Eastgate Brasserie
73 High Street, Oxford, OX1 4BE, GB
Rating: 3.6 ★ (170 ratings)
Details
Eastgate Brasserie offers a charming pause on Oxford's bustling High Street, providing a welcome retreat from the city's activity. Within a contemporary setting, the mood is welcoming and casual, making it feel familiar and rewarding upon visiting. With decor featuring warm oak and mahogany, it cultivates a cosy atmosphere perfect for unwinding in the heart of the city. This establishment stands out as a delightful spot within the Mercure hotel, blending a relaxed environment with attentive service.
The cuisine style at Eastgate Brasserie presents a twist on traditional British and European dishes, incorporating classic French cooking with a modern outlook. Working with fresh, seasonal ingredients, the menu leans into bistro traditions, offering a range of comforting options. Guests might enjoy barbecue chicken wings, crispy calamari with garlic aioli, a golden fish and chips, or a hearty sirloin steak with chunky chips. For those with a sweet tooth, desserts include raspberry cheesecake and warm chocolate brownie, while a well-stocked bar offers wines, beers, and cocktails. Dietary requirements are well catered for, with vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options available.
This versatile brasserie is ideally suited for a variety of occasions, from lazy lunches and unhurried dinners to quick morning coffees and pastries. It works wonderfully for groups, families, and special celebrations, whether seeking an intimate table or a larger gathering. It aims to be a great spot for students, families, and hotel guests alike, offering a place to meet, talk, relax, and unwind for locals and visitors keen to experience Oxford.
Location
Opening Hours
Monday: 7:00 – 10:00 AM, 12:30 – 9:30 PM; Tuesday: 7:00 – 10:00 AM, 12:30 – 9:30 PM; Wednesday: 7:00 – 10:00 AM, 12:30 – 9:30 PM; Thursday: 7:00 – 10:00 AM, 12:30 – 9:30 PM; Friday: 7:00 – 10:00 AM, 12:30 – 9:30 PM; Saturday: 7:30 – 10:30 AM, 12:30 – 9:30 PM; Sunday: 7:30 – 10:30 AM, 12:30 – 9:30 PM
Contact
+44 1865 248332
Comments
Pro: The interior is nice with the bee'Keepers' theme all around in the form of drawings on the wall and honeycomb shapes on the wall. Interior felt like a plus.
Con: We went for cocktails and were let down a little. In terms of equipment they were well prepared. Barkeeper pre-chilled the glassware with ice and so on. However the quality of the final cocktails wasn't nice. Mostly sweet without a good balance of flavors. Their 'Mai Tai' would probably make all the tiki people around faint. With a poorly cut, sad lemon slice to top it all up.
In total good atmosphere but poor drinks.
The decor is nice, with lots of oak and mahogany. It has a cozy atmosphere which fit the rainy weather when I went, and while service was sometimes a bit slow, it's not bad for pub grub. I find it hard to consider this restaurant a brasserie, though. I've noticed from their website that their menu was downscaled significantly at some point, so that may be why.
In all, this isn't my favorite restaurant, and I probably wouldn't come again for a full meal, but the ambience makes it worth going for coffee or something similar.
It was my partner and I's 3 year anniversary, and as a last minute (ugh I know) booking, we decided to give this restaurant a go as its one of the last places we haven't been in Oxford.
What a great decision that was! I had put a request on the booking saying it was our anniversary and to place us as far away from kids (not a children person) and they put us in a gorgeous little corner of the room and put little candles and felt hearts on the table, absolutely lovely.
Our waitress was Vera was was so nice and wonderful to us. She was lovely and professional and chatty, but not too much to be over the top. The menu inside was slightly different to the one online but there was no hassle in getting the food that I had wanted.
Our food was outstanding and even for a Friday the wait times were quick and not at all awkward. What's even better is that there was a 20% discount that we didn't know about AND we had a dessert for free. Honestly you can't go wrong when someone goes above and beyond to help make memories. We'll always remember this restaurant and will endeavour to go to more branches in Oxford and beyond!