The Folly
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The Folly
The Folly restaurant occupies a unique riverside position in the heart of Oxford, a stones throw from the Westgate centre but beside the beauty of the River Thames. Our restaurant provides simply served, excellently cooked dishes crafted from the freshest seasonal ingredients. The restaurant's terrace floats on the waters of the River Thames as she runs gently under Folly Bridge.

Inside we give a warm welcome throughout the year and offer relaxed drinks and dining from Sunday lunch to Saturday cocktails and everything in between. Whether dining inside the restaurant, overlooking the river or seated on our floating terrace you will enjoy a thoughtfully conceived and prepared menu of fresh food and the best seasonal ingredients.
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Combine a serene pre-dinner river cruise with an exquisite three course evening meal at our restaurant. Your experience begins at 6pm, boarding one of our elegant Edwardian Gentleman's River Launches for a 30 minute cruise taking in the highlights of river life in Oxford. We see Folly Bridge, Christchurch Meadows, the University boat houses and part of the Regatta course.
Our beautiful Riverside restaurant, floating terrace, and characterful river launches can be exclusively yours for the day or evening. We host parties, wedding receptions, company events and drinks receptions all year round in one of Oxfords most stunning, yet affordable, venues. The restaurant can seat up to 70 people dining or up to 100 people for a drinks reception.
ENJOY AN ELEGANT EXPERIENCE WITH OUR Private Dining and afternoon Tea CRUISEs ON THE THAMES IN OXFORD. Hosted aboard MV Serafina II our private dining cruises offer a wonderful way for groups to enjoy the River Thames in Oxford whilst enjoying an indulgent afternoon tea or a three course lunch or dinner.
Congratulations on your engagement, and thank you for considering The Folly for your Wedding Reception. Our unique riverside location in central Oxford offers a beautiful and romantic venue for your celebration. Our restaurant can seat up to 70 guests dining, or up to 100 guests for a drinks reception with canapes.
At The Folly we offer an exciting range of activities for groups celebrating special occasions. We have a dedicated team who can assist with the organisation of anything from a lunch by the river, evening meals in the restaurant, afternoon tea on the terrace or dining cruise aboard one of our river boats.
Reviews (15)
Nick Darlow
Nick Darlow
Dec 12, 2021
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I had an excellent visit to this restaurant. The menu is varied and the food great. Serving staff were enthusiastic and knowledgeable without being intrusive. The restaurant is well decorated and the space is very welcoming. It's pricey, especially with wine, but worth it.
Rebecca Dixon
Rebecca Dixon
Dec 05, 2021
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Really well looked after for afternoon tea, caring accommodating service with a smile outside in a lovely heated pod. Thank you very much.
Catherine Whitfield
Catherine Whitfield
Oct 29, 2021
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Fantastic meal! Every course was so tasty, unusual and beautifully cooked. Lovely view over the river and cosy, trendy decor. Great wine. Really friendly and attentive staff. Definitely recommend for a quieter meal for a special occasion.
Famousaj
Famousaj
Oct 18, 2021
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It's decent food, but not spectacular. You'd think for a group of 4 spending £300 on 4 mains, 3 starters and 3 deserts I'd be amazed. I wasn't. Service is awesome and the views on the Thames can't be beat. Just can't give it 5 stars based on views and service alone.
Ian Pavely
Ian Pavely
Oct 15, 2021
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Our visit was gift and although we have lived around here for decades have never been . would highly recommend a visit .
Dra Vska
Dra Vska
Oct 12, 2021
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Great place for romantic meal, great service too, and food absolutely fabulous - I heard that some dishes are not so good… I come, I check, I eat… I can honestly say it’s bull*hit what I heard!🤣 food in folly it’s really good, I order many different choices from menu to try - all of them were made fresh, juicy (meat and fish) - and served with class on plate.
Highly recommended place for all ppl that wanna spend fab evening with good wine and food next to river ☺️
Tracy McNicholas
Tracy McNicholas
Sep 25, 2021
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We called in and just asked if they could fit us in, they gave us a lovely table by the Riverside and presented us with absolutely outstanding food, cooked to perfection and served to us by fabulous courteous… and humorous staff, the atmosphere was relaxed and calming, the wine was perfect and in general it was a lovely memorable evening. Definitely give this place a try if you're ever in Oxford.
Stan Wotton
Stan Wotton
Sep 24, 2021
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Short river cruise before evening meal, very relaxing to set the mood for a wonderful experience. Food was excellent, all the staff were very pleasant and helpful. Next time I'm in Oxford will try afternoon tea.
Rebecca Roberts
Rebecca Roberts
Sep 15, 2021
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From the time we arrived to when we left the staff were very attentive and friendly. The half hour boat tour which included a glass of bubbly was relaxing and an enjoyable experience before our three course meal. Great selection of courses which were inventive and tasty. A very enjoyable couple of hours, thanks! 😊
Alison Coxon
Alison Coxon
Sep 09, 2021
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Just couldn't fault it. Had a great river trip with glass of bubbly. Then superb 3 course meal good wine. Beautiful setting and interior to restaurant.
Guan Yong Tan
Guan Yong Tan
Sep 09, 2021
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Nice ambience. nice food. good service. a little pricey but worth a try.
Shell Talmage
Shell Talmage
Sep 08, 2021
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Wonderful place. My husband and I visited recently. This isn't a place for a quick bite to eat. This is a place to eat where you're going to feel looked after, chill and enjoy the river atmosphere and enjoy… freshly prepared food that won't arrive in 5 mins! Staff are extremely polite and accomodating. Will definitely be returning. Food was amazing, and worth the extra pennies.
Christopher Swordy
Christopher Swordy
Aug 31, 2021
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Really nice restaurant, lovely staff, great views, what more could you ask for, we will be going back.
Phillip Wicks
Phillip Wicks
Aug 17, 2021
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Possibly the best meal I’ve ever been served. It was a lovely evening. The menu had plenty to choose from for a reasonable price. The waiters were attentive and I really enjoyed my visit here.
Colin White
Colin White
Jun 12, 2021
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Friendly and attentive service with a lovely British/European seasonal menu in a delightful and relaxed setting next to the river. Oxford does not have many quality restaurants and The Folly stands head and shoulders above the other options.
So holding our wedding reception here was a natural choice and the team worked incredibly hard, catering for 25 in a Covid compliant manner, yet still making the day relaxed, fun and happy. Thanks to all the team at the Folly.