfect for a leisurely lunch. I tried the quiche lorraine, which was wonderfully savory, with a flaky crust and a rich filling that left me craving more.

To sum it up, Paul Café in Oxford is a delightful spot for anyone seeking a taste of France. With its delectable pastries, strong coffee, and inviting atmosphere, it’s a place where you can savor the moment. Just be prepared for the slightly quirky service, and you’ll find yourself returning for another taste of their exquisite fruits...

This rating is not for the food purchased (Chocolate Duo cake and Tomato Mozzarella baguette), which was good in my opinion, but for the service.

I had a few questions about the cake I wanted to purchase, which was met with a very cold attitude which made me feel unwelcome to the store.

I wanted to know if the cakes were gelatin based or baked. The guy and the girl at the till didn't know it and directed the query to an older woman, who seemed to be busy taking stock of the inventory. She clarified that the cheesecake cake was gelatin based. My next question was if the chocolate cake was gelatin based too, as I prefer to buy baked cakes. This time she seemed not very keen to answer the queries. She proceeded to ask the guy to refer some manual. He pulled out a bunch of papers and began poring through. This lasted for a good 2-4 minutes before the older lady decided to answer the query and confirmed that the cake was baked. I felt sorry for the guy and at the same time made to feel stupid for making sure what I wanted to buy was according to my tastes and preferences.

It was my first time to the store and the experience has left me doubtful of going there again. So much for all the grandstanding that goes on of being inclusive, welcoming people, and treating people equally!

My takeaway from the incident is, if you know what you want and what you are buying, then head to this store as the food I got today was good. If you don't know, be prepared for this cold attitude that may or may not get served along...