The Old Bookbinders Ale House - Oxford

We visited the Old Bookbinders before our daughter was born which was 8 years ago! This is a very old review but we are planning to especially stop off for the first time in all those years on our way home within the next week. Hoping its as fantastic as way back then, with amazing food, great atmosphere and the barrel of monkey nuts!!

What a super place recommended by friends nicely busy on a Friday lunch time but staff coped admirably lovely welcome and the food was absolutely delicious . Prawn Pili and fish soup and pate and steak hache plus a shared creme brule just to be greedy as portions generous would return in an instant

I can't speak highly enough of the place to be honest .friendly staff good beer and nice food at reasonable prices in a comfortable atmosphere. Only reason I don't go more often is the limited parking in the area.

Limited menu but oh what a gem. Our party had a few coeliacs and we where all cared for. If they weren’t sure they check with the chef. Roughly 4 starters and 4 mains with daily specials, and a great pudding menu too. There isn’t a wall or ceiling which doesn’t have something on it, musical instruments, sheet music, nick knacks, matchboxes. Something to look at everywhere. The radiator in the back room looks like it was done by a dodgy plumber. The drinks where great, a good selection of beer and cider, wine and spirits. Its not in central Oxford, more like the ‘burbs, the clientele is an eclectic mixture of students, couples and families. Parking is non existent, so get a taxi or be prepared to walk. We will be back.

Unfortunately poor. As a semi regular here for meals over the years, we had the misfortune of meeting the landlady during our lunch today who was verbally hostile and rude towards one of our meal guests, ruining what should have been a pleasant family birthday meal. Which was a shame as the remainder of the staff were hospitable and welcoming as they usually are. In terms of the food, this was mediocre and overpriced. £12.00 for a very plain rather dry burger with fries no salad accompaniment £4 more if you wanted to add cheese and burnt bacon to your overcooked burger, suggests that this is a place now firmly resting on its laurels. A shame as it had been a previous favourite of ours. Oh well, there are fortunately plenty of other good places to eat in this area of Oxford.