The setting is one of Oxford’s loveliest, and it’s no wonder this riverside charmer has seduced shoals of undergraduates over the years – not to mention Lewis Carroll, CS Lewis and a certain Inspector Morse. A huge terrace looks out over the bubbling Thames, while the centuries-old listed building has been given a thorough makeover with all the usual design flourishes. The kitchen now deals in fashionable pub grub, which means everything from sharing plates and pizzas to specialities from the ‘stove and grill’. Nibble on beetroot carpaccio or lamb koftas before tackling calf’s liver with broad beans, bacon and tomato dauphinoise or salmon and caper fishcakes with a poached egg. After that, place your order for apple and blackcurrant crumble. Morse fans might fancy a pint from one of Oxfordshire’s breweries, although the drinks list also touts bottled world beers, cocktails and global wines.