Dartington House,
Little Clarendon Street,
OXFORD,
OX1 2HS
(01865) 554224
The ViewOxford Review
Small and intimate cocktail bar inhabited mainly by students, perfect for nursing a long slow mojito in good company.
The Venue
In the setting of upmarket Little Clarendon Street, Angels is very small, consisting of one room with a bar, and a downstairs for hiring out on special occasions (ask at the bar for details).
Decor is red, with low chairs, and a large statue of what is presumably an angel rearing out of the back of the bar. Not to all tastes, but at least the interior is striking.
Seats are mostly comfortably set against a wall and around low tables, where small groups can gather peaceably. The music is a good selection of songs that are loud enough to be enjoyed, yet low enough to block out should you happen to dislike their selection.
The People
Angels is a quiet place and although it's always busy there isn't too much overcrowding. During term time it draws a large crowd from the Somerville College over the road, particularly on Wednesdays. In the holidays it is less busy but maintains the same chilled-out atmosphere throughout the year.
The bar staff are extremely approachable and kind, and are perfectly amenable to conversation. They also make good cocktails, particularly mojitos.
The Drink
Angels has a good range of cocktails all priced the same, at £3.50 in happy hour, which happily extends for a lot longer than an hour but that looks set to change very soon (currently 4.30pm to 9pm). When not in happy hour, the cocktails are £5.50 each. They vary in quality, but so much depends on which is your favourite cocktail.
The staff, however, are perfectly friendly and, unless you are a connoisseur, can make a drink to your satisfaction, if not your delight. Angels looks to be improving since it came under new management some months ago.
The Last Word
This bar is relaxed and relaxing. It may not be as vibrant as some in the area but it's still a good place to begin or end a night out.
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