Holywell's Bar & Brasserie - Closed!!
Restaurant & Drinking Establishment
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Something untoward seems to have happened to this place, suddenly, April 07.
Former Blackwell's bookshop with attractive central basement-to-ceiling glass 'chimney' open to the elements in Wadham college.
Food served: from midday to 3pm, and from 6 to 10pm.
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38 Holywell Street, Ads by Daily Info:
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With a 'Special Occasion' coming up in the calendar, I had to decide which of Oxford's many, many restaurants to book for an enjoyable and memorable meal for two. I decided to gamble on a new experience, which led me to Holywells. I looked on their website (http://www.holywells.net), and was impressed by the reasonable but adventurous food on offer. So I booked our table for 8.30pm that Saturday evening. We arrived a little early, and were slightly apprehensive as we realised this large, spacious establishment was practically empty. However the interior is quite stunning, with dimmed lighting, a huge central glasshouse effect and open staging with the restaurant looking down over the bar. The tables are uncovered dark oak, with many set for two; but some for much larger parties: as we were shown to our seats I noticed a group of about 10 sat just behind us. We ordered a bottle of House White to go with our meal (£11), and were pleased when this was uncorked at the table; something not so often seen in such establishments. We were spoilt for choice with the menu, but chose well; myself ordering the grilled goat's cheese and mixed leaves for starter, and the salad bowl topped with further goat's cheese for the main. My husband opted for the moules for starter, and steak and ale pie for his main, with garlic bread as an extra side dish. The food was served after just about the perfect amount of time - we didn't feel like we had been waiting forever, and yet, with no desire for the evening to pass by too fast, were not made to feel rushed in any way. The moules arrived in a huge, deep bowl, with a small basket of french bread. They were served in a rich white wine and cream sauce, just light enough to make the whole dish not too overpowering and filling; and the quantity of moules extremely generous - more than enough for someone with a smaller appetite, though my husband managed them perfectly well. My starter was also delicious; the goats cheese grilled just sufficiently to soften and caramelise; the balsamic vinegar and olive oil dressing adding the perfect compliment to the richness of the cheese and the pepperiness of the mixed leaves. My only reservation was that a crouton of french bread under the goat's cheese might have perfected this almost winning combination - however, I would be very tempted to order this dish again if we returned to the restaurant. The mains arrived again after a perfect wait, and were also of a good size, and beautifully presented. The steak and ale pie came in its own oval ramekin, served with generous amounts of vegetables: baby carrots, mange-tout, cauliflower, courgettes and baby corn. The pie itself was apparently excellent, with a beautifully rich sauce to compliment the tender chunks of meat. It was topped with a thin layer of mashed potato, rather than the traditional pastry; but this did not detract from the dish. The garlic bread was also perfectly made. My salad bowl was perfect for what I wanted after my starter; it was indeed a deep bowl of mixed salad (lettuces, tomatoes and cucumber - I had asked for the red onion to be omitted), topped with crumbly, rich chunks of a creamy goat's cheese; I couldn't fault the dish in any way. For those who are not so keen on goat's cheese, many other toppings are also available, and can be chosen singularly, or together to create the dish of your choice. After the two courses, we decided against having a dessert; though the menu again did sound tempting, with 9 sweets, or cheese, all priced at around £5. Our total bill came to £37.50 (excluding tip), which I feel was an excellent price for an excellent meal. Most starters are approximately £5-6, which may seem pricey - but the main courses are very well priced; ranging from £5/6 for the salad, to £16 for a steak; and most coming in at around £10. In summary, we thought that Holywells was an excellent value meal out, in beautiful Oxford surroundings; the entire establishment was smart, sophisticated and beautifully decorated. I am surprised that it was as quiet as we found it (though admittedly, more tables filled up after we had arrived), and can only assume that this is due to a lack of awareness of this highly recommended bar/brasserie. Alison Hook , 28/08/05 Does anyone know what has happened to this place. I really enjoyed eating here and suddenly found a closed sign on the door?? 21/06/07 Definitely closed! Alex, 23/04/07 We arrived at holywell's after enjoying the luminox festival to find three of the main dishes out of stock. Tired and hungry we ordered the Quail and leek risotto. When both dishes arrived they were cold with no waitress in sight. The quail was undercooked and poor quality. The service was slow from being seated to paying the bill. I wouldn't recommend this restaurant, certainly not on a busy night. s.b., 23/03/07 I ate at Hollywells last night (valentines night) and I can honestly say it was the worst meal I have had for quite some while. Our table was right near the waiters tea/coffee making area and all I heard for nearly 2 hours was one the waitresses swearing and getting rather upset with another member of staff. I told the manager that this was one of the reasons that I refused to pay the service charge. The soup was very nice but the 'beef wellington' was not what I would describe as a beef wellington, more of a steak with a small disc of puff pastry sat on top! I am sure that I could have spent £32.50 and got a much better meal elsewhere in Oxford if only I had been better organised and booked earlier. I shall definitely not be back which is a shame as the last time I ate there a year ago we had absolutely no complaints food lover, 15/02/07 I took my wife to Holywells for her birthday with our two grown up children. My wife and son had the steak pie with a topping of mash, my daughter was attracted by the home made burger and chips and I daringly tried the curried monkfish. The waiting staff were very friendly and professional, we liked the decor and general ambience which is unusual having a large glass feature in the centre of the building. Everyone enjoyed their meals, my daughter managed to keep a grin on her face while devouring her burger and chips which were pronounced amongst the best she'd tried. I thought the curried monkfish slightly prententious and would not choose it again. As for the sweets, we chose baked cheesecake, which looked wonderful but tasted of nothing, creme caramel ditto, treacle sponge with creme Anglais which my son enjoyed but was not exceptional (the creme Anglais turned out to be cream!) but my daughter had the sorbet which was nicely flavoured with blackcurrant and mango (we all tried a little). The drinks were reasonably priced (cocktails from £3) and the bar service excellent. Overall impression not a bad place for a meal but don't expect nouvelle cuisine. Romulus, 23/06/06 Holywell's also does good bar lunches - I went with a large gang of colleagues and fairly low expectations, based on previous experience of bar lunches generally. I was pleasantly impressed by the quality, smooth and efficient service, good-sized portions and very, very fine chips! Clare the Hungry Bear, 10/04/06
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