The Jam Factory

Came here for a romantic soirée with the fella, have never tried it out before and have always wanted to. Booked a table in advance online — easy as pie. Our booking was for 8.30 on a Friday, but when we arrived it really was not busy at all. Now this doesn’t necessarily mean that it isn’t a good place to come and eat, there are HUGE road works going on in Frideswide Square by the station in Oxford, making it quite difficult to a) see the restaurant and b) access it. However, I was expecting a bit more of an atmosphere, it’s a great space and cool old building but it was lacking the Friday night buzz you want from an evening meal out.
The waiting staff were terrific tho, top marks! Super friendly and didn’t even need to write our orders down — really made you smile speaking to them. We enjoyed a bottle of house white which was a new one for their menu, and it was good. The menu was really enticing, and I feel perhaps a little too nice sounding for what actually arrived. Don’t get me wrong, I enjoyed my meal, but it sounded more exciting than it was. I also felt the presentation could have been a little better, for our mains, they came on these curved upwards oval plates, which made cutting food quite difficult because the plates kept tipping and sending our food everywhere! I can’t fault the food, it wasn’t incredible-​gottatelleveryonehowgooditwas-​food but it was tasty nonetheless. I had the caprese salad to start (but to be fair you can’t really get mozzarella and tomato wrong), and he got the pork pie slice. We both opted for burgers, veggie for me, beef for him. Tasty but not spectacular, and came with an absolutely ginourmous portion of chips!
I can however, highly praise them for their condiment selection, they had everything even brown sauce! — Surprisingly hard to come by in restaurants I have found!
I like this place, it was a shame the atmosphere wasn’t a bit more exciting, as it could have made an average meal a good meal. We still had a lovely evening, but I probably won’t rush back here if I’m honest.

Decent food, nothing special, but not a ton of good breakfast choices in the area, so it was good. Service was oddly slow and reactive given the lack of a crowd.

My husband and I are truly in love w/​this little gem. We’ve just moved to Oxford for 2 – 3 years for his job and this was the first café we tried. We’ve been back a handful of times in our first week here. Everyone has been kind and patient w/​us and our questions if we ask, arriving fresh from Seattle. As one other person from the states noted, they may not always make eye contact and therefore service can be not so intuitive as maybe we’re used to in the states. This is common throughout England and possibly Europe I’m gathering. The idea isn’t to rush your customers as we often feel like in the states. You just have to ask for the bill or step up to the bar. Don’t be such an entitled American maybe and you’ll get what you’re needing. (From what we’re understanding, they don’t live on their tips either. I think people tip occasionally, it’s a nice thing to do, but it’s not expected or terribly common so I doubt you’ll hurt anyone’s feelings if you feel you’re punishing them by stiffing them on a tip for their ‘lack’ of service from your perspective.)
The coffee is some of the best we’ve had in Oxford so far and there’s quite the range from good to poor around town. Being spoiled by our wide variety of really good local roasts in Seattle, we were a bit nervous if we’d find any that was tolerable and we have at The Jam Factory for sure. I’d say I loved brunch more than our afternoon lunch we had, but it was still a lot of food for the price. We love the fact it’s also an art gallery, they have classes here and even host a Wed night Scrabble group. And they get extra points for their clever sandwich board signs. ;)

Strangely boring. The name sounds great — expectations of tastefully and stylishly restored building, when it’s actually just another boring room. It’s not a chain, but it may as well be, as it showed less originality than many a Blanc Brasserie. If it had served food as good as a Blanc Brasserie, there may be an upside to its individuality, but that wasn’t the case. The sirloin caps were the only highlight of a very OK meal. The waiters were attentive, occasionally. They were more enthusiastic about the food than the food deserved, but spent most of the night not making eye contact when service was wanted.
Hard to recommend this place over any other — certainly there are chain restaurants n Oxford that have better food, atmosphere and waiters.

A wonderful and unique venue amongst the mire of soulless chain restaurants that seem to have taken over Oxford. Charming, friendly staff and wonderful artwork on display backed up by a great menu. I’d particularly recommend visit in the evening when this restaurant really comes into its own. Perfect for date night!

This is my new favourite spot to grab lunch & work on my laptop, definitely. Best discovery in Oxford for a long while!
High ceilings, unique artwork on display, fun décor, friendly baristas, free WiFi, good coffee, etc etc etc
Far enough away from the city centre that this place is quiet & relaxing, yet close enough that it’s only a short walk.
I’ll be going back, for sure.

I’m adding to my previous review on Jam.
My boyfriend and I have come to make this joint our weekly stop for beer, fries, and games. Yes, games (Everyone needs a little R&R during exams…). Jam is the coziest little pub in Oxford — it seems to be a gathering place for people with a variety of hobbies. We’ve seen people hosting informal Scrabble tournaments and even knitting groups. Our own game of choice these days happens to be monopoly (brings back childhood memories…)… yes, they have several kinds of board games available for your pleasure!
I have also been very pleased with the service — the staff is very friendly, and the barman is eager to give recommendations on beers. Just the other day, he pushed Sierra Nevada, which apparently has become his new favourite beer — I must admit that flattered the Californian in me… brings back more memories. Hah, probably the only bar in Oxford that serves Sierra Nevada!
In short, everyone who comes upon this review should check this place out! Forget those standard English pubs that serve bitter, watery English ales! Come to Jam for some real beers!

The happening scene in Oxford for contemporary art. Oxford Modern has great video installations and an up market pedigree but the Jam Factory Gallery wins hands down for pretension free, quality exhibitions from lesser known and unknown talents throughout the UK. Always well reviewed and always an exhibit on of interest. Those in the know go to the Jam Gallery.

History: used to be the factory for Cooper’s marmalade
Today:
— art gallery for local artists
— workshops and classes for everyone
— art auctions
The good bits:
— free wifi
— restaurant and café
— disabled access
— bar
Classes:
— eg: life drawing and photography
— see website for dates and times
Currently:
— Wednesdays: 6 – 7:30 and 8 – 9:30 (tutored, then not tutored): life drawing for all, £5, materials provided.