Restaurants

Refresh Cafe

131 Cowley Road, Oxford, OX4 1JJ, GB

Rating: 4.8 ★ (19 ratings)

Details

A welcoming atmosphere and the promise of good food await you at Refresh Cafe, located at 131 Cowley Road in the vibrant heart of East Oxford. This social enterprise, also known as Vintage Refresh, is run by the charity Turning Point and staffed by volunteers who are rebuilding their lives, offering a unique and inspiring setting for your break. Visitors have praised the friendly staff, delicious and affordable meals, and the cafe's "gorgeous decor and really relaxed atmosphere". Whether you're after a cooked breakfast, with vegan options available, a comforting coffee and cake, or a chance to simply soak in the local vibe, Refresh Cafe provides a warm and inviting space. It’s a spot where you can enjoy good quality food while supporting a meaningful cause within the community.

Stepping out from Refresh Cafe, you'll find yourself on Cowley Road, an area celebrated for its multicultural buzz and independent spirit. This lively street is a destination in itself, a colourful tapestry of unique shops, diverse international cuisine, and a well-known live music scene, meaning there's plenty to explore before or after your cafe visit. It's a place where you can easily spend hours browsing, eating, and experiencing a different side of Oxford, away from the historic city centre. The cafe's location makes it an ideal starting point or a restful pause in a day filled with discovering the eclectic charm that Cowley Road offers to all its visitors.

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Location

Opening Hours

Monday: Closed; Tuesday: Closed; Wednesday: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM; Thursday: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM; Friday: Closed; Saturday: Closed; Sunday: Closed

Contact

+44 1865 202306

Comments

Kate Lister
10 Mar 2026
5.0 ★
What a lovely welcoming place. Really nice vibe and decor. Enjoyed the coffee, cake and chatting with the staff. Will definitely visit again
Donna Plant
6 Mar 2026
5.0 ★
Amazing atmosphere, lovely people, great food and good value for money!
Lizzie Merrill
22 Feb 2026
5.0 ★
Such a lovely little cafe! Staff were really friendly and even went out of their way to get us some pastries to go with our coffees! Highly recommend!
Calvin England
21 Feb 2026
5.0 ★
Always a pleasant place to eat and socialise. Prices low and friendly staff. Check out the garden out back, it’s a colourful nature haven.
Love this place.
Dylan Browne
10 Feb 2026
5.0 ★
A lovely cosy place that’s easy to miss off the street. Friendly and helpful staff and the food is very tasty. There’s a good range of vegan options for breakfasts & lunch/dinners. I had the veggie breakfast and swapped the egg for extra beans. The veggie sausages are yummy too. And one of my personal favourites, they offer not just soya milk but also oat milk too. I paid £6 for a breakfast deal which is fairly reasonable. I’ll definitely be popping back soon to try out the vegan curry and chilli options too 🕺😃👍

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