No. 1 Folly Bridge

I've now visited No. 1 Folly Bridge quite a few times - twice for high tea, once for a late lunch with my partner, and the last couple of times for a huge lunch for almost 30 people, and my 30th birthday party for which we decided would have a 1930s Speakeasy Prohibition Theme! We rented the whole Brasserie for the night, and it was AMAZING! So much effort went into all of the details, quite a few of them volunteered by the Folly Bridge team themselves. It made the overall success of this particular party (and my previous visits) very much down to an excellent choice in venue, staff, food and drink! You'll be seeing plenty of me in the future, that's for sure!

Izzie M (DI User), 06/11/12

Went to this restaurant tonight. It was very empty with about 3 tables occupied (probably due to the very rainy weather). Chose the sea bream with char grilled vegetables for a main. The fish was lovely and cooked perfectly but the veg were watery and soggy and the whole dish was more like a starter. Still very hungry so we asked about dessert. One pudding ordered was apple crumble - it consisted ot a pile of apple and a few crumbs sprinkled on top! The other puddings were ok but nothing special. Overall the location was beautiful despite the weather but the food was not what it should have been for that price. I will not be recommending this place, very disappointing.

Tuck (Unverified), 03/06/12

I've popped into No1 Folly Bridge a couple of times now. First I went in the summer and had a glass of wine on the floating deck (lovely). Then I went again for lunch and the food was great, and most recently I popped in for tea with a friend. I really love No1, the staff are friendly and the food is really good. I particularly like the window seats where you can watch the river, and the staff are good natured and don't rush you out as soon as your coffee is finished. I recommend this for good atmosphere and location, and in the summer time is is just superb, do try it.

Verityrs (Unverified), 15/03/12

My wife and I had dinner here on Friday 9th March. We enjoyed our meals, which were of excellent quality, and the service was first class.

They were well presented and the timing of delivery of the various courses was spot on.

We will certainly eat here again and would recommend it to others.

Abruzzo (Unverified), 11/03/12

We visited this restaurant several times during our stay in the UK last summer. We were staying on the same road and stumbled across it on our way to the city one morning. Given its location, perched enviably above the river, it's surprising what a hidden gem it appears to be. We enjoyed two excellent dinners, a breakfast and several of the best coffees that we found in England (some praise from a Melbourne resident!).

Also surprisingly good value. I usually find that a waterside location commands premium prices but that does not appear to be the case here. I understood from the manager that it is a new business - good luck to them in these uncertain economic times!

JBMELB (Unverified), 20/12/11

We decided to give this a try after seeing it advertised on Groupon. The deal was for 3 courses with a glass of wine. On arrival, we were told there would be a delay as they had had a large party in who had overrun and were trying to clear the tables (there were however tables free). We were seated 30 minutes late along with about 5 other tables, our orders were taken and 10 minutes later our starters arrived. We were really impressed, the food was really good.

However, every other table then got given their main course and ours didn't arrive. We waited another 5 minutes and then complained to the manager who apologised and our food followed - however this was an hour after our starter!! Again the food was really good. The manager was apologetic but it really spoilt the evening and we didn't even bother to stay for dessert - as we were already late to meet friends. They just seemed disorganised and there was no atmosphere. Couldn't fault the food but wouldn't go again.

Rose66 (Unverified), 04/11/11

Greeted instantly as soon as we arrived. We could choose our table. Excellent food and lovely cocktails. Gorgeous surroundings and classy interior, only spoilt by ladies toilets which need a little maintenance.

Jewel (Unverified), 02/10/11

17 members of my company visited No1 Folly Bridge prior to a casino boat trip arranged with Oxford River Cruises. All I can say is that we were all very satisfied with our meals, we had not one complaint! The staff were very friendly and accommodating and they made us feel all the more welcome! I would highly recommend No1 Folly Bridge for both social and corporate outings!

Chardel06 (Unverified), 28/09/11

Went to Folly Bridge last Saturday on the basis of Chris Grey's excellent review in the Oxford Times. I suspect Chris was somewhat seduced by the location and his glamorous arrival by private motor launch and this probably accounts for part of his enthusiasm for the place. However, having arrived only by foot, we still had a very pleasant evening. This is not fine dining but it is a relaxed restaurant, with good food that is reasonably priced.

Sea Bass particularly good. 8/10 for the food. 9/10 for the location.

stibbsj (Unverified), 22/09/11

Spent a lovely evening here - beautiful setting, sitting by the river watching the sunset, drink in hand. Menu provided excellent choice, staff incredibly friendly and attentive. Food was delicious. Will definitely be returning, as hard to find such a nice place in Oxford that won't break the bank.

belle_raquelle (Unverified), 05/08/11

Enjoyed delicious food here on Friday evening, and was impressed by the look of the restaurant as a whole. Staff were lovely. Looking forward to returning to enjoy the riverside location in the sunshine, or to hunker down in one of the window bays for a coffee/drinks stop.

Mac (Unverified), 21/06/11

Visiting from France, it was great to find a Brasserie on the Thames in Oxford, with its own boat mooring (Oxford River Cruises)! You can eat and drink inside or on the beautiful terrace by the river. The atmosphere was informal and great for meeting friends for a drink and a light meal. There were plenty of choices of food and drink catering for both British and Continental tastes. Good luck to the new owners of No.1 Folly Bridge who are well on the way to providing a French Brasserie atmosphere! A bientot!

P. Sentucq (Unverified), 16/06/11

Lovely relaxed atmosphere and friendly welcoming staff! We came for coffee and ended up staying for lunch (great pizzas by the way), and will definitely be back soon. A very welcome addition to central Oxford's daytime haunts.

SeBee (Unverified), 15/06/11

Last night we decided to try out the latest incarnation on the 1 Folly Bridge site. Called, imaginatively, 1 Folly Bridge, this brasserie has been open a month. The staff were friendly and obviously keen to be helpful. Before ordering we got chatting with one waiter who told us enthusiastically that there would be a new larger menu from 25 May when a new chef is starting. We should have taken this as a warning. Although the menu looked interesting the food was awful. Three people, six dishes and all but one was bland. Even the tuna and salmon had no flavour of their own and preparation was uninspired, to say the least. The ‘rare’ beef arrived medium-to-well done, chewy with a greasy, sweet sauce. The pizza base was tough and tasteless with a smear of unappetising tomato paste as topping. The salads were soggy with water; the dressings minimal and almost tasteless. Another waiter asked us how we found the food so we told her, and also said we’d heard that there would be a new chef next week. She looked very surprised. Did she not know? Should we not have been told? We certainly won’t be going back unless we’re confident things have changed radically. What is it about this beautiful riverside location? One underwhelming restaurant folds, another takes its place. Shame.

RW (Unverified), 22/05/11