Restaurants

The Rose Oxford

51 High Street, Oxford, OX1 4AS, GB

Rating: 4.3 ★ (320 ratings)

Details

Tucked away at 51 High Street, you'll find The Rose, a charming, contemporary tearoom housed in a mock-Tudor building that forms part of St Edmund Hall's Besse Building, dating back to 1900/1. This cosy spot is renowned for its freshly baked scones, which are made on the premises every few hours and have contributed to its reputation for serving one of the best cream teas in Oxford. Beyond the quintessential afternoon tea, The Rose offers a wide variety of high-quality leaf teas, considered by some to be an unsurpassed range in the city. Early risers can delight in breakfasts featuring locally sourced, free-range eggs from a nearby farm, perhaps opting for the popular avocado, salmon, and poached egg on sourdough toast. The commitment to quality extends to their meat, which is also sourced from local butchers.

The Rose provides a warm and relaxing environment, perfect for a respite after a day of exploring Oxford. Throughout the day, the menu evolves to include European dishes, homemade cakes, and pastries. Lunch options range from freshly made sandwiches with numerous fillings to an ever-changing menu that might feature warm chicken salads or homemade fishcakes. For those seeking heartier meals, choices like burgers (both beef and vegan) and various risottos are available. The focus on in-house preparation and local produce is central to their philosophy, ensuring fresh and flavourful offerings, including a selection of vegan choices across the menu. Whether you're after a full English breakfast, a light lunch, or simply a delightful cake and a perfect cup of tea, The Rose aims to provide a memorable experience.

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Location

Opening Hours

Monday: 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM; Tuesday: 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM; Wednesday: 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM; Thursday: 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM; Friday: 8:00 AM – 7:00 PM; Saturday: 8:00 AM – 7:00 PM; Sunday: 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM

Contact

+44 1865 244429

Comments

Sarah Freia
27 Feb 2026
5.0 ★
Adorable tea shop in Oxford, that is perfect for a date, or a meetup with loved ones or friends.

I think the tea selection is nice, and I've always enjoyed all the cups I've tried. I also think the inclusion of gluten free, vegetarian, and vegan options is noteworthy.

A cute place to visit!
Will Jackson
23 Feb 2026
2.0 ★
Cold, overcooked poached eggs. Order taken wrong. Very expensive for the quality of other ingredients.

At least took £10 off the bill for the eggs, but avoid, there are many better options in Oxford.
Chewielicious T
14 Feb 2026
5.0 ★
Just here for the scones and the vibes—and both did not disappoint. The scone was buttery, crumbly (not bready!), and honestly better than the ones I’ve had at Ritz high tea. Everything else was good, chill, and delicious. Perfect spot to relax and enjoy a slow afternoon.
Trevor Young
25 Jan 2026
3.0 ★
A bit let down here by £ vs quality.
I don't mind paying more for a great experience, and this applies to cafés as much as anything.
But ...
£6.90 for a 'small' scone, which didn't come to the table until our coffee was virtually finished did not win me over.
Taste-wise, it was nice enough with the jam and clotted cream, though for me, it didn't have the fresh-homemade flavour I had looked forward to.
Not so important for me personally, but I know a subject of common complaint was what looked like a long hair on the inside of my cup, but was in fact an obvious crack from lip to base. Pretty sure that this is a no-no for the food hygienists!
Sorry guys to post this review, but as you know I did mention it to you, and you apologised.
Things are tough for independents with costs but this makes it even more important to maintain attention to detail.
I do my best to support such as yourselves with my business and avoid the High Street chains.
jaydoraemon
9 Jan 2026
5.0 ★
I've been eager to visit this cafe after hearing so many positive reviews, and I can confidently say that it surpassed all my expectations. The scone I had there was truly exceptional, one of the best I've ever had in the UK. Served warm, it came accompanied by delightful clotted cream and strawberry jam. The aroma of butter still lingered, creating an irresistible sensory experience. I’ll definitely go back to try other menus!

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