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Fave caffs (10) The Rickety Press (warning: this is no longer as described below)

The Rickety Press canopied by a huge graceful plane tree

The Rickety Press canopied by a huge graceful plane tree

The Rickety Press has many attributes that add to its charm: a bower of green leaves mellowing the exterior and softening the view from the windowside banquettes, a breezily chummy staff (Carole remarked on how the lattes had shrunk in size and was assured, “you want more coffee? Just say- I’ve got loads of coffee!”); an interesting menu for picky or hearty eaters a large dining area (noisy when it’s full) which looks like your parents’ dining room at home and those window cubbies.

Carole reading at my favourite window table

Carole reading at my favourite window table

There are posh flats opposite, tiny expensive Jericho houses inhabited by well-to-do  students and retired dons, the Phoenix cinema around the corner and all manner of boutique shops and restaurants a few yards away. The Rickety Press  is your neighbourhood pub where you can have a black pudding scotch egg and a bowl of rosemary salted fries on your own, read the paper or meet a friend for coffee. Or you can go the whole hog with their Sunday roast (Beef with horseradish, lemon and thyme chicken or a nut roast for vegetarians all served with proper Yorkshire pudding, roast potatoes, steamed greens and gravy). Otherwise you have a choice of roast aubergine green curry, the Rickety beef burger, house-smoked salmon fillet with cous-cous cucumber). The ice-creams are very good (peanut butter, chocolate and salted caramel sundae) or the elderflower and buttermilk pudding with rhubarb.

Interesting drinks and cocktails- their Bloody Mary is delicious.P1020584

It’s one of two independent pubs owned by Chris and Leo who’ve somehow conveyed an atmosphere of not trying too hard  creating a laid-back welcoming atmosphere that seems to appeal to all ages. I’ve known a couple of the managers and the latest is Rosie, who only intended to  earn some money before she went travelling after graduating from university (Brookes). She’s been at the Rickety for eighteen months and says she loves working there.

Rosie in the dining area that can accommodate large parties.

Rosie in the dining area that can accommodate large parties.

PS and stop press: I hate to say this but this pub- one of my favourite places- is now a burger joint. The lovely interior is refurbished with distressed industrial type high stools that do not encourage lingering and I am no longer tempted by the pedestrian menu.

67 Cranham Terrace, Oxford OX2 6DE
01865 424581

 

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