G&D's

G&D's is as much a part of Oxford life as the Bodleian or the Radcliffe Camera. George and Davis were Oxford students who started making ice cream in 1992 and never stopped. Three decades later, their cafes are where Oxford goes for homemade ice cream, late-night brownies, and the kind of affordable treat that works equally well as a first date, a post-exam celebration, or a midnight study break. The ice cream is made on-site at each location, and the flavours rotate with the seasons — though a handful of staples are always available.

What to order

The ice cream is the draw, and the coffee flavour is a perennial favourite — rich, smooth, and dangerously moreish. Seasonal specials are worth exploring: expect anything from salted caramel to rhubarb crumble depending on the time of year. Beyond ice cream, the brownies are dense, fudgy, and consistently excellent. The bagels are freshly made and surprisingly good for a place known primarily for dessert — a solid lunch option. Milkshakes blend the homemade ice cream and are exactly as indulgent as you'd hope.

Three locations

The Little Clarendon Street cafe in Jericho is the original and has the most character — a narrow, buzzy space packed with students. St Aldates sits near Christ Church and catches the tourist crowd alongside locals. Cowley Road serves East Oxford and has a slightly more relaxed, neighbourhood feel. All three make their ice cream in-house and keep the same late hours.

Good to know

G&D's stays open until midnight or later, which makes it one of very few places in Oxford where you can get food after 10pm. Expect queues on warm summer evenings — they move quickly. Prices are reasonable: a couple of scoops won't trouble your wallet. Cash and card accepted. No reservations, no table service — order at the counter and find a seat if you can. Takeaway tubs are available if you want to bring some home.