Where to go for lunch on a first post-lockdown meeting with my son and grandchildren? Well, with a three-year-old to keep happy, it seemed like a good idea to ask what he would like as he said a burger, we ended up on the rooftop of the Westgate Centre in Oxford, just as Dirty Bones opened for lunch.
Our original plan was to ask for an outside table, but in order to provide separate entrance and exits, these tables weren’t in use, but they were able to give us a large oval table with plenty of space for pushchair and high chair, for my 9-month-old granddaughter.
My son has already been eating out, so we registered our contact details through his phone and were soon at our table with disposable paper menus, although you can also access the menu by phone.
It was the last week of the Government’s Dine Out Scheme, but even without our 50% off, the £10 lunch menu looked good and us adults chose the burger and fries. And the one who’d announced he wanted a burger? Well of course, he chose a hot dog!
We opted for soft drinks – apple juice and Diet Coke – and both were served with plenty of ice. The burgers were delicious. Lots of lovely onions and gherkins, and the fries were so crunchy and well seasoned.
The hot dog came with a large portion of fries (half scoffed by dad) and also a small salad. The children’s deal also included a scoop of ice cream with a choice of toppings.
Although there were others in the restaurant, it did feel that there was a good distance between other diners. There were arrow markings on the floor so it was clear to see which way to go. Hand sanitiser was available at the entrance and also before going in/out of the toilets. One of the wash hand basins had also been taped off.
Our bill was £18 and an optional service charge is added to the total, so important to note that before paying.
When we left, we noticed a queue of people waiting outside, so it’s obviously a popular restaurant and I’d be happy to return.
There is a car park in the basement of the Westgate shopping centre, but it’s very busy so parking could be a problem. But from the city centre, the restaurant is easily accessed and there are lifts – one household at a time – or the stairs. Lovely views too!
“Dirty Bones Oxford website”:https://dirty-bones.com/locations/oxford
