Overview

Turtle Bay is a Caribbean restaurant. The food is amazing and there is some outdoor seating. Access is good with an accessible toilet. It's a really lovely restaurant and I really enjoyed my visit. Sorry for the lack of more photos, but after a day sight seeing my spoons were low and I was quite tired.

Transport & Parking

The restaurant is in Oxford City Centre but located in a pedestrianised alleyway called Friars Entry, running between Gloucester Street and Magdalen Street. Oxford Railway Station would be about at 15 minute walk away. However buses stop close by in George Street and Magdalen Street (where the bus stop took me back to the Easyhotel in Summertown where I was staying). Although the street feels a bit tucked and hidden away (in a good way) its very close to the Ashmolean Museum, New Oxford Theatre and the shopping area, however, check it's location on a map if you are unfamiliar with Oxford as it could be a little tricky to find.

Access

Access is good. There is outdoor seating with free standing tables and chairs, which was very pleasant to sit out in. There is a step free entrance with manual double doors, however one door was open when I visited. This might be me being a bit picky, but to me it was one of those places which ticks the accessibility facilities box, i.e. step free and accessible toilet, but the layout could be more inclusive. When you enter directly in front of you is a bar with high bar stools. I get it that this a venue where the bar is the focal point, but it is not wheelchair height accessible and for many people with mobility disabilities climbing onto and sitting on a tall bar stool is not an easy option. Either side from the bar there is restaurant space with free standing tables and chairs at average height. However if the restaurant is busy, and I visited at late afternoon about 5pm when it was relatively quiet, if you're a wheelchair user or use mobility aids it might be a little tricky to navigate getting to your table. I didn't sit inside so I can't personally comment about.

Toilets

When I finished my meal I went inside to use the accessible toilet. I approached the toilet by walking round the left hand side of the bar and it was a tight squeeze for me and my crutch to reach the toilet entrance due to the location of the bar and the layout of other furniture. There were no people obstructing my way. I exited the same way as I was trying to avoid people, I was the only person wearing a mask, so approaching from the right may have been more spacious. However reaching the toilet should be accessible and easy regardless of what side of the bar you are at. I'm sorry I didn't take a photo but just be aware as it may not be an issue for you. The accessible toilet was spacious, clean, had grab rails and an emergency cord that reached to the floor. My only issue was the ease of getting to the toilet.

Staff

I went inside to order and pay when I arrived. The food was brought out to me. Service was friendly, quick and helpful.

Anything else you wish to tell us?

I felt safe removing my mask and eating outside. However, inside it's a bar and restaurant so no one is wearing a mask. The food was amazing and beautifully presented. My starter, main and side arrived together. I had Sweetcorn Fritters, Halloumi Buddha Bowl (Rainbow beets, fresh pineapple, watermelon, avocado, tomatoes, squash, rocket, mushroom, cucumber chutney, pickled pink onions and steamed rice. Four halloumi slices, grilled and tossed with jerk sauce) and a side of Sweet Plantain. The food is delicious and plentiful. Portions are huge and I couldn't manage dessert. I really enjoyed my mocktails, a Virgin Colada and a watermelon cooler (I think). I visited on a late Sunday afternoon and it was relatively quiet. However, this is a venue which specialises in cocktails, rum and bottomless brunches, its very popular and can get very busy, so you may want to consider this when choosing your time. I accidently discovered this restaurant and loved it. The food and drink is so tasty and service was excellent. Sitting out in a relatively quiet street enjoying my food was so lovely and I would certainly visit again when I return to Oxford next.

Photos