The Handle Bar, Oxford
Eating lunch in the oldest bike shop in Oxford might not be on your list of summer plans, but it definitely should be! The aptly named Handle Bar is, on the right hand side of the building, a functioning bike shop and, on the left hand side, a lively café serving breakfasts, drinks and lunch. The Handle Bar tucked away on St Michael Street is small in size and only takes walk-ins, so it’s recommended you go early to avoid disappointment.
Though the café was busy and the service a little slow, the food served at the Handle Bar was incredibly impressive. We tried out turmeric lattes, smashed avocado and smoked salmon toast, and their mango, wakame and brown rice salad. Classic full breakfasts were also available alongside pancakes, but some more non-traditional options were also on the menu, like sticky pork belly tacos or huevos rancheros.
The Handle Bar also serves an intriguing range of drinks – you can order an Aperol slush, mango and lime daquiri or another cocktail if that takes your fancy, or try out one of their regular or herbal teas. Personally I found the turmeric latte to be lovely and warming, but if spices aren’t your thing they do offer all of the typical coffees as well.
With a seasonal menu and locally-sourced ingredients where possible, you could really tell that the food you were served was fresh and packed full of flavour. The café was a little on the expensive side, but well worth going for a treat if you’re in Oxford on a city-break or to celebrate an occasion.
https://www.handlebaroxford.co.uk/
01865 251315
28-32 St Michael’s St,
Oxford
OX1 2EB