Where: Quod
Why: The billboards propped either side of the entrance declare Quod to be the place for any celebration or group meal. Located on the High Street, Quod is certainly bustling. So reservations would be advisable, apart from on Saturday where it’s a free-for-all between aging parents and those societies who consider themselves above a social at Jamal’s. Quod has become something of a mecca for society socials, offering a popular group deal which gives culinary free reign for only £15 a head. It is only if one ventures there without the safety of a group that prices extend beyond the bounds of the average student budget.The restaurant itself is pleasant enough with views of St Mary’s and All Soul’s, and a terrace out the back for those two days a year it’s actually warm enough to eat outside.Perhaps in an attempt to hide the interior, the lights were progressively dimmed, leading us to fear that we would be plunged into darkness at any minute. However the staff appeared competent at weaving through the gloom and were ever friendly and attentive, a change from staff who turn their noses up at the sight of students for fear that we are all measly tippers.
What to eat: What Quod describe as a “modern British menu” offers a relatively wide range of food, although poor on the vegetarian options – unless you like pizzas, but to be honest if you wanted pizzas, you would head to one of the many pizza places that do them better. Quod does however have an extensive wine list, most of which is slightly out of the average student budget but worth bearing in mind if the parents are coming up. Quod also does a nice range of cocktails, which are quite expensive but worth it if you are in the mood for classy pre-dinner/during-dinner/post-dinner (heck, any time of day) drinks.The fish cakes are definitely worth sampling, although a word of warning as far as the starters are concerned: the Arrabbiata is perhaps the spiciest known to man. The dessert menu is quite good, but if you’ve just had your tongue burnt off by the former course you might not be able to appreciate it.
Where to sit: Request the Red Room for private dining. Otherwise, you risk being clustered around small circular tables – if you don’t know members of your group well beforehand, you will by dessert.Overall, slightly overrated but if you are part of a big group looking for something a bit different from the student staples of pizza and pasta then Quod should be on your list.ARCHIVE: 1st week MT 2005
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