
The Grand Café
England's first coffee house, offering a historic ambiance with Parisian-chic decor and a refined afternoon tea experience.

Highlights
Must-see attractions
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The Grand Café

Highlights
Must-see attractions
England's first coffee house, offering a historic ambiance with Parisian-chic decor and a refined afternoon tea experience.
"Step back in time at England's first coffee house, an opulent Oxford institution."
Book in Advance
Reservations are recommended, especially for afternoon tea, ideally 24 hours ahead.
Visit Early
Arrive early to avoid crowds and enjoy a more peaceful breakfast or high tea experience.

Quick Facts
Cuisine
Tea House, Cafe, Bar
Price
$$$
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Historic Ambiance
Step into England's first coffee house, a Grade II listed building with opulent interiors and Parisian-chic vibes.

Elegant Afternoon Tea
Indulge in a sophisticated afternoon tea with gourmet sandwiches, scones, and a variety of teas.

Unique Beverages
Savor unique drinks like lavender tea or a rich mocha, perfect for a leisurely stop.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Book in Advance
Reservations are recommended, especially for afternoon tea, ideally 24 hours ahead.
Visit Early
Arrive early to avoid crowds and enjoy a more peaceful breakfast or high tea experience.
Try Unique Teas
Don't miss special offerings like lavender tea or mocha.
Engage with Staff
Attentive staff, like David, can enhance your dining experience.
Tips
from all over the internet
Book in Advance
Reservations are recommended, especially for afternoon tea, ideally 24 hours ahead.
Visit Early
Arrive early to avoid crowds and enjoy a more peaceful breakfast or high tea experience.
Try Unique Teas
Don't miss special offerings like lavender tea or mocha.
Engage with Staff
Attentive staff, like David, can enhance your dining experience.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
The Grand Cafe offers a beautiful, historic setting that many find appealing, with some praising the coffee and attentive service. However, a significant number of reviews label it a 'tourist trap,' citing overpriced food and average quality, with disappointment in the jam and sandwiches.
"First time visiting The Grand Cafe walked and was welcomed by a lovely male staff 'David' he was very attentive and had very good manners. The place was very clean, I ordered a mocha and my friend had a hot chocolate and cake - the drinks were amazing would definitely visit again."
Angel Sangha
"Tourist trap.
Not a nice experiance. Not as expected for a traditional English high tea. Jam was not the quality we had been looking forward to with the scones. Nither were the selections of savory sandwiches or the cakes served. It looks as though it is targeted purly for tourists rather than to reflect the real English tradition of high tea. I wouldn’t look forward to visit it again. It was a disapointment. Sorry"
Aisha T
"Tourist trap, definitely avoid. This place is on a lot of blogs and travel guides. But honestly the low reviews don’t lie, the food is very expensive and is average at best. £12 for coffee that tastes burnt is a bonus. Jam tastes like supermarket jam."
John Du
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
It's famous for being England's first coffee house, its historic ambiance, and offering afternoon tea.
Booking at least 24 hours in advance is recommended, especially for the traditional tea experience.
Visiting early can help you avoid crowds and enjoy a more peaceful atmosphere.
Yes, the cafe offers unique beverages such as lavender tea and mocha.
While the ambiance is highly praised, some guests find it overpriced and call it a 'tourist trap' with average food.
The cafe is primarily dine-in only if ordering food. Takeaway is available for some drinks like coffee.
Mentioned in
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Oozing Parisian-chic, The Grand Café on the High Street is a gloriously opulent Oxford institution. From the elegant, gilded exterior to the glamorous mirror-clad interior, The Grand Café is the place to head for a sophisticated afternoon tea or cocktail. The Grade II listed building sits on the site of England’s first coffee house, set up in 1652, and has a real sense of history.
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A Grade II listed building, the Grand Café stands on the site of England’s first coffee house, established some three and a half centuries ago in 1650. The building’s glorious 18 th-century façade and opulent interior make it a splendid environment to enjoy a traditional tea including gourmet sandwiches, a variety of teas and coffees from around the world, and, of course, the indispensable scones with jam and cream. The secret’s out though – you’ll have to book 24 hours in advance!
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The Grand Cafe in Oxford has an absolutely gorgeous exterior that you’ll no doubt have noticed if you’ve strolled down the high street. It calls itself the oldest coffee house in England (dating back to 1650!) so coffee lovers must take a step inside just for that reason. It’s one of the best places for afternoon tea in Oxford and a good place to treat yourself after an afternoon of exploring or even to bring the parents if they’re visiting.
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What: Standing on the site of the oldest coffee house in England, The Grand Cafe is something of an Oxford institution. Afternoon tea has become one of its trademarks over the years and is available all day from 9am to 6:30pm. Expect a quintessentially English take on proceedings, with the likes of smoked salmon and cream cheese sandwiches, plain and fruit scones, and a slice of ‘today’s’ cake, which changes daily.
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The Grand Cafe has long established itself as one of the best places to go for afternoon tea in Oxford. The decadent interior, reminiscent of continental coffee houses of days gone by, is the perfect setting for you to relax and feast on a few tasty tidbits. And while it’s based on the past, The Grand still retains that atmosphere of total indulgence today – one that turns a humble snack into a comforting ritual.
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Steeped in history, The Grand Café in Oxford claims to be the site of England’s first coffeehouse, dating back to 1650. This elegant venue combines old-world charm with modern touches, offering a luxurious setting for afternoon tea. Delight in a delectable array of finger sandwiches, scones with clotted cream and jam, and exquisite miniature cakes, all served on beautiful vintage china.
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History fans should seek out the Grand Cafe, which is on the site of the first ever coffee house in England (according to Samuel Pepy's diary) Now something of an Oxford institution, it serves lunches, cream teas and high teas during the day, and at night the marble-pillared, gold-leafed building is full to the brim with cocktail lovers enjoying half price promotions.
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The Grand Cafe could be equally at home on the streets of Paris, with its gilded exterior and elegant iron balcony above. The Grade II listed building stands on the site England’s first coffee house, which dates all the way back to 1652 according to the diary of Samuel Pepys. The building has gold leaf, marble pillars and a mirrored interior to add to the opulence.
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The Grand Cafe on High Street serves some incredible afternoon tea you do not want to miss!. Located right in the heart of Oxford, you might think that it’s a busy cafe where it’s hard to get a seat etc, but it’s not!. Every time I’ve visited I have been greeted by some really friendly staff members, found plenty of seating, and been served some high-quality food!
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The Grand Cafe on Oxford’s High Street conjures up an atmosphere of old-world opulence. Popular with tourists and students alike, it’s known and loved for its elegant high teas during the day and sumptuous cocktails in the evening. Interestingly, the Grand Cafe was originally the site of England’s first coffeehouse, set up in 1652.
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Taking us back into the city proper, The Grand Cafe is a wonderful place to stop, breathe and enjoy a nice cup of tea. This place is as the name suggests, absolutely grand!. This building has a lot of historical value, adding to the allure of its gold-leafed architecture that’s enough to make you stop and look to see what’s inside.
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If you love historic locations, afternoon tea at The Grand Café is a must. This elegant tea room is believed to be England’s first coffee house, dating back to 1650. The gold-gilded interior, marble tables, and classic Oxford charm make it a fantastic place to experience a traditional afternoon tea with a historical twist.
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If you’re an Oxford local, The Grand Cafe is a wonderful space to show that client you've been trying to impress. Likewise, it’s great to stop off at if you’re just there for the day, too. This beautiful cafe may well be the oldest in England — it’s been around since 1650, according to Samuel Pepys’ diary.
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If you are looking for something less alcoholic and a bit more civilized, a you might want to have a traditional afternoon tea experience at the Macdonald Randolph Hotel (reservations strongly recommended) orThe Grand Cafe (served all day). Or grab a Tawainese bubble tea from the Formosan Tea Bar.
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An Oxford institution, The Grand Cafe is on the site of the first coffee shop in England. Opulent decorations include marble pillars, gold leaf and even candle brackets made from arms. Afternoon tea is available all day, ranging from a small cream tea to the Grand High Tea with champagne.
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The most well-known pretty facade in Oxford has to be the Grand High Cafe. It really is a beautiful place inside and out and I’d certainly recommend having a bite to eat yeah. It brings back memories for me of having Sunday lunch there with an ex-boyfriend.
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Best For… Afternoon Tea
84 High St, Oxford OX1 4BG, 01865 204463thegrandcafe.co.ukGreat cream teas and pastries with the added benefit that if you linger too long over that Lapsang Souchong, they do excellent cocktails in the evening!
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The Grand Cafe on High Street stands on the site of the first coffee house in England (so says Samuel Pepys' diary of 1650). You can go there for cream teas and sandwiches, or cocktails in the evening.
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According to Samuel Pepys, this is actually England’s first coffee house. Now you can enjoy high tea and cocktails in this tiny little cafe. Located on High street it’s only open from 9:30 to 6.
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The decadent interior, reminiscent of continental coffee houses is the perfect setting. Enjoy delicious scones with clotted cream and jam, finger sandwiches and small cakes if you so wish.
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This ornately decorated cafe is famous for its afternoon tea and also its beautiful blue facade with gold detailing. It’s such a perfect spot for an Instagram shot!
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Located on the site of England’s oldest coffee house, The Grand Café is more famous for its tea and opulent decor, offering a unique historical experience.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit