Help needed venue for significant birthday lunch party in Oxford

Ah yes, someone might buy the Birthday Girl something expensive from the Museum Shop Thanks for that extra idea Soutra

Nice shop too!

I forgot Soutra in my thanks. Her Ashmolean restaurant suggestion could suit all of the bodies and browsing in the Museum would suit most of the party as well. The Quod Brasserie has a private room, so I am spoiled for choice and lots of eating in the next few weeks (and I hear there's good shopping in Oxford too!

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Thank you all so much; I can now get down to some serious planning. I'm about to google them all. Most will be coming by train, so I'll look at the logistics. Thank you NanKate, shysal, Purpledaffodil, TeeTime and HildaW. As you suggest shysal DH & I have many happy days ahead!! for all the suggestions. (I took DD2's advice when I said "But I don't know anywhere in Oxford!" - she said "Well I'd ask Mumsnet, why not you ask Gransnet!)

Cherwell Boathouse - by the river, posh yet not extravagant.
Branca - trendy Italian yet friendly and good for family lunches.

Details are on tripadvisor

DH took me to Le Manoir du Quat Saisons which used to belong to Raymond Blanc but is now orient express with Monsieur Blanc as advisor just outside Oxford for a special wedding anniversary - horribly expensive but a lovely experience and delicious food.

Have had several lovely lunches here with friends
brasserieblanc.com/our-menus/
Part owned by Raymond Blanc, reasonable lunch menu and gorgeous food.

Thanks Soutra well you all know what I mean!

I don't eat out in the centre of Oxford, but if you want somewhere with ample parking just outside the city, I can recommend www.chefandbrewer.com/pub/fox-inn-boars-hill-oxford/p1185/. Part of the eating area has a few steps, but for the slightly infirm some tables are on entry level. They do a light lunch menu, or main meals are served all day.
I hope you enjoy trying out places, and find somewhere that suits you.

Nankate -don't you just love predictive keyboards? Quod Brassiere indeed?

I would suggest the restaurant at the Ashmolean, myself. Upstairs for pricey and posh, downstairs more more informal.

Hi there. I live in Buckinghamshire but we often go to Oxford for the day. We love Quod Brassiere in the High Street, a bit pricey but they do a set 2 course lunch for about £12 - £15. It's the sort of place they could put a party in a separate area. It is big and airy there as I think it used to be a bank in the old days.

If you want something quirky and lots of veggie food the Modern Art Gallery at the back of M & S is good, but maybe a bit too informal for what you want.

You may want to investigate the Botanical Gardens which is just on the left as you go over Magdalene Bridge. Not sure what they offer in the food line, but the kids could have fun outside and everyone have a wander after lunch. It's not far from Quod if you want to do both, but might ramp up the money side of things.

Have a great party.