Duke of Cambridge

Feels rather behind the times in the overall scheme of things in the drinks world, but far and away the best of the Jericho cocktail bars. Slightly dated atmosphere and menu - 'chillout' music, décor that was probably new 8 years ago, lots of fruity 'cocktails' on the menu and a few real classics missing (Sazerac, Last Word, Aviation, Corpse Reviver no. 2, Vieux Carré, Cobbler, Daisy, etc.). But, the 'proper' cocktails (i.e. not 50% fruit juice!) that they do list are well-made and reasonably priced. The spirits used are good quality, and there's a decent range - they have rye whiskey, for example, which many bars don't stock, even if they don't automatically use it in their old-fashioned and Manhattan recipes as would be strictly traditional.

clochette (Unverified), 22/01/11

Professional staff, slick in design, classy and fabulous! Great for dates, out with your mates - you can even take your parents there. I Love the Duke!

DukeFan1 (Unverified), 07/06/08

I've been to the Duke four times in the last month or so and am now a confirmed cocktail drinker! The menu is interesting and varied, the drinks are of a much better standard than some of the other bars in Oxford. The atmosphere is relaxed and friendly, with a slightly upmarket feel. I've always been very impressed with the staff who are efficient at the bar and never leave you waiting for long. I also think the happy 'hour' of 3 and a half hours on week nights is pretty generous - though the full prices seem too much for some as the bar can empty pretty rapidly when happy hour ends. 9/10

PJB (Unverified), 04/10/07

Me and my girlfriends stumbled across the Duke of Cambridge 2 years ago now. We have tried to wean ourselves away, but quite frankly no other bar in Oxford can match the friendly service, the relaxed atmosphere and the flattering lighting!

With such busy lives, we tend to make an effort to meet up once a month - and we always head straight to the Duke.

Interesting place..... (just make sure your shoes are suitable) it has a very shiny floor!

Nicola (Unverified), 24/04/07

Just spent a great night in the Duke. The bar staff were all very friendly to us and had a great knowledge of drinks, whilst also managing to be speedy and efficient. I would suggest to Jerichonians not to hold money up to a bartender as it is a sure way to get served last! It is a very busy bar so it is not suprising that service is not as good as in some other places, but then you would be the only customer a very poor bar. The happy hours are great and for three and a half hours weekdays and two and a half weekends; it's more than one should expect from Jericho. The regular prices are in line with all the other bars in the area, so its not overpriced at all, but if you want a good atmosphere, good drinks and good service this is the place to come. It may not have the best cocktails, or the best service, or the best music, but it is very good on all counts. A proper jack of all trades, master of none (in a good way).

pleased (Unverified), 31/03/07

The Duke looks great, the drinks are great but unfortunately the service is not. It's by far the least friendly place in Jericho. Sugar Brown and Raoul's are far superior in terms of service; here the bar staff seem genuinely pleased to see your arrival. My last visit to The Duke enraged me so much, that I opted to walk out without buying a drink. The barman looked at me, spotted the money in my hand, recognised that I wanted to buy drinks, then continued flirting with the girl he had been speaking with. I have been at least 5 times in the last 2 months, but I seriously doubt whether I will ever return. What a waste of such a venue...

Jerichonian (Unverified), 10/01/07

Maddy_Field

Hi, I work at the Duke as a bartender. We try to make all cocktails as consistently as we possibly can. In theory they should all look and taste the same, no matter who makes it. When we hire new staff, it takes a while for them to learn our methods, so some drinks may slightly deviate from the norm. If you think your drink is not as good as you had it last time, please tell us what you think is wrong with it and how you think it should taste.

In regard to the music we play, I wouldn't say it was weird, we try to play something that most people would enjoy. Music taste is a very personal thing, so everyone has a different view on what's best, however you're welcome to suggest to us what style of music you and your friends would like to hear and we may consider it.

Thanks and hope to see you at the Duke again.

Milhouse Van Houten (Unverified), 05/11/06

Great for student happy hours, when you don't get all the local Oxford business men in there (second hand car dealers, nouveau riche builders "awright darlin fancy a drink then comin back to my house after...its really big"), funny looking middle management types etc.

Music is quite weird: it just seems as though they are playing it because they have to. I asked for a caipirinha which was ok, but not as good as I had there last time. All in all not bad, but I think the happy hours offer value which is not at all offered the rest of the time. 4/10

Maddy_Field (Unverified), 17/10/06

Has to be the best place in town for yummy cocktails. Love the atmosphere & the bar staff are so friendly, they always remember you. It's my fave jaunt!

Kami (Unverified), 11/10/06

The Duke is lovely, but even at happy hour prices, cocktails can run out your entire student loan in the space of an evening.
P.S. Ladies, the appropriate loo to use is the one with the circle on the door, not the horns.

susan (Unverified), 21/06/06

The Duke is a great place to have cocktails before a night out, relaxed atmosphere, and more of an upmarket feel than anywhere in the city centre, highly recommended...

Local Girly (Unverified), 14/06/06