The Folly Restaurant

££££
Up to 120
Mediterranean, Modern European

About The Folly Restaurant

Description

The Folly is a restaurant and café in the heart of Oxford with a floating terrace on the waters of the River Thames. Boasting a beautiful riverside location while being a stone's throw from the city centre, this relaxed but sophisticated spot is the perfect place to host a private dinner with friends and family. From a lazy lunch to afternoon tea to an elegant evening meal, The Folly can be booked for private groups large and small.  

For groups of up to six people, its beautiful waterside private dining domes make for a truly special dining location. Do note that these domes are only available during the winter months, usually around November to February. Located out on the terrace, these heated pods can be hired for lunch, afternoon tea or dinner, and offer views of the Thames and the Folly Bridge. These would make a fantastic option for a birthday or anniversary.  

For larger groups who want to experience the privacy of one of its domes, there is a private dining dome available to hire all year round for up to 35 people. This unique dining space offers views across the River Thames and can be decorated with fairy lights to create a magical setting for evening events.

For larger group occasions, such as a wedding reception or work party, the inside restaurant can be hired exclusively for a sit-down dinner for up to 65 guests. Or, hire the entire venue which includes use of the outdoor dining terrace and can accommodate up to 120 guests. 

If you’re hiring one of its spaces for lunch or dinner, guests will be able to choose from either a la carte or tasting menus, which feature a selection of globally-inspired seasonal plates. Examples include seabass ceviche with jalapeno tigers milk, pomegranate and coriander, and roasted kohlrabi tartare with sesame puree, lemongrass espuma and pickled celery gel. Main courses include slow-cooked pork belly with rib and apricot bon bon, smoked buttermilk mash, hispi cabbage and cider jus, while desserts feature seasonal treats such as poached rhubarb with cardamom custard, ginger sable, blood orange sorbet. The generous wine list features an international collection of whites, reds, roses and sparkling to pair alongside.  

Groups can also book one of its domes for afternoon tea, which includes a selection of finger sandwiches, homemade scones, classic cakes and a pot of tea or coffee.  

Good to know

Average Price
££££ - £50 - £79
Cuisines
Mediterranean, Modern European
Ambience
Cool, Cosy, Dark & moody, Fine dining, Luxury, Quirky, Romantic, Unique

Room options

Private Dining Dome

Private Dining Dome

6 seated capacity

For an intimate gathering, the two smaller private dining domes are ideal for up to six guests. These heated, enclosed domes provide a cozy yet scenic outdoor experience, perfect for couples, families, or small groups wanting to enjoy the festive spirit in a unique setting. Available from October through March, the domes combine winter charm with comfort, allowing you to dine al fresco while staying warm and sheltered.

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The White Dome

The White Dome

30 seated capacity

The large White Dome offers an impressive space for larger celebrations, comfortably accommodating up to 35 guests. This heated riverside dome captures the enchantment of winter while ensuring a snug, welcoming atmosphere. With views of the river and surrounding winter landscape, it’s the ideal venue for private Christmas parties or corporate gatherings.

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Inside Restaurant

Inside Restaurant

60 seated capacity | 100m² room size

The inside restaurant offers a large open planned dining area which is suitable for all occasions. During the day the interior is bright and airy and when the sun finally sets the fairy lights illuminate the space which gives the restaurant a magical and romantic setting.

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Full Venue Hire

Full Venue Hire

120 seated capacity | 200m² room size

The full venue hire combines the use of our private dining dome, inside restaurant and our outdoor floating river terrace.

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The River Room

The River Room

16 seated capacity

For an even more exclusive experience, The Gallery, their private dining room perched above the Thames and Folly Bridge in Oxford, is perfect for up to 16 guests. Whether you’re planning a festive lunch, an elegant afternoon tea, or an evening reception, The Gallery offers a refined setting for your celebration. Overlooking historic views, this space combines sophistication with seasonal warmth, making it a memorable choice for intimate holiday gatherings or corporate events.

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This venue also offers

The Folly Restaurant
Event Party Venue

The Folly Restaurant

Location for The Folly Restaurant

Folly Bridge, Oxford, Oxfordshire, OX1 4JU

01865 201 293

Website

Testimonials For The Folly Restaurant

Corporate TripOCTOBER, 2024

We were on a corporate trip & had our dinner with our team of 25 people. Great food & great service. We had our dinner outdoor seating inside a dome.

Sujan S

"The service was stunning"JUNE, 2023

We travelled from London in need of R&R plus it was a birthday day out, so needed the perfect restaurant ...... We hit the Jackpot with The Folly!!! Food was sensational, we love great restaurants and fine dining, this was all that but without the pomp. Super relaxed we ate over 3 hours, beautiful thoughtful and exciting twists with our food choices, a side salad with the least expectation as a healthy add on was the best we have ever had, including wonderful tiny onions, pickled Apple, slithers of beetroot, the salad leaves each so tasty I would guess organic and so wonderfully sourced, it's crazy to compliment the side order but everything was so good this hopefully tells you the finest detail! We were introduced to a new Gin we had never tasted upon the lovely advice of the Sommelier from Brittany, and a wonderful pink Zinfandel from Puglia. The service was stunning so relaxed we felt we were so far away from London and a part of Oxford, above and beyond welcoming us back after our Prosecco Boat trip taken from the Jetty outside the Folly, now we know the catering is from the restaurant we will plan a party on the boat. Thank you to the team for making our so utterly memorable and fun and for laying on the sunshine! 

Jack Peahen

"It has never failed to impress"MARCH, 2023

This restaurant, on the river within easy walking distance of the centre of Oxford must be one of the most delightful restaurants in Oxford.Looking out of the river, whether from inside the restaurant or, as we did, from the beautiful domes on the pontoon adds to a wonderful evening and must count as a must do experience. The food is delicious - balanced and superbly presented. The service immaculate - attentive , professional and friendly but not overpowering. I have eaten here a number of times and it is my absolute first choice when suggesting somewhere for visitors and special events. It has never failed to impress".

Jane

"Thanks again for a terrific afternoon"MARCH, 2023

I just wanted to say a huge thanks to your entire team for a stunning lunch. My wife and I went on the river boat cruise and booked lunch at the restaurant afterwards. It was simply stupendous from the cocktails to the food and wines. The service was excellent and just right. What a terrific way to celebrate my wife’s 60th birthday (a year late due to covid). Please pass on my compliments to the chefs, front of house and all concerned, and it was lovely to be there when you achieved a rosette (well deserved). Thanks again for a terrific afternoon.

Roza Lobo


FAQs

Does it offer exclusive hire?

Yes, the restaurant can be hired exclusively for up to 70 people seated or up to 100 people for a drinks reception.

Helpful? 0

Can I book a private dining room for afternoon tea?

Yes, The Folly can be privately booked for lunch, afternoon tea or dinner.

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How many private dining areas are there at The Folly Restaurant?

They have 1 private dining room which can accommodate up to 35 guests. The Inside restaurant and outside river terrace can also be hired as a semi private or full private hire .

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Who is the Head Chef at The Folly Restaurant?

Dan Richardson

Helpful? 0

Is there a set private dining menu at The Folly Restaurant?

They do offer set menus if requested.

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What is the dress code at The Folly Restaurant?

Smart Casual

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