You’d be hard pressed to find a more stunning location than that of The Medley, Oxford’s newest riverside bar, set to open its doors for the first time on May 1.
Situated on Medley Manor Farm in Binsey, it can be accessed by foot or bike from Oxford, Wolvercote and Jericho along the Thames on what was a disused part of the farm.
Social media is abuzz with news of The Medley’s imminent opening, and we can give you a sneak preview of what to expect and the story behind it
Now neatly fenced with its own access and bar, it awaits its new customers who should come pouring through the doors from May 1.
Social media is already abuzz with news of The Medley’s imminent opening, and now we can give you a sneak preview of what to expect and the story behind it.
The brainchild of Oxford lads Charlie Gee and Otto Figueiredo, the pair have been hard at work during lockdown to get The Medley up and running in time for lockdown restrictions being lifted.
The ex Cherwell School friends have worked together in Oxford’s pubs and bars over the years, most recently at The Perch up the road, so are more than ready for the challenges ahead.
Charlie’s parents, who own the farm, are looking forward to the opening of the new beer garden as much as the rest of Oxford.
Which means Charlie and Otto have been hard at work getting The Medley ready ever since they first agreed to the plan back in September.
And they have built everything from scratch, including the toilets, fencing and reconditioned bar.
Up to 100 people will be welcome at a time at the new riverside bar, which will be open from 11am-11pm
“It was a piece of scrubland, covered in brambles and totally overgrown before, so we had to clear that first,” Charlie explains. Charlie’s dad helped with his tractor and when cleared, Otto and Charlie grassed the area and began building the fencing. They have even plumbed the toilets themselves.
“We’ve watched a lot of YouTube videos and picked up a lot of skills along the way but we are getting someone in to do the electrics, you’ll be pleased to hear,” Charlie laughs. “So yes it’s been a steep learning curve.”
Up to 100 people will be welcome at a time at the new riverside bar, which will be open from 11am-11pm, and Otto and Charlie are currently planning the drinks menu which will include wine, beer, cider, champagne and Prosecco, as well as tea, coffee and soft drinks.
“We want the drinks to be as locally sourced as possible and to use local breweries and distillers,” they said. And while not providing food themselves they hope to offer pop-up food vans at the weekends.
So are they excited? “Very. It’s quite nerve-wracking too after so much work. It’s been a massive project but we’ve really enjoyed it,” Charlie says.
“We just hope people come and try it out. It’s only a 10 minute walk from Jericho and 15 minutes from Oxford Station, and we know what an amazing spot this is” he adds as a couple of swans glide past.
“So while The Medley will be seasonal – open from May to September – we know what a big pull a good pub garden is,” they said, before heading back to finish up in time for the big opening.
The Medley opens on May 1 from 11am-11pm when customers will be seated at socially distanced tables.
We will review in in style then. In the meantime, watch this space. Instagram @the_medley_oxford
Katherine MacAlister
