The Folly is a restaurant and café in the heart of Oxford with a floating terrace on the waters of the River Thames. Boasting a beautiful riverside location while being a stone's throw from the city centre, this relaxed but sophisticated spot is the perfect place to host a private dinner with friends and family. From a lazy lunch to afternoon tea to an elegant evening meal, The Folly can be booked for private groups large and small.
For groups of up to six people, its beautiful waterside private dining domes make for a truly special dining location. Do note that these domes are only available during the winter months, usually around November to February. Located out on the terrace, these heated pods can be hired for lunch, afternoon tea or dinner, and offer views of the Thames and the Folly Bridge. These would make a fantastic option for a birthday or anniversary.
For larger groups who want to experience the privacy of one of its domes, there is a private dining dome available to hire all year round for up to 35 people. This unique dining space offers views across the River Thames and can be decorated with fairy lights to create a magical setting for evening events.
For larger group occasions, such as a wedding reception or work party, the inside restaurant can be hired exclusively for a sit-down dinner for up to 65 guests. Or, hire the entire venue which includes use of the outdoor dining terrace and can accommodate up to 120 guests.
If you’re hiring one of its spaces for lunch or dinner, guests will be able to choose from either a la carte or tasting menus, which feature a selection of globally-inspired seasonal plates. Examples include seabass ceviche with jalapeno tigers milk, pomegranate and coriander, and roasted kohlrabi tartare with sesame puree, lemongrass espuma and pickled celery gel. Main courses include slow-cooked pork belly with rib and apricot bon bon, smoked buttermilk mash, hispi cabbage and cider jus, while desserts feature seasonal treats such as poached rhubarb with cardamom custard, ginger sable, blood orange sorbet. The generous wine list features an international collection of whites, reds, roses and sparkling to pair alongside.
Groups can also book one of its domes for afternoon tea, which includes a selection of finger sandwiches, homemade scones, classic cakes and a pot of tea or coffee.