Al-Andalus

You'll find yourself on one of Oxford's best stretches—Little Clarendon Street, where the independent shops and restaurants actually outnumber the chains—and Al-Andalus slots in perfectly with its no-nonsense approach to Spanish food and drink. The setup is straightforward: proper jamón, croquetas, patatas bravas, and an impressive sherry list that doesn't pretend to be something it isn't. It's the kind of place where you can spend £15-20 on a round of drinks and small plates and feel like you've done yourself a genuine favour, not fallen for marketing. The room has that relaxed Mediterranean warmth without trying too hard—tiles, good lighting, and enough noise that you're not self-conscious about talking.