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Jun 24, 2025

A Summer Message From The Oxford Collection Founder & Chairman Jeremy Mogford

Things are looking up, wishes are being granted. We have all been willing the ‘powers that be’ to send us some warmer, sunnier weather and lo and behold, it’s been pretty good lately. Our three unique terraces at Quod, Gees and the Parsonage are saying thank you and so are you, our customers, who have been really enjoying the outside treat. On the Parsonage terrace you can see me meeting one of my hospitality heroes, Ferran Adria of El Bulli, Barcelona fame, who was taking part in the recent Oxford Literary Festival and having lunch in our Pike Room.

News from The Oxford Collection

Quod Named Oxford’s Best Restaurant 2025

In May we were incredibly grateful for Quod taking home “Oxford’s Best Restaurant” at the annual Ox in a Box Awards. This honour is a testament to your unwavering support and patronage. Our heartfelt thanks also go to the dedicated Quod team: from our front-of-house waiters and bartenders who craft memorable experiences daily, to our kitchen team for their commitment to producing exceptional dishes with such consistency and conviction. This award celebrates our cherished guests, our remarkable team, and the vibrant community that defines Quod.

Hot off the press, Quod have just introduced a new section on the summer menu. The Smaller Bites offer guests a small but perfectly formed plate to share with fellow diners as your starter, or accompany drinks in the sunshine on our terrace. Should I say Award-Winning Italian Terrace? That’s right, Quod was also named Best Restaurant for Outdoor Dining in Oxfordshire, in a list compiled by Open Table charting the 100 best places to eat alfresco in the UK.

Gees’ Pasta Passion

At Gees, in addition to our longstanding love affair with the pizzette, we have now introduced a longer pasta section on the menu which is proving to be a great success. You can now choose from five different pasta dishes at prices ranging from £16 to £22, available throughout lunchtime, afternoon and evening.

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Parsonage Grill Reinvents Retro

Our new look Parsonage Grill Menu is now firmly in place, showcasing a familiar variety of much-loved classics, each with a decidedly retro twist.

From our famous twice-baked goat’s cheese & thyme soufflé, to the rack of lamb – a nostalgic nod to The Elizabeth Restaurant in St Aldate’s offering in the late 1970’s.

What’s more, is we’re now proud to be part of OxFarmToFork, a vibrant network of local farmers, food producers, and buyers working together to create a fairer, healthier, and more sustainable food system across Oxfordshire. It’s all about building a fair and thriving food future right here in Oxfordshire.

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Plaudits to Rebecca from Boutique Hotelier

We are absolutely delighted to celebrate our Managing Director, Rebecca Mofford, for her well-deserved inclusion in the Boutique Hotelier Power List!

Rebecca is a shining example of dedication and growth, having ascended from a trainee manager at Gees to the esteemed Managing Director of our entire collection.

Her profound understanding of every facet of the hospitality business, coupled with her confident, knowledgeable, and empathetic leadership, truly sets her apart and inspires all around her.

Rebecca’s passionate influence, extensive knowledge, and impeccable attention to detail are the very cornerstones upon which our humble collection thrives.

A monumental congratulations to Rebecca!

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A Fishy Question

As you may know, we have/had four fish living in our stone fountain, located in the Secret Garden.

We named them: Kyiv, Mariupol, Zelensky and Freedom. Unfortunately, a local heron visited early one morning and snatched Mariupol, leaving just three.

Recently, an important regular Gees customer came to us concerned about how much space they are enjoying… We double-checked with our expert supplier, the wonderful Goldfish Bowl in Magdalen Road, and they confirmed that our fish are content and extremely happy in the best filtered water system money can buy. Rest assured, when and if the fish outgrow where they are, we will offer them, gratis, to a good, suitable home and replace with smaller cousins.

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News from Across the City

The Myth of Medea comes to the Old Fire Station | 25th-28th June

We are sponsoring a new play The Myth of Medea, written by one of our very longstanding customers, a local resident of Oxford, Nick Thomas. The first half is his play Medea, based on the earliest dramatisation of the ancient story by the Athenian dramatist Euripides in 431BC. This is followed by a sequel, Medos, which follows the infanticide sorceress Medea into ancient myth, never seen on stage before.
Tickets are still available HERE.

UBER has arrived in Oxford

UBER has come to our city and we think it’s a big deal. Why? Because by simply downloading the app, UBER is offering our customers a chance to travel around Oxford at a much better price, for instance, Summertown to Quod from just £8, or Iffley village to Gees from just £9. These more competitive fares, combined with the convenience of an instantly available service can only help locals and businesses alike. It also feels significant that a city so famed for its technological prowess is finally catching up with the times.

Proposed Oxford Congestion Charge

My opposition to the continued demonisation of motorists in Oxford is no secret. The latest plan to introduce £5 daily congestion charges to six roads within the Oxford Ring Road is just the latest in a string of measures that ultimately damage the economic and cultural vitality of our city. And for the avoidance of doubt, The Oxford Collection, as an independent business based in the city centre, have a vested interest in making it as easy as possible for potential visitors and local residents to make their way into the city, and travel by car has a part to play within that.

Suppose you also believe there is a common-sense solution which will allow pedestrians, cyclists, buses and cars to co-exist, without penalising those who need to use their car. In that case, I urge you to voice your opinion on the public consultation website, which will run for 6 weeks until 3rd August.

Voice Your Opinion | Public Consultation Forum

You can also sign the petition, which has already amassed over 10,000 signatures:

Sign the Petition | Stop The Oxford Congestion Charge

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Gees Turns 40 – September

This summer our flagship Gees Restaurant turns 40! Plans are well underway for a celebratory bash to commemorate the milestone birthday. Stay tuned for further information…

Paddy Summerfield at the Bodleian

This Autumn, a new exhibition showcasing the work of Oxford’s most famous photographer, the late Paddy Summerfield, will be coming to the Bodleian. Coinciding with the 2025 Photo Oxford Festival from the 25th October to 16th November, we’ll also be lending some of our own collection from the Hand Held Series, and will share more details as soon as we’re able to.

The Oxford Collection Loyalty Programme

At long last, we are working on the launch of a new loyalty scheme to acknowledge longstanding supporters. and hope to announce more about this at our Gees 40th Anniversary Party in September.

The Oxford Collection Festive Programme

Now, as we have passed the Summer equinox and the longest day of the year, it seems like an apt moment to tell you our Christmas offerings are being packaged up, with final pieces of sticky tape, and bows, ready for the festivities planners amongst you to get their hands-on, early.

From corporate parties across our array of private dining spaces, to Christmas lunch with the whole family at our restaurants, or even shopping spree packages with our friends at Bicester Village, get in touch with the Reservations team today to book yours.