Vaults & Garden Café: Historic Oxford Dining in a Unique Setting

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.