Described as Oxford’s Unique Riverside Restaurant, The Folly is worth visiting if you are celebrating anything.
Cruising the River Thames
In June of this year we went to England for a belated celebration of my Aunt’s 80th birthday. The party started off with us sitting on the floating terrace of The Folly, enjoying drinks. From there we boarded an Edwardian Gentleman’s River Launch for a 30 minute cruise of the River Thames. We snacked on bar tapas (£11.95) of homemade bread, duo of butters, nuts, hummus and olives as we listened to the history of river life in Oxford.
The Folly
The restaurant is an amazing setting of luxury and they aim to serve delicious food, which they did. For my starter I could not resist the brûlée of chicken liver parfait (£10.95). This extremely rich starter was served with a chicken fat brioche and plum chutney, and I could have licked the bowl clean it was so good. The main course of choice at the table was the slow-cooked pork belly (£28.95). It was served with a rib and apricot bonbon, smoked buttermilk mash, hispi cabbage and a cider jus. I managed to finish every bite of this delicious and generous meal. After having an Italian Zinfandel (£28.00) during the cruise, we moved on to a French red wine (£28.50) for the main meal. As a side note, South African wines are well represented on the menu at decent prices.
Even more
From the minute we arrived to the moment we left, the service was excellent. The staff and management are friendly, and our guide was the perfect person for our party. It was her first day, and as Henry (my cousin’s son) has done this job, he could give her some inside knowledge he has gleaned over the years. The meals were so generous we did not have space for dessert. But I would most certainly go back for the Afternoon Tea which sounds and looks amazing. Contact them on +44 1865 201293, bookings are essential.
View the previous posts on November 10:
- 2021: Odette Olivier Interview
- 2019: Seven Letters
- 2017: Maple Prune Cake
- 2014: Citrus Liqueur
- 2013: The Carriage House
- 2012: Taste Of Christmas Give Away
- 2011: Chilli Crumpets
- 2010: Blueberry Chocolate Cake
Sounds lovely and very retro to be on the river near Oxford. I just read a novel with lots of scenes there, set in the 19th century. (My review will post in the morning)
best…. mae at maefood.blogspot.com
I love that part of England and anywhere on the water makes me happy 🙂
Sounds like a really special celebration with some wonderful dining. Was that £28.00) for just a glass of wine?
No, that is the price per bottle 🙂