The Folly

Business Details

Your Riverside Dining Experience in Oxford

The Folly is a family-owned independent restaurant nestled in the heart of Oxford, offering a unique dining experience that celebrates the city's rich heritage and natural beauty. Our riverside location at Folly Bridge provides an unparalleled setting where guests can enjoy seasonal cuisine crafted from locally sourced ingredients. With a commitment to sustainability, we showcase Oxford's culinary identity through menus that evolve with the seasons while minimising food miles. Recognised with an AA Rosette for culinary excellence and a Tripadvisor Travellers Choice Award, our focus remains on genuine hospitality rather than accolades.

The restaurant occupies a historically significant site connected to Lewis Carroll and the creation of Alice in Wonderland, adding literary charm to our offerings. We provide diverse experiences including riverside dining on our floating terrace, private dining domes, and curated river cruises that combine scenic exploration with gourmet meals. Our dedication to environmental responsibility extends to energy conservation initiatives and waste management practices that align with our community values.

Services

Riverside Dining Private River Cruises Afternoon Tea Private Dining Domes Wedding Receptions Seasonal Menus Floating Terrace Literary Themed Events Sustainable Catering Cocktail Cruises

Highlights and features

Family-owned with over 20 years of hospitality experience
Sustainable, locally sourced seasonal menus
Historic riverside location with literary connections
Award-winning culinary excellence
Unique combination of dining and river cruise experiences

Associations and certifications

AA Rosette
Tripadvisor Travellers Choice Award

What people say

Fantastic food Engaging boat skipper Masterpiece courses Perfect ending Raved about experience

Website

Update Listing

Services

Riverside Dining

Our riverside restaurant offers seasonal British cuisine with panoramic views of the River Thames. Guests enjoy locally sourced ingredients prepared with modern techniques while surrounded by Oxford's historic architecture. The floating terrace provides unique al fresco dining opportunities throughout the year.

Private River Cruises

Themed river cruises combine scenic exploration with gourmet experiences. Options include Prosecco welcome cruises, afternoon tea voyages, and cocktail cruises aboard Edwardian-style boats. Each journey showcases Oxford's waterways while connecting to our riverside restaurant.

Afternoon Tea

Traditional afternoon tea features handcrafted sandwiches, freshly baked scones, and delicate pastries. Available both in our restaurant and as a floating experience, this service maintains Oxford's heritage while offering contemporary twists on classic offerings.

Private Dining Domes

Glass-enclosed dining domes provide exclusive spaces for special occasions. These climate-controlled environments accommodate celebrations from intimate dinners to corporate events, combining modern comfort with riverside views.

Seasonal Menus

Menus evolve with the seasons to showcase Oxfordshire's agricultural bounty. Our chefs develop daily changing dishes that highlight fresh produce, meats, and seafood from regional suppliers while maintaining environmental sustainability.

Questions

What makes The Folly's location special?

We occupy a historic riverside site at Folly Bridge with direct connections to Lewis Carroll and the creation of Alice in Wonderland, offering panoramic views of the River Thames.

Do you offer vegetarian or vegan options?

Our seasonal menus include multiple vegetarian and vegan dishes, with plant-based alternatives available for many traditional recipes while maintaining culinary excellence.

Can I combine a river cruise with dining?

Yes, our Cruise and Dine package offers a 40-minute river cruise with Prosecco followed by a three-course meal from our a la carte menu at the restaurant.

Are private events possible at The Folly?

We host weddings, corporate events, and celebrations in our private dining domes, floating pontoon spaces, and exclusive restaurant areas for groups of various sizes.

How do you ensure food quality and sustainability?

We source ingredients from local Oxfordshire producers, maintain seasonal menus to reduce food miles, and implement energy-efficient kitchen practices aligned with environmental responsibility.

Reviews (4)

Write a Review

Nick Darlow

Dec 12, 2021 Report

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

Dec 05, 2021 Report

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

Oct 29, 2021 Report

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

Oct 18, 2021 Report

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.