Quod - Oxford

Situated in the High Street of Oxford, surrounded by university colleges and dreaming spires, Quod Restaurant & Bar attracts a range of students, dons, tourists and families. These Georgian buildings, a former banking hall, have been beautifully converted to house the restaurant Quod and the Old Bank Hotel.

Contemporarily designed with limestone floors, leather seating and oak tables, Quod is open everyday from 12 noon onwards, serving modern British food with continental flavours. Since opening in late 1999 Quod has become an Oxford institution and is popular for lunch (their Express Lunch is served Monday to Friday from 12 to 3pm), coffees and drinks throughout the day and meals served up until 11pm.

Starters can include fresh crab salad with mixed leaves, hand picked crab, sweet chill, fresh marjoram and thyme; oak smoked Scottish salmon is always popular, and a class Caesar salad is not far behind. A crab and avocado salad can double as a large starter or small main. The renowned Quod cheese burger is a formidable 8 oz of organic beef with emmental cheese and chips, and crispy bacon as an optional extra for a modest sum. The slow roasted lamb shank with mint pesto and Tuscan vegetable caponata makes a filling dish, along with the fisherman's pie, packed with salmon, cod, haddock and prawns, in a light fish cream with minted peas.

A blackboard announces the fresh fish of the day, another the pasta of the day, though the excellent spaghetti bolognese, made with prime mince, red wine, tomato and oregano is nearly always available. Puddings include apple crumble with custard, banoffee pie, pecan pie and the clasic lemon tart, always a favourite. In summer the thick ice cream milk shakes are much in demand.

The walls are hung with large thought provoking oils painted by degree students, brought by the owner from UK art schools. The restaurant has double doors opening on to a south-facing terrace, which in summer is fabulous for drinks or meals.