Vaults & Garden

4.5 ( 1320 reviews )
Checking... 8:30 AM - 6:00 PM See Hours
£10–20
University Church, 1 Radcliffe Sq, Oxford OX1 4AH, United Kingdom
+44 1865 819098
Nestled in the historic University Church, Vaults & Garden is a café that seamlessly marries sustainable practices with quality dining. Patrons rave about the inviting atmosphere, reminiscent of Hogwarts, with its medieval woodwork and calming décor. It’s more than just the ambiance; the menu shines with options like the hearty Full Oxford breakfast and the flavorful Oxford Cheese Rarebit, both crafted from organic ingredients sourced locally. Customers, like Jimin Kim, highlight the café’s commitment to health and sustainability, while others, such as Anahita Khalilzadeh, appreciate the menu’s delightful surprises. The selection of freshly baked scones garners widespread acclaim, with Laura S345 proclaiming them the best in Oxford. The picturesque outdoor seating offers stunning views of the Radcliffe Camera, making it a perfect spot for leisurely brunches or afternoon tea. While some note accessibility challenges, the friendly staff and meticulously curated offerings create a warm, inviting experience worthy of multiple visits. Vaults & Garden is not just a café; it’s a charming retreat that feeds both the body and the soul in the heart of Oxford.

Amenities and More

  • Accessibility
    • Has wheelchair-accessible entrance
    • Has wheelchair-accessible seating
  • Service options
    • Has outdoor seating
    • On-site services available
    • Offers takeaway
    • Serves dine-in
    • No delivery
  • Highlights
    • Has great tea selection
  • Offerings
    • Serves alcohol
    • Serves beer
    • Serves coffee
    • Serves organic dishes
    • Serves vegan dishes
    • Serves vegetarian dishes
    • Serves wine
  • Dining options
    • Serves breakfast
    • Serves brunch
    • Serves lunch
    • Serves dinner
    • Has catering
    • Has seating
  • Amenities
    • Has toilet
    • Has Wi-Fi
    • Free Wi-Fi
  • Atmosphere
    • Casual
    • Cosy
    • Romantic
  • Crowd
    • Family friendly
    • Good for groups
  • Planning
    • Doesn't accept reservations
  • Payments
    • Accepts credit cards
    • Accepts debit cards
    • Accepts NFC mobile payments
    • Credit cards
  • Children
    • Good for kids
    • High chairs available
  • Parking
    • Difficult to find a space
  • Pets
    • Dogs allowed outside

Reviews For Vaults & Garden

Jimin Kim
May 3,2025
I had a great and hearty meal here yesterday. It's an excellent and sustainable cafe serving delicious and healthy foods using high-quality ingredients. Love the historical interior of this place as well.
Anahita Khalilzadeh
Apr 24,2025
Not exactly a hidden gem (as is evident by 1k reviews here), but it kinda felt that way. You’d feel like you are back to school (in the best way possible). They have good selection for breakfast. We got their house breakfast, which was really good and tasty, and the rarebit, which did look unassuming but packed a good punch. Their tea had a good selection too. They have a really cute dining area (think a “harry potteresque” situation, but not too glamorous). Definitely will come back when we visit Oxford again.
Ana GB
Apr 10,2025
Beautiful place with a lovely calm atmosphere. The scones were delicious.
Laura S345
Mar 27,2025
My favourite place to eat in Oxford! - lunch or afternoon cream tea. Their scones are the best in the city! The inside of the cafe is an architectural delight, I don’t know what the woodwork on ceiling and walls is called but it looks medieval, really historic. If it’s warm enough to eat outside, the view directly faces Radcliffe Camera, can’t get more amazing than that :). The ingredients they use are super fresh, and they have a lovely tea selection. I’ve been there a handful of times now and service was always professional and well-managed for such a busy spot.
Irish OG
Mar 25,2025
Vaults is such a cute and quintessentially Oxford cafe and their outdoor area has a great view of the Radcliffe. Proper decent portions of old school cakes and food here and decent coffee. The staff are all friendly and kind. It should be noted that it is a bit tricky accessibility wise given the narrow passages and steps for the bathrooms.
Lisa Dejaegere
Mar 18,2025
great place to have lunch or tea. because I liked the lunch so much I came back for tea and a scone. both were delicious scone was still slightly warm wat i love. both outside and inside is very pleasant to sit. a real recommendation to come and eat.
Patrick Donghwi Park
Feb 24,2025
When visiting Oxford, there are certain experiences that are simply quintessential, and finding a lovely cafe to enjoy a traditional British scone is certainly one of them. I recently visited a cafe here "Vaults & Garden" where, in my opinion, trying their scone is an absolute must. This cafe offers what I found to be a perfect pairing: an excellent scone and a good cup of coffee. The combination is simply delightful. The classic way to enjoy a scone involves splitting it and generously layering it with clotted cream and then either jam or marmalade. Doing this here, whilst perhaps taking in the view of the iconic Radcliffe Camera, elevates the experience considerably. The scone itself had a lovely texture and flavour, providing the ideal base for the rich clotted cream and sweet or tangy spread. The setting, especially if you can find a spot with a view of the magnificent Radcliffe Camera, adds significantly to the enjoyment. It creates a memorable moment, savouring a classic treat while looking out at one of Oxford's most famous architectural landmarks.
Tammy Owins
Feb 8,2025
What a great cafe find! Sustainable, social mission welcoming students, strollers, all ages, limited menu changes with time of day. I came back twice for the excellent Chicken Fricassee and white beans lunch. Easily found seatings in and outside, excellent counter service. Non accessible restrooms. There was a notice to sign a petition to save the cafe from eviction as the Church wants the space back, I hope the cafe stays in business.

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