Vaults & Garden Café: Historic Oxford Dining in a Unique Setting
Historic vaulted crypt café in Oxford’s Radcliffe Square serving organic, wholesome meals with stunning views of the Radcliffe Camera.
Nestled beneath the University Church of St Mary the Virgin in Oxford’s Radcliffe Square, Vaults & Garden Café offers a vibrant, self-service dining experience combining organic, locally sourced ingredients with a historic atmosphere. Known for its generous portions, excellent vegetarian and vegan options, and stunning views of the Radcliffe Camera, this café serves breakfast, lunch, and afternoon tea in a medieval vaulted crypt and garden setting.
A brief summary to Vaults & Garden
- University Church, 1 Radcliffe Sq, Oxford, OX1 4AH, GB
- +441865819098
- Visit website
- Duration: 0.5 to 2 hours
- Mid ranged
-
Mixed
- Mobile reception: 4 out of 5
- Monday 8:30 am-5:30 pm
- Tuesday 8:30 am-5:30 pm
- Wednesday 8:30 am-5:30 pm
- Thursday 8:30 am-5:30 pm
- Friday 8:30 am-5:30 pm
- Saturday 8:30 am-6 pm
- Sunday 8:30 am-5 pm
Local tips
- Try the Oxford cheese rarebit, a signature dish served on sourdough with cheddar and Gruyere cheese.
- Visit for afternoon tea to enjoy freshly baked scones and a selection of teas in the garden when weather permits.
- Arrive early for breakfast or lunch to avoid peak times and enjoy the full range of organic menu options.
- The café is self-service; be prepared to carry your tray to seating either inside at trestle tables or outside in the garden.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Drink Options
- Food Options
- Seating Areas
- Trash Bins
- Information Boards
Vaults & Garden location weather suitability
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Any Weather
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Clear Skies
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Mild Temperatures
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Rain / Wet Weather
Discover more about Vaults & Garden
A Unique Dining Experience in Oxford’s Historic Heart
Vaults & Garden Café is located in the vaulted crypts beneath the University Church of St Mary the Virgin, right in the center of Oxford’s iconic Radcliffe Square. This setting blends medieval architecture with a lively, canteen-style atmosphere, creating a distinctive dining environment. The café’s vaulted ceilings and old brick walls evoke a sense of history, while the garden seating offers spectacular views of the Radcliffe Camera and the surrounding university buildings.Wholesome, Organic Food with a Focus on Sustainability
The café prides itself on using organic and locally sourced ingredients, including vegetables from nearby Worton Organic Garden. The menu changes daily, featuring freshly cooked dishes that cater especially well to vegetarians and vegans. Signature offerings include the Oxford cheese rarebit, spiced chickpea tagine, and organic beef lasagne, all served generously in a self-service format. The café’s commitment to ethical sourcing and organic produce aligns with its location within a historic church, emphasizing sustainability and quality.Breakfast, Lunch, and Afternoon Tea Delights
Vaults & Garden serves breakfast from 8:30 am, with options like the Full Oxford breakfast featuring organic bacon and eggs, vegetarian and vegan variants, and favorites such as avocado toast and scrambled eggs on sourdough. Lunch menus offer hearty soups, salads, and daily specials, including the much-loved carrot and coriander soup and cheese rarebit. The café is also renowned for its afternoon tea, where guests enjoy freshly baked scones, finger sandwiches, and cakes in a charming setting, with the option to sit outside in the garden during warmer months.An Atmosphere That’s Casual Yet Buzzing
The café operates on a self-service basis with a canteen vibe, encouraging guests to carry their food on trays to long trestle tables or garden seating. While not a place for lingering in elegant style, it offers a buzzing, vibrant atmosphere popular with locals, students, and visitors alike. Friendly staff handle diverse dietary requirements with care, and the setting’s historic charm complements the wholesome food.Views and Surroundings That Enhance the Experience
Outdoor seating in the garden provides one of the best vantage points in Oxford, overlooking the Radcliffe Camera and Radcliffe Square. This combination of historic architecture and scenic vistas makes Vaults & Garden a memorable spot for meals and afternoon tea, especially on sunny days when blankets and hot water bottles are provided for cooler weather.Community and Cultural Significance
Operating for over two decades, Vaults & Garden has become a cherished part of Oxford’s culinary and cultural landscape. It supports local organic farming and offers a welcoming space within a landmark church building. Its future has been a subject of community interest, reflecting its importance as a social and gastronomic hub in the city.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
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Unmissable attractions to see
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Essential places to dine
Vaults & Garden
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Historic vaulted crypt café in Oxford’s Radcliffe Square serving organic, wholesome meals with stunning views of the Radcliffe Camera.
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Ashmolean Rooftop Restaurant
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Bbuona
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Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
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The Varsity Shop
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Scriptum
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Babylon Trading
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Space Store Oxford
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For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Casual
- Lively
- Unique
- Relaxing
- Scenic
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Rustic Designs
- Vintage Styles
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Sacred Sites
- Heritage Neighborhoods
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
- Panoramas
For the social media creator & influencer
- Instagrammable
- Photo Spots
- Aesthetic Corners
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Sustainable
- Eco-Friendly
- Locally Managed
- Public-Transport Accessible
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Photowalk
- Day Trip
- Weekend Getaway
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- LGBT Friendly
- Senior Friendly
- Child Friendly
- Teen Friendly
- Wheelchair Access
- Pet Friendly
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Vegetarian Friendly
- Vegan Friendly