The Punter in Oxford

Ah, The Punter – what a lovely spot it is, tucked away by the river in Oxford. I've got to say, it's one of those places that really hits the mark for a laid-back meal; the veggie and vegan dishes are just brilliant, with everything from mushroom gnocchi to cauliflower steak coming out fresh and packed with taste, as if they've put real thought into making meat-free options exciting. The location's a real winner too, especially after a wander along the Thames – picture yourself in that garden lit up with fairy lights on a summer evening, or snug inside with a pint of local beer. The team there are so approachable and make sure everything runs smoothly, which adds to the homely feel. On the flip side, it's not smack in the middle of town, so you might need to plan a bit if you're not up for the walk, and if meat's your thing, well, you might miss having those options on the menu. All in all, it's a cracking choice for a chilled-out get-together, and I'd definitely recommend giving it a go if you're after something a bit different from the usual pub grub.