Vincents Club, Oxford, by Colin Doak

VINCENT’S CLUB, OXFORD
A COMFORTABLE OASIS IN THE HEART OF THE CITY
A SAFE HAVEN FROM THE TOURIST-PACKED STREETS, BARS AND RESTAURANTS
by Colin Doak

OXFORD, that sweet city of supposedly dreaming spires, needs no introduction.Our reciprocal Club, Vincent’s, probably does.

Vincent’s (or ‘Vinnies’) comprises 140 resident members of the University and c.5000 alumni members worldwide.
While there are no set criteria for membership, candidates ’should have contributed significantly to sport at Oxford and be an upstanding member of the University community’.
Roger Bannister famously celebrated running the first ever sub-4 minute mile in the Club.
Other notable alumni are: Colin Cowdrey and M.J.K. Smith (cricket); Joe Roff and David Kirk (rugby); Bob Hawke, Tony Abbott and Robin Butler (politics). Plus at least three Clifton Clubbers!

The Club is situated only a few hundred yards from the very centre of the city, Carfax, its entrance (on the left of the picture above) lying just off the High at 1a King Edward Street.
It occupies the top two floors above the gentlemen’s outfitters Shepherd and Woodward, with good views over University buildings.
It is thus perfectly placed for you to relax, have a coffee/beer or dine after time spent sight-seeing or enjoying the excellent shopping in the city.

The Club, sympathetically refurbished a few years ago, is furnished in traditional style, with large and comfortable leather armchairs
and sporting memorabilia (including a Springbok head) on the walls.
The lower floor comprises a bar and lounge; the upper floor a dining/conference room, seminar room and kitchen. There is no accommodation.
The lunch menu comprises hearty student fare at student prices e.g. Calamari, Burgers (x7), Caesar Salad, Spag Bol. And Chips.
The supper menu has a higher aspiration e.g. Cod & Prawn Fish Cakes, Slow Cooked Pork Belly; Confit of Duck Leg, Pan Fried haddock.
Meals can be taken at the bar or in the lounge. If lunch is booked in advance a table can be set for you upstairs with table service.

The Club is open Monday to Saturday, 11.30-2.30 and 18.30 – 23.00 during the University term, thus approx. mid-October to mid-December, mid-January to mid-March, mid-April to mid-June.
Please ring the Steward (01865 722984) ahead of any visit to ensure there is no event taking place at the Club.