What better way to start OUSU’s #VeggiePledge November than a trip down to Oxford’s favourite vegetarian pub? Indeed, The Gardener’s Arms can be described in hardly any other way. There is just no way to express how liberating it is to look at a menu with only vegetarian options. It is with a sigh of relief that you realise vegan and gluten-free food is also standard.
Yet, meat-eaters: don’t be afraid. While your Neanderthal eating habits might not be promoted here, the vegetarian options are frankly delicious and totally eyeopening. Promoting #VeggiePledge in the Cherwell restaurant column is certainly worthwhile, but this pub has inspired me with extra enthusiasm. As a recent convert to vegetarianism, The Garderner’s Arms has made me realise just how bad provision for us folk in the rest of Oxford is – Brown’s, the Oxford classic, has only one veggie meal! This month, whether you are undertaking the pledge or not, do hit The Gardener’s Arms up. It really is worth it.
The place itself does not – at first – have overwhelming qualities. It’s moderately pretty, it’s a relatively long way from the city centre, and it isn’t huge. But one small step inside immediately shows why this place is so worth it: the atmosphere – the place is always stuff ed – is genuinely incredible. Everyone’s chatting, the rooms are buzzing, and it’s dif- fi cult not to have a good time. Drinks-wise, the place is lovely if you want a pint and a catch-up. Well priced by Oxford standards, it’s especially nice for a drink on Friday evenings, all topped off with some tasty bar snacks. Who could turn down hummus and pitta? On the food front, there’s little but positive to be said.
The Arms is a pub, and its vegetarian take on traditional ‘pub’ food is part of its charm. My personal favourite is the veggie burger: the patty itself is really tasty, and the selection of toppings and sauces is large and varied. I recommend going for mayo and relish, as well as all the topping options, just because you can! Playing on the pub theme, the menu also off ers a curry, and even vegetarian hot dogs. The salad options are great, and the whole deal is fi nished with an impressively big selection of calzone pizzas.
All in all, give it a shot. If you’re vegetarian or vegan, giving the lifestyle a go, or just bored of eating chewy college meat all the time, The Gardener’s Arms is honestly a great place to eat. Top atmosphere combined with good quality food and kind staff really make this pub well worth your time.
