Vaults & Garden
A beloved Oxford cafe that relocated from its famous Radcliffe Square crypt to King Edward Street in late 2025.
For years, Vaults & Garden occupied the vaulted crypt beneath the University Church of St Mary the Virgin, with a garden facing the Radcliffe Camera. The food — organic, seasonal, largely vegetarian — gave this self-service cafe a strong reputation. The daily-changing menu included Moroccan tagine, spanakopita, roasted cauliflower with tahini, and slow-cooked lamb stew, alongside excellent salads and homemade bread.
The move
In November 2025, Vaults & Garden closed its iconic Radcliffe Square location following a two-year legal dispute with the Parochial Church Council over the lease. The cafe has relocated to 2 King Edward Street, just across the High Street from the original location, trading as The Vaults Cafe.
The new location no longer has the famous garden with the Radcliffe Camera view — that setting was irreplaceable. But the team and the food remain the same.
What to expect
The menu continues to change daily with the same focus on seasonal, organic cooking. The salads, cakes, and daily hot dishes are what built the reputation. Self-service, no reservations, daytime only. Check their website for current hours at the new location.
Nearby
Within a few minutes' walk
