Raoul's Bar — Restaurant in Oxford

Do you remember what happiness tasted like? Neither do I. Or maybe I should say, neither did I. Sepia toned childhood memories were my only solace in this hellscape of a world. That is, until my first night in this re-incarnate version of Raoul’s. I found myself pressed against the warm bosom of the Sierra Madre, lost in her sweet smoky embrace which threw me back into the heat of joy, even just for a moment.

I’ve been coming to Raoul’s for over 10 years. Now, you have to know that Raoul’s used to be a legend. A mythic glory in the cocktail world. But it fell victim to the plague-that-shall-not-be-named and remained closed between 2020 and 2023. It reopened but a shadow of its former glory. By no means bad, of course, but it was as the post-exilic temple of Jerusalem compared to Solomon’s great and golden construction. In other words, it was still suffering from long COVID.

However, it was delivered from this malaise in September 2024, when it came under new management. And I can honestly say it has not only been raised up to its former glory, but perhaps even surpassed it. On our first night, we tried 4 of the 8 cocktails on the menu (which changes regularly by the way) and every single one of them felt like the first springtime blossom after the dread of winter. The passion of the new ownership is infectious and will make you believe that mixology is the most sacred of arts. You will walk out satisfied, inebriated, but more importantly, having tasted happiness for the first time probably since you were a child.

People will notice. Your friends will think you’ve just found the love of your life. Your dog might even love you more. Don’t miss out on Raoul’s if you’re passing by this city. If you’re a student, you will have failed as an Oxford student if you did not experience Raoul’s.

Long...

We first came to Raoul's on a whim, and were delighted both with service and our drinks. Olly and team were very friendly, chatting with us while we sat at the bar. It was during this conversation that we learned of the upcoming new menu - including bar snacks!

We thus made sure to return on the Friday, in which we got to try the temporary new drink menu. Olly ensured that there are options for everyone on there, wanting the menu to be accessible for all. Whether you want a frozen or fruity margarita, a smoky old fashioned, or something completely new to you, they'll have it - or make it! I say the latter as Olly was open and willing to make off menu drinks for us, even those he wasn't aware of. There also are several non alcoholic options for those wanting less alcohol or none at all throughout the night.

We look forward to the next time we are in Oxford so we can visit again! Definitely one of our favourite bars...

What a shame! Raoul’s used to be my favourite bar - the staff were so knowledgeable and the drinks were all excellent. You could order anything and it would be fantastic. After Covid I was so looking forward to coming back. Disappointedly, I couldn’t get through my drink - it was so dilute and tasted a bit stale, and there was next to no rum in it. I paid but sorry to say it feels like they are cutting costs? The bar wasn’t stocked on certain items so ordering off menu wasn’t really an option (which they say it is). Don’t like leaving bad reviews, especially for new businesses, but if you want a good cocktail now The Victoria Arms is the place to go. Really sad as it used to be a place I’d always go - full of staff passionate about mixology. It’s...