A Cheap Day Out in Jericho, Oxford

Quirky, bohemian Jericho is one of the most beautiful parts of Oxford. Drunken stone houses lean together behind black iron railings dotted with red flowers, boutique shops and cosy cafes line the streets, and the canal snakes through the centre. An early evening stroll from the Gloucester Green bus stop is a jaunt through the outskirts of Jericho, and the trendy Walton and Little Clarendon Streets.

Credit: Bethanie Cunnick

Unusual shops like Uncle Sam’s Vintage Clothing are great for curious fashion-finds, while Sylvester’s supply glamorous, shabby-chic furniture and accessories for the individual. George and Davis cafe, with its eccentric front and vintage bicycle leant outside, is a firm favourite for students and locals. Famous for its ice-cream, try out my personal favourite the ‘Smelly Bee’ (Lavender and Honey flavour), or be a bit more daring and sample ‘The Devil’s Chocolate’ (Chocolate and Chili), Guinness, or Port and Stilton. If you fancy a more sophisticated afternoon spent mixing the pleasures of confectionary and spirits, why not indulge yourself in a gin and tonic flavour sorbet?

The eclectic mix of Victorian student houses and upmarket residences also give way to a wealth of diverse bars and restaurants. For an evening tipple, the Duke of Cambridge is draped with fairy lights and plush alcoves for a drink with friends. Their happy hour offers mean half-price drinks, and the passionapple cocktail is certainly a reason to stop by!

Raoul’s bar, in Walton Street, is heaven on earth. And accordingly, rates as one of England’s top cocktail-serving joints, frequently winning awards for their out-of-this-world drinks and friendly staff. If you can overcome the hurdle of choosing a drink (the selection means even the most decisive of people end up sweating), the ‘bang tidy’ beverages are incredible. One sip, and the victim’s taste buds explode in a kaleidoscopic burst of fantastical snozzcumber juice or a ‘dark and stormy’ zing of the bartender’s favourite. Drink envy is a likely symptom upon entering, and be prepared to have an overwhelming desire to work your way through the entire menu. Raoul’s comes with a warning: if you take their cocktail lessons, quit your day job!

The man responsible for the Big Bang, Max Mason

Another nationwide success to emerge from Walton Street is the Big Bang; and I personally blame its creator for my addiction to its comforting, tasty dishes of bangers and mash. Sausages of all different types grace its menu (more than 400 kinds) and all flavours of mash; the ‘Oxford sausage’ complements locally brewed beers, and has been awarded various prestigious gastronomic awards. The real gravy on the plate is the specials like Pork and Fig, or Stilton and Walnut; one can truly ‘pig out’ on a traditional English supper.

Jericho, outside of the old city walls, is a brilliant area for shopping, drinking and relaxing, regardless of the time or season. Many of its best places are tucked away in tiny alleys and second story buildings, and its eccentricity ensures its charisma and individuality remains.

George and Davis (55 Little Clarendon Street) www.gdcafe.com

Uncle Sam’s Vintage Shop, Sylvester’s (somewhere on Little Clarendon Street). www.sylvesteroxford.com

Duke of Cambridge (6 Little Clarendon Street) www.dukebar.com

Raoul’s (32 Walton Street) www.raoulsbar.co.uk

Big Bang (124 Walton Street) www.bigbangrestaurants.co.uk

- Laura Dix