Brown's is an Oxford institution, no question. When I arrived here from the North East thirteen years ago I was dismayed that I couldn't find a decent cup of tea in Oxford. No such worry at Brown's: it's the best, strongest cuppa this side of the Humber-Wash line. And in stainless steel teapots just like my grandmother's!

The Portuguese family who run the cafe are brilliant at what they do, and there's a little Lisbon twist to the food - quality pasteis de nata and bolo de Arroz alongside the more English apple pies and toasted teacakes. And, as so many of the reviewers here have mentioned, Brown's is one of the few places in Oxford where town and gown meet: a genuinely eclectic clientele makes it a great place to eavesdrop. (I didn't say that, by the way!)