The Perch — Restaurant in Oxford

Nestled in the heart of Oxford's serene natural surroundings, this establishment offers a truly cozy and inviting ambiance. The culinary experience provided is truly exceptional, boasting a menu crafted with the utmost care and attention to detail, featuring a delightful array of dishes prepared using only the finest and freshest ingredients available.

The atmosphere exudes a warm and friendly charm, creating an environment that instantly puts guests at ease. From the moment one steps through the door, they are greeted with a genuine sense of hospitality and an inviting ambiance that embraces them like an old friend. It is this unparalleled level of hospitality and welcoming atmosphere that consistently makes this establishment one of the most cherished destinations for visitors to Oxford.

Each visit to this remarkable establishment is an experience to be cherished. Whether one is a frequent visitor or a first-time guest, the exceptional quality of service and unwavering commitment to excellence never fails to impress. The seamless combination of nature's beauty and the inviting ambiance creates an oasis of tranquility, providing a much-needed respite from the bustling city life.

Moreover, the culinary offerings are a testament to the establishment's dedication to providing an extraordinary dining experience. The meticulous selection of ingredients is evident in every mouthwatering dish, showcasing the culinary expertise and passion of the talented chefs. From delectable appetizers to exquisite main courses and heavenly desserts, each plate is a work of art, skillfully prepared to satisfy even the most discerning palate.

Without a doubt, this establishment has earned its place among Oxford's culinary gems. Its ability to consistently deliver exceptional food, combined with a warm and inviting atmosphere, has captivated the hearts and taste buds of countless patrons. It is no wonder that this establishment holds a special place in the hearts of many, as it undoubtedly epitomizes the perfect harmony of nature, culinary excellence, and genuine hospitality.

In conclusion, this establishment's idyllic location, exceptional cuisine, and warm atmosphere make it an absolute must-visit for anyone seeking an unforgettable dining experience in the heart of Oxford. With its unwavering commitment to excellence and a genuine passion for creating memorable moments, it continues to be a favorite destination for visitors seeking a truly remarkable...

Where to start...

Lets start with OUCH! A sign telling you to mind your head would be useful. It would have saved me from smacking my head into a low wooden beam upon entry.

Greeting staff were nice enough about it and pointed us in the direction of the rest of our party. My sisters and I were taking Dad out for an early Father's Day treat.

It's dog friendly, great, we had two dogs who sat quietly with us. Ordering drinks was a breeze, Dad Liked the beer, so thumbs up so far. We decided to have a selection of starters that we ordered at the same time as our main course. They arrived promptly and we enjoyed sharing them. The pork belly bites were a hit.

This is where things start to go down hill. It must have been 40 mins between the starters and the main courses and when they arrived things were not good.

The burger, as per other reviews, was utter trash. Dry, over-cooked and more akin to a hockey puck than anything resembling a burger. The cheese was a congealed mess and the bacon inedible...the slice of tomato came with added root...bonus. Seriously, the golden arches would have been ashamed of it.

That wasn't the worst of it. Dad & Sister ordered fish & chips. Both arrived with cold chips. We asked the waiting staff if we could have fresh chips to replace them....

Enter Matalan Andrew Tate. This member of staff arrived and questioned the validity of our request for fresh chips, claiming our chips had come out of the fryer mere moments before. Dad asked if he'd like to try one to confirm they were cold, he declined. He then delivered the pitiful excuse that they were trying to serve 6-7 tables at once....Yes, mate, its in the nature of a restaurant to serve multiple tables at the same time.

Huzzah, fresh, hot chips were delivered. Sister & Dad were happy again. Uh-oh, here comes Matalan Tate, who'd been hovering for a few moments, seething that the fresh chips had been untouched for less than a minute. He delivered a passive aggressive "Have you tried the chips yet"?. No mate, they're a bit hot.

This place probably has something going for it. It's just not the food or the occasional matrix-breaking...

I’m utterly disappointed with my experience at The Perch. Despite booking in advance and reconfirming 24 hours prior, we arrived on Sunday afternoon at 4:15 pm only to find a practically barren menu. There was hardly anything left to eat, which is shocking for a supposedly reputable establishment.

What we did manage to order was incredibly subpar: an oversalted, reheated risotto and a half-portion of a roast pork Sunday lunch, where the food was clearly sitting out for hours. The quality was appalling.

When I raised concerns about the lack of menu options, the staff’s attitude was dismissive and apathetic, as if they had made enough money that day and didn’t care about our frustration. Their customer service left much to be desired. The only redeeming moment was when they removed the risotto from the bill after I complained about its inedibility.

To add insult to injury, we later learned they “sell out early.” As we don’t live locally, there was no way for us to know this. Moral of the story: this Sunday lunch is for local people only, who know how to work the system!

I’m baffled at how this pub has managed to achieve its 3,000+ glowing reviews. My experience suggests the opposite: appalling food, an indifferent attitude from staff, and a failure to deliver on their end of the agreement after I had done everything required to confirm my booking.

I won’t be returning and would advise others to think twice before visiting……… Especially when...