I have long been a big fan of that stalwart establishment, Queens Lane Coffee House, on the High Street. So, I was intrigued to pay a lunchtime visit to its new branch, QL, in Walton Street, Jericho.
It was not a disappointment.
This new cafe has been open for about two months and presents a bright, modern decor and friendly atmosphere. A short walk away from the city centre brings you to Jericho and visitors to Oxford might find this a useful stop off for lunch and a chance to check out the lovely shops there. QL works equally well as a coffee bar, takeaway sandwich bar, restaurant and deli. There are shelves full of interesting goodies, which reflect the variety of foods on offer on the menu – huge jars of olives and pickles, pulses, oil, and cherry and peach juice.
And the menu is every bit as varied and tempting as its “mother” cafe on the High. From a choice of salads, paninis, pastries, all kinds of breakfast options, eastern
Mediterranean platters and hot dishes (and much more) I chose the Greek salad and my friend chose the lasagne.
Both meals were excellent and service was efficient and friendly. My salad was made with a good quality feta and the olives were large and pitted (discovering unpitted olives in my salad is a pet hate of mine!) My friend very much enjoyed her lasagne, which came with salad, coleslaw and bread. She has however asked if she could make one menu suggestion, which is the option of garlic bread to the dish. We finished the meal with good quality coffee and tea.
Everything on the menu is extremely reasonably priced and that fact, combined with the amazing variety of dishes, means it has something for everyone. And it is open from 8 in the morning till 8 in the evening, later on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays, so whether you want the traditional full English, something more adventurous such as the “Lahmacum” (Turkish pizza) for lunch , a sandwich to take away, or a quick coffee and cake, QL has something to suit. In particular, it is an excellent venue for vegetarians and children (which covers my family!) and so I will be bringing them here for a meal in the near future.
