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11
The Square
Botley
Oxford
OX2 9LH
Tel: 01865
792696
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| Rococo Brasserie & Bar |
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Rococo is a great little oasis in an otherwise functional, but very useful, Botley shopping centre; and now that I’ve been, I realise I should have been stopping there for refreshments years ago! It’s tucked in a quiet corner of the shopping parade and is well worth seeking out.
My friend and I decided to try it out on a Tuesday lunchtime, and I was really surprised by the range of options available on the menu. This is a place one could stop off for coffee and cake (a very tempting Belgian chocolate and caramel shortbread or perhaps virtually fat free lemon drizzle cake for the more virtuous), to have breakfast, lunch, or dinner, or even hold a party.
There is an excellent value menu for an “Express Lunch/Early Supper” with two courses at only £10.50, including a drink, which could be a glass of the house wine. I chose the guacamole, an avodaco, fresh chilli and vine tomato dip served with tortilla chips from the “Express Lunch” menu, followed by homemade salmon, cod and dill fishcakes from the “Quick Dish” menu. The fishcakes were delicious and served with a fresh green salad. My friend picked the tiger prawns in breadcrumbs with guacamole, cherry tomatoes and mixed leaves, from the main menu. For her main course she enjoyed the warm pan-fried chicken breast salad from the “Express Lunch” choices. The service was just right, friendly but unobtrusive.
The atmosphere is bright and friendly but there is also an elegant, continental feel, with large mirrors and chandeliers. There is outdoor seating, including, in the summer, a vine covered arbour. The other diners included local office workers, shoppers stopping for a quick coffee and one large family group. Children seem very welcome and there is a separate childrens menu, including “mocktails” such as the Shirley Temple (orange juice, pineapple juice, grenadine and soda). I was particularly interested to learn that Rococo offers a choice of party menus, and it would make a great, affordable venue for a larger party on a special occasion.
We didn’t have room for the puddings even though I was sorely tempted by the Afogato (espresso poured over vanilla ice cream) and the Rococo Tiramisu. However, we settled for coffee and I had an excellent espresso (without the ice cream). The drinks menu covers a wide range of red, white and sparkling wines, beers and spirits and offers cocktails, from the classic Bellini and Champagne Cocktail to the house cocktail of “Rococo Loco”. Again, this being a modest lunch, we stuck to the soft drink menu, but will be back for the cocktails and more besides.
Reviewed by Helen Reid
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