From Humble Beginings
If you take the time to look through the history books, you will find that The Grand Café as it is now, stands on the precise site that housed the very first Coffee House in England.
According to a number of trustworthy sources, including Samuel Pepys, a Jewish entrepreneur named Jacob established the first English coffee house in 1650.
A direct quote from ‘The Life and Times of Anthony Wood, Antiquary of Oxford 1632-1695″:-
“This year [1651] Jacob the Jew opened a coffey house at the Angel in the parish of S. Peter, in the East Oxon ; and there it was by some, who delighted in noveltie, drank. When he left Oxon, he sold it in Old Southampton buildings in Holborne neare London, and was living in 1671.”
I’m sure that if Jacob returned today, he would be proud to see what has become of the place. From humble beginnings, The Grand Café is now regarded by many as a true Oxford institution and above all – a purveyor of a darn good cup of coffee.
For a little more history
Locally Sourced & Organic Food
We are constantly buying and helping local businesses – often from just a stone’s throw away…
Our Love for Food
As a café/restaurant serving food in the Centre of beautiful Oxford, we try to source ingredients and produce from local suppliers, where possible. Not only does it attest to the freshness of our ingredients, but in turn supports local farmers and suppliers, whilst reducing the carbon footprint of petrol consumption of delivery of our ingredients.
It is no accident that much of our produce is sourced just up the street from Oxford’s famous Covered Market – if you have visited, you will understand why.
Don’t take our word for it. Come and sample one of our gorgeous Cream Teas or treat yourself to Afternoon Tea the English way – and in a quintessentially English setting.
