The Alchemist Oxford Cocktail Bar

Westgate, Bonn Square, Oxford OX1 1TR

About This Pub

Ah, The Alchemist Oxford – it's one of those places that really knows how to mix up a good time, isn't it? From what I've gathered chatting about it, the cocktails are the real stars here; they're inventive, packed with taste, and some even put on a little performance that adds to the fun. The team behind the bar are an absolute delight – friendly, quick to recommend the perfect drink, and they handle things like allergies or birthday surprises with real thoughtfulness, making you feel right at home. It's brilliant for a night out with mates or a special occasion, especially if you snag a table outside for those lovely Oxford views on a balmy evening. On the flip side, though, the food's a mixed bag; a few folks have mentioned dishes that were a bit underwhelming, like a bland mac and cheese that didn't quite deliver on flavour, or meals that were okay but nothing to write home about. Still, if you're after a place that's more about the drinks and vibe than a full meal, it's worth a visit – just keep expectations in check for the grub and you'll likely have a whale of a time.

Pros and Cons

Pros

The cocktails are absolutely brilliant – they're creative, full of flavour, and some even come with a fun show that makes the night memorable.
The service is top-notch; the staff are friendly, attentive, and go the extra mile, like arranging surprises for special occasions or handling allergies with care.
It's a great spot for a lively atmosphere, whether you're enjoying the views from outside seating on a nice evening or celebrating something special inside.
They've got solid options for vegetarians, with some reviewers raving about the food choices that cater to different tastes.

Cons

The food can be a bit disappointing at times; some dishes, like the lobster mac and cheese, might turn out bland and not live up to expectations.
A few meals are described as decent but not spectacular, so if you're heading there primarily for eats, you might want to manage your hopes.
The overall experience can feel a tad short, leaving you wanting more from the visit despite the hype.

Contact Information

Westgate, Bonn Square, Oxford OX1 1TR

+441865792072

Cocktail bar

Closed today

Opening Hours

Monday	12:00 - 00:00
Tuesday	12:00 - 00:00
Wednesday	12:00 - 00:00
Thursday	12:00 - 00:00
Friday	12:00 - 01:00
Saturday	11:00 - 01:00
Sunday (Today)	11:00 - 23:00

Location

Recent Reviews

Great place to come for drinks, but the food is disappointing. Today ordered the lobster mac and cheese, which was somehow so bland it didn't taste like lobster, or cheese! 🤣 and also had a BBQ pork Smoking Board (basically fajitas) which was decent but not spectacular. Second time eating here and really I would say it's a place for drinks and not for food. The food is bland and overpriced and you can do a lot better in Oxford. One of our guests also ordered a 'medium rare' steak, and when it arrived it was about as Well Done as a steak could possibly be. For drinks though, it's a lot of fun and definitely worth a visit. Some of the items on the drinks menu are quite spectacular, and really this is what the alchemist is all about. TL;DR - This is a place for drinks. Avoid it if you're looking for a meal!

Jack R

We both had delicious meals sitting outside on a balmy night. Service excellent. Views from our outside tables over Oxford.

Julie Martin

Had a fantastic night at The Alchemist Oxford for my girlfriend’s birthday! The cocktails were incredible—bursting with flavor and so creative.Our waiter Ojas was awesome, super friendly, and gave spot-on cocktail recs. He even managed to arrange a surprise birthday brownie for my girlfriend despite the busy night, which made it so special. Highly recommend, especially with Ojas taking care of you!

M-

Maxim -

This place is worth the hype and the money. The cocktails are wonderful, mixed beautifully and drunk far too easily - and many come with a show. It is a clever and fun idea and the only thing I didn't enjoy was how short the experience was. Will be back. Also, some of the best vegetarian food I have eaten in a while.

Sudo Mohawk

We just popped in to grab some food while traveling. The staff were friendly, took our prawn allergy seriously, and warned us against having fish and chips as the fish might be fried in the same fryer as the prawns. It was nice of them to warn us, but on the other hand, shouldn’t a person allergic to prawns be able to eat fish in a restaurant? That’s why only 5 stars for food.We ordered their smoked board, and it was a good choice. The meat was soft and juicy, and the veggies were fresh and crunchy. The view from their terrace is spectacular. We didn’t plan on visiting Oxford this time, so it was an extra bonus for us. The only problem for us was the music, which was a tad too loud to allow for conversations, more like in a bar and people had to shout to communicate. But we’re in our 60s; the younger crowd seemed happy chatting loudly.

Małgosia Tetiurka