Raoul's

Wow. I went to Raoul's for the first time last weekend. What can I say: superb, imaginative drinks served in a cosy and fun environment. Will definitely go back, so many drinks to explore. Can't wait until my next visit.

Rowland (Unverified), 04/11/09

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I went with several others on a Friday evening and the staff were rude to me. I asked for a Long Island Iced Tea (my favorite cocktail), and the waiter said he didn't make it. I asked again if I could have one as it's my favorite. He said it was "bar policy not to serve it as it was a rubbish cocktail" and he thought so too!

I won't be going back.

anne2001 (Unverified), 27/04/08

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This is a nice cocktail bar and they serve great cocktails - however - be prepared for the arrogant staff. I took a dozen work colleagues there recently and we were made to feel very unwelome - like we were putting them out by being there. It all felt very awkward so we moved on!

JD (Unverified), 19/12/07

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Visited last Saturday with my girlfriend and had high expectations as Raoul's (to me anyway) is considered to be the best cocktail bar in Oxford. We were not disappointed.

Admittedly we visited early on a Saturday evening before it gets livelier but from what we saw and sampled, Raoul's is head and shoulders above the local competition.

The bar area, whilst small, is very inviting with the usual vast array of spirits well laid out and a vibrant selection of fresh fruit fully on view to show that they don't do things by halves. The menu was very extensive and well presented and the staff extremely knowledgable and friendly.
I can't really remember the cocktails we sampled (!) but all (bar a slightly dubious one based on a sherry trifle) were the best I've had in Oxford if not anywhere else as well. We had a bowl of chips (more french fries really) as well in order to lower the tone a bit, but even they were delicious and came swiftly from a smiling member of staff.

There is a lower room which is accessible from the street and also at the rear of the bar with a DJ booth for later at night.

Overall, as i've already said, the best cocktails in Oxford without exception and perhaps surprisingly, not the most expensive either.

Joe B (Unverified), 19/07/07

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This is a truly one-of-a-kind bar. Freshly made cocktails, with fresh fruit. Talented and experienced bar staff, who make cocktails with the kind of ease and speed of old pros. I don't think the cocktails are over-priced... for the quality of the drink presented before you and the fresh ingredients that the drink is made with, i'm quite happy to pay £5-6.

The bar staff are extremely friendly and helpful especially if you're not sure what to drink from their catalogue of cocktails. There are even alcohol free cocktails for the designated drivers among you, and for those who just don't do cocktails there's always straight shots and bottled beer.

Favourite drinks so far:
Hail Berry (Blackberries, Raspberries and Blueberry flavoured Gin...
Violet Maritni - Tastes like a parma violet in a glass
General Lee - Sour, zingy and gingery.

The clientele is suprisingly unpretentious. The atmosphere is cosy (so by this I mean a little cramped) but welcoming.

Even a packet of cigarettes is presented to you unwrapped, lid open, first cigarette poking out, and a packet of matches sitting snugly in the open lid. Now that's what i call service... and that's what got my bar man a tip.

Highly recommended, always a treat... just set aside a bit of money and don't hold back. You won't be disappointed.

Mooko (Unverified), 01/04/07

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Stylish decor, superior cocktails (if over-priced) and good music.
All ruined by the door staff, who, with barely a braincell between them,appear to have been trained at the Pol Pott school of charm.

brooxie (Unverified), 30/03/07

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The best cocktails in Oxford without a doubt. Yes they are pricey, but they are made from fresh fruit right in front of you and always prepared so beautifully!

Lovely atmosphere, great staff, a wide variety of people. Went here for pre-drinks on my 18th Birthday as I loved it so much.

A very classy evening, never a disapointment. If you haven't been, you must try it, no other cocktails compare!

Louise (Unverified), 10/03/07

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