Best Places To Go On a Date In Oxford

Roppongi did noooo make the list.


Is Oxford romantic? Sort of. Most universities are made up of horrible 60s buildings and high-rise halls in a neglected suburb of a shit satellite town, none of which you can say is true of Oxford.

Then again, most romantic encounters are on sweaty dancefloors in carpeted ‘nightclubs’, a term we’ll use sparingly.

Anwyay, we’ve asked Laurie Churchman (above), a English-reading Queen’s student and Ellie Shaw (below), a second-year St Anne’s student to give us their best spots to flirt, kiss, share anecdotes and perhaps even break up.

Ellie’s picks

1. Carfax Tower

Oxford’s answer to the Eiffel Tower, it’s basically the UK’s city of love.

It’s cheap, you get a nice view of your partner’s bottom as you embark the tiny, cramped staircase and you can take some sickly-sweet photos of kissing over the skyline and creaming, sorry, dreaming spires.

Laurie says: “It’s no Chicken Cottage, but there is a certain allure to the altitude.”

 

2. Punting

What better than to pretend one is in Venice and have your male date demonstrate their potent masculinity by sailing you down the Isis? Only good if it isn’t raining.

Laurie says: “We’re so alike! Date anytime soon?”

 

Man on blind date, fears being stood-up

3. Ashmolean Museum

Impress your date with your astute knowledge of Japanese military history or understanding of symbolist painting.

And if you have nothing in common, this is the place to go, because gallery-goers generally remain silent.

Laurie says: “Japanese military history pushes all my buttons. I only worry that, what with all we have in common, the silence might actually be a hindrance”

 

4. G&D’s ice cream café

Oxford’s dessert institution is a perfect place to splash out on a few scoops of Super Chocolate on your date. Lick it off each other’s lips sensually, spoon it into each other’s mouths or pick off the toppings of each other’s…. bowls. Also good for a breakup.

Laurie says: “I’ve been dumped over ice-cream too many times to be fooled by this one again. SuperChoc does sound nice though”.

 

Laurie’s picks:

 

1. The graveyard

Many a Teddy Hall romance began in the college’s graveyard. Deadly serious.

Ellie says: “If someone took me on a date here, it would be symbolic of the relationship’s destination”

 

“Doner for the beautiful lady?”

2. Ahmed’s Kebab Van

Your date wants something classy – splash out on a meal they’ll never forget.

They shouldn’t have to put up with anything but the finest.

Ellie says: “After a night out, this is probably an ideal date and a great way to embark on romance. Who doesn’t adore a post-camera kebab?” 

 

3. Chicken Cottage, Cowley Road

Equally, don’t be fooled by the grubby exterior of Chicken Cottage which boasts some of the finest cuisine in Oxfordshire.

Ellie says: “A brave choice. Actually, if my date still wanted me after seeing me destroy a greasy chicken wing, they might be a keeper.” 

 

4. Clem’s

Why not top the night off with a visit to the much-maligned club on Magdalen roundabout, another hidden gem of the Oxford dating scene.

Ellie says: “I’ve never actually been to Clem’s, so a potentially romantic quest into unknown waters must be commended for its adventurousness.”

 

5. Punting on the Isis

Glide through your first date as you propel yourself across the clear waters of the Isis.

Ellie says: “ The only choice we both shared! Romantic magic, it brings Venice to Oxford.”

 

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