Old Parsonage Restaurant & Bar

We ate here twice during a recent stay in Oxford. The first time, it was for afternoon tea. Of all the places we had tea in England, this is the only one that did not use a tea bag, but brewed a proper pot of tea and served it with an elegant silver tea strainer. The little sandwiches were delicious, and scones and clotted cream and jam? If you are an American, you will realize that you have never had a true scone before! Light, airy, delicious! Since we just wanted a snack and not actually a whole meal, my companion and I ordered just one full tea and one extra cup of tea and divided all the pastries, sandwiches and scones in half, which made a nice afternoon treat that did not spoil dinner at 8.
The second time, we came for cocktails and dinner. Ordered a gin martini that was absolutely delicious, with 3 large olives! The scotch quail eggs as a bar snack (two tiny eggs!) were wonderful. My companion ordered Cornish sole, cooked perfectly, served with seabeans, and I had rabbit pie. Both were unique, at least for us, and very tasty. Perhaps the best part of the meal was the dessert – crème brule to make you forget any version of crème brule you have ever eaten before. The burnt sugar on the top was perfectly crispy and broke into delicious shards.
A hushed, classy atmosphere that was the perfect experience of fine dining. (And the lovely scent of a real wood fire in the front room. Also, patio dining is available on fine days.)
ETA: Both times we went in, the hostess asked if we had reservations, which made us feel that we might be turned away. But when we said, no, no reservations, they got us a table without any fuss. Do not show up wearing shorts and tennis shoes, however. This is a nice place!