The Folly

The Folly reviews from people who’ve dined at this restaurant. Based on recent rating.

Review summary

1. M

   Mark

   Oxford3 reviews

   5.0

   Dined 5 days ago

   1. Overall 5
   2. Food 5
   3. Service 5
   4. Ambience 4

   Wonderful food, service, ambiance and location for a special occasion. The restaurant was a little quiet over lunch service but the service was attentive, friendly and relaxed. Food is excellent with complex elements and rich flavours, but slightly pricey for some of the mains. I’d definitely recommend it for a ‘foody’ meal out.
   

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2. A

   Anne

   Manchester3 reviews

   2.0

   Dined on May 12, 2025

   1. Overall 2
   2. Food 3
   3. Service 1
   4. Ambience 3

   On the positive side, the Folly has a lovely location overlooking the river. The food was good / very good although expensive (London prices) and in my view overpriced. Service was slow and inattentive even though we were one of only 3 occupied tables. For example, the desserts took 25 minutes to arrive. 13.5% service charge was added to the bill which we felt was unjustified but we were so late finishing the meal because of the slow service that we just paid it and left. Perhaps the most disappointing things about our trip to the Folly however was that when we left we exited the restaurant by the steps, crossed the road and realised that we had left our daughters 21st birthday helium balloons behind ( a large 2 and 1). One of us dashed back to the restaurant and the waiter had, in the space of less than 3 minutes, taken a knife to the number 2. Why would you do that rather than pop out and advise the diners that they had forgotten their balloons ? This was a really unpleasant end to the evening.
   

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3. S

   Sarah

   West Sussex8 reviews

   3.0

   Dined on May 11, 2025

   1. Overall 3
   2. Food 4
   3. Service 3
   4. Ambience 3

   We had high expectations based on the reviews but unfortunately found our experience very disappointing. First greeting was from a member of staff eating behind the desk and trying to hide it with his hand. Interior was a little tired. Our drinks weren’t quite right and the food not worth the £30 per main price tag. Service a little slow and we don’t agree with a 13.5% tip automatically added to the bill when the experience isn’t up to standard. Not good value for money but a real shame because it could be so good. Thank you to the staff for changing my drink and apologising.
   

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4. C

   Caroline VIP

   London13 reviews

   5.0

   Dined on May 6, 2025

   1. Overall 5
   2. Food 5
   3. Service 5
   4. Ambience 5

   Such a delightful place, great atmosphere, plenty of space, really good service and delicious, imaginative food.
   

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5. H

   Heather

   Berkshire2 reviews

   5.0

   Dined on May 3, 2025

   1. Overall 5
   2. Food 5
   3. Service 5
   4. Ambience 5

   Fantastic afternoon tea! We came to celebrate my friend’s birthday and the team at The Folly pulled out all the stops. The food was delicious, the service was fantastic and we all had a fabulous time. Highly recommend.
   

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6. R

   Ronelle

   Oxford1 review

   4.0

   Dined on April 20, 2025

   1. Overall 4
   2. Food 5
   3. Service 4
   4. Ambience 4

   A fantastic experience @ The Folly. Food surpassed expectations & service was great. A real gem in Oxford
   

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7. R

   Romisa

   Oxford13 reviews

   5.0

   Dined on April 19, 2025

   1. Overall 5
   2. Food 5
   3. Service 5
   4. Ambience 5

   The best place for afternoon tea in Oxford! Great food and service
   

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8. K

   Katy

   London1 review

   3.0

   Dined on April 19, 2025

   1. Overall 3
   2. Food 2
   3. Service 2
   4. Ambience 3

   Overall was ok. Food was a bit on the bland side. Nice wine ordered from the menu
   

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9. R

   Rachel

   Oxford1 review

   5.0

   Dined on April 17, 2025

   1. Overall 5
   2. Food 5
   3. Service 5
   4. Ambience 5

   It was a lovely place with lovely staff. We had a wonderful afternoon tea!
   

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10. E

    Elliott

    London1 review

    5.0

    Dined on April 10, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5

    Excellent as always. The waiters and waitress were very attentive, food delicious, and appropriate ambience.
    

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