The Old Bookbinders Ale House — Restaurant in Oxford

Oh wow, what a fabulous pub The Old Bookbinder’s Ale House is! We were looking for somewhere to eat with vegan options for my husband. He had a wonderful vegan cassoulet and I had Caesar salad which was generously portioned and full of flavour. We both had vegan cheesecake for pudding. It was amazing! Wish I could have the recipe. The serving team are all really lovely, working their socks off, smiling and chatting with customers. There’s a really warm atmosphere. Ladies’ loo is immaculate, tastefully and very thoughtfully set out. We visited on Open mic night, and really enjoyed the music - and doggie applause from Toto the terrier. I was all set to ask for a turn at the mic but my husband thought he might turn into a pumpkin if we stayed any longer. Pity, as a young woman was just starting a beautiful version of ‘It...

EDITED to reflect correspondence with the owner - they acknowledged several errors and were eager to make things right, including new training and restaurant policies.

Great ambience, nice menu and staff; however a complete lack of awareness around food allergies. I notified the waiter about a severe tree nut allergy and ordered something from the menu that had no noted items but was startled to discover walnuts in a chutney on a burger. Staff apologized, but there was no acknowledgement that this was a life threatening mistake that resulted in a trip to the hospital, directly from the restaurant, for emergency treatment. No one from the kitchen or management checked on us, or seemed worried about our quick departure. I was fortunate to get to the hospital in time and wouldn’t wish the...

Where should I go after Bookbinding Festival if not here ;) It was totally spontaneous and almost accidental visit and was the best end of a long day I could ask for. Pub is located just around 10 minutes walk from city centre in calm and local area. It looks just brilliant — like cut out from some old movie scene. Beer is proper and cold. Food, even if the menu is in French, is excellent. I had goat cheese croutons and one minute steak—all was way above pub food standards. But really exceptional… is staff and service. Nice, polite people that know what they’re doing. Quick, talky if you wish, and highly competent. Advice for landlord: if they ask you for a rise—give it straight away; if the ask for shares in your business—at least consider it ;) Highly...