The Oxford Guide

On the outside the Jam Factory looks less-than-promising, if you even notice it at all (it's tucked away round the back of the dark brick buildings by the bus station at Frideswide Square), but inside it's a different story.

It's not only a bar/restaurant but an arts centre, and the inside feels more like a gallery than a pub: spacious, well-lit, and tastefully furnished in an IKEAish style. The bar area has cafe-style tables and chairs; the restaurant area has slightly more formal seating; and the gallery area has sofas and low tables.

Lager and wheat beer from the Cotswold Brewing Company is available on tap, and there's a decent selection of bottled beers.

The food is fairly simple restaurant fare, but reasonably priced and always tasty and well-presented. There's lots of lighter snacky food as well, and free bowls of olives brought to your table even if you're only there for a quick pint after work! The vegetarian choices are fairly limited (usually only one or two things on the menu) but, again, they're nicely done.

Service is efficient and friendly; they do have table service for drinks as well as food (more like a European bar) or you can order at the bar like a Brit. The atmosphere always feels relaxed, and the only mystery is why it isn't more busy.