The Fishes Gastropub in Oxford

N Hinksey Village, Oxford OX2 0NA

About This Pub

Ah, The Fishes—it's one of those places that really stands out as a hidden gem in Oxford, tucked away in a grand Victorian building with beautiful grounds leading down to a stream. I have to say, the outdoor dining area is a real winner; imagine sipping on a drink while enjoying that idyllic view—it's just the ticket for a sunny afternoon or a cosy evening. The menu's got some cracking choices, especially if you're mindful of dietary stuff like gluten or dairy, and from what I've seen, the food often hits the spot with fresh, seasonal flavours that leave you satisfied. The team there are generally chuffed to help, and skipping the service charge is a smart move that makes the whole experience feel a bit more straightforward. But let's be honest, it's not all roses; there have been times when the menu's a bit vague, leading to mix-ups, or when a dish doesn't quite come out right, like something being overcooked. And looking at the recent feedback, it's clear that while most visits are enjoyable, a few have fallen flat, perhaps with service not being as sharp as it could be. Overall, if you're heading out for a pub crawl or a meal with mates, I'd recommend giving it a go—it's got that warm, welcoming vibe, but just keep in mind it might have an off day, so maybe check the latest word on the ground first.

Pros and Cons

Pros

The outdoor seating is absolutely lovely, with a deck overlooking the Seacourt Stream and spacious gardens—perfect for a relaxed meal in the fresh air.
They've got an inclusive menu that's spot on for those with dietary needs, like clear gluten-free and dairy-free options, making everyone feel welcome.
The food is generally delicious and well-prepared, with seasonal dishes that capture the essence of what's fresh and tasty.
Service is friendly and efficient, and it's a nice touch that they don't add a service charge to the bill.
Plenty of parking and a welcoming atmosphere in this historic Victorian building, ideal for groups or a casual get-together.

Cons

The menu can be a bit unclear at times, leading to confusion over deals like the two-course offer, which might leave you scratching your head.
There have been occasional slip-ups with food preparation, such as overcooked dishes, which can detract from an otherwise good meal.
Recent reviews show a mixed bag, with some folks having disappointing experiences, like inconsistent service or overall vibes that didn't quite hit the mark.
As a spot that's popular, it might get busy, and if you're not lucky with your visit, things could feel a tad rushed or not up to par.

Contact Information

N Hinksey Village, Oxford OX2 0NA

+441865249796

Gastropub

Open Now

Opening Hours

Monday	11:00 - 22:00
Tuesday (Today)	11:00 - 22:00
Wednesday	11:00 - 22:00
Thursday	11:00 - 22:00
Friday	09:30 - 23:00
Saturday	09:30 - 23:00
Sunday	09:30 - 21:00

Location

Recent Reviews

Loved the venue we were lucky to get a seat on the veranda. Plenty of parking and large gardens down to a river. Service was good and quick, no service charge added to the bill which is a big thumbs up from me. The menu was slightly ambiguous as we had assume two courses for £28 which we thought included mains but were told when we queried the bill that the main had to be a roast. The prawns, soup, lamb were all excellent. The rainbow lasagna was good but need a little more taste to it possibly a little more of the pesto.

BJ Waltho

If I could give 0 stars, I would. I'm not leaving this review for a generic, robotic response like others have received—this is for potential customers who might consider dining here. My partner and I are locals and frequent The Fishes regularly. Normally, the food is okay, and the best feature is the lovely outdoor area. However, this recent experience was beyond unacceptable. After waiting 40 minutes for our food (with no explanation), it became clear they'd lost our order. Instead of owning up to it, they seemed to rush together a meal—quickly frying some chicken and tossing it onto a plate. My plate was barely warm, suggesting it hadn't been sitting on the pass for more than a moment. While the fries were hot, the chicken was raw in the middle. Yes, raw—as in visibly undercooked and unsafe to eat. Nothing quite says "bon appétit" like a side of salmonella.

Toni Carberry

We had a wonderful experience at this cozy outdoor sitting area. The ambiance was perfect for a relaxed meal, and we enjoyed the crisp autumn air. We tried several dishes from the autumn menu, and everything was absolutely delicious. Each dish was flavorful and well-seasoned, capturing the essence of the season. Highly recommend for anyone looking to enjoy a comfortable dining experience with great food!

Hilay Bullock

I tried the soup of the day and a courgette side dish, and both were simply amazing. The soup was rich and flavorful, perfect for the season, while the courgette side was cooked to perfection, full of fresh taste and well-balanced seasoning. The service was prompt and attentive, and the atmosphere was relaxed, making for an enjoyable experience overall. Everything was well-prepared and exceeded expectations. Will definitely return—an excellent experience.

Viktoriia Astafieva

Very nice restaurant. Party of 12 for lunch so we pre-ordered from the set menu at £35 per head. All choices were delivered correctly and in good time, can't complain! The food was very well presented and prepared (maybe the chicken in the supreme was a bit overcooked or sat a little while but no biggie). Good choice of wines, beers and soft drinks. Well made coffee to finish. Excellent attentive serving staff and we really appreciated the bowl of chips! Thanks for making our family meal a great one.

Pete Coultas