The Oxford Guide

The Fishes used to be a lovely getaway from the bustle of Oxford City, but in 2004 the management changed and a subsequent refit has removed all the character of the place and seen a massive hike in prices. About the only good thing about this refit is the free wireless access with which I am submitting this review.

This is our second disappointing visit to the new Fishes - a second chance. We arrived a few minutes early for our 2:15 booking, but were asked to wait at the bar...until 3pm!

When our food finally arrived only the sausages were up to standard, the fishcake was almost entirely potato (the price of this was later taken off the bill) and the side dishes didn't arrive until the second time of asking. Sadly, since we used to enjoy this place, we won't be coming back.

The new menu has a 'tapas-like' 1.50/item menu including a variety of nuts/ cheese/ fish/ antipasti/ bread etc. Mains are 7.50-13.50

The best way to get there from town is to walk out to the very very end of Ferry Hinksey Road, past the industrial estate. By the side erry's ice cream, there's a little path which takes you more or less directly to the Fishes' back garden, which is very pretty.

It's yet another Nu-Morrells/Greene King pub, so the only beers on are IPA and Ruddell's, but the latter is in extremely good condition; a little pricey at 2.20 (2.50 Ruddell's) a pint, but you're also paying for the atmosphere. The grounds are spectacular, they have not one but two Aunt Sally runs, and occasional wandering ducks.

There is a sign saying "wlan access" so WiFi is available, don't know if it is free or paid for.