The issue with the Tescos is that unless you come at the start of the day after they have completed…read morea fruitful stocking night the shelves will be half empty, it will be mind-bogglingly busy and there may be stuff everywhere. However as this place is so huge you'll probably still find what you are looking for. Since I've lived in Oxford I've come here about a dozen or so times. We tend to try and stick to mid evening as the crowds die down a bit and they are not quite into their horrible restocking mode. Generally you can find fresh products and a wide selection of near everything (do not come to this Tescos if you are looking for home goods/ electronics/ etc). The prices as it is Tescos are decent. The staff are generally friendly as long as you're not getting the end of shift crowd. PROS: Large selection Good quantity of stock Price CONS: Gets ultra busy Leftover stock can be of bad quality Other side of the ring road.

This is known fairly widely as 'Big Tesco', to distinguish it from the Tesco on Cowley Road, and it…read morecertainly lives up to the name. It's got a huge range of items, although no adult clothing (other than underwear) or much in the way of electronics/media/toys, unlike even bigger stores. For groceries, though, it's got a lot to offer. Fruit and veg are of good quality and usually well-stocked. The deli and fresh fish counters offer a lot of choice, and they even have a large 'Polish food' section. They have two 'car trolleys' which amuse small (and big) kids greatly, and make the shopping trip easier with children who are too big for the trolley seats but too small to walk all the way around without whining. Staff are friendly and helpful, and offers on food are good value.

This is the smaller of the two Sainsbury's stores in central Oxford. Being a little bit more…read morecentral than the Westgate store, and with longer opening hours, it is naturally busier. The range of products is not as good as that in the Westgate and the prices are higher - a tub of houmous might be 5p more expensive here. It's not the place to do your weekly shop, but is convenient for little things that you might have forgotten to buy. Queues are long but fast moving at peak times. One thing that does put me off is that most of the fresh fruit and veg is pre-packaged, which means that a) you can't pick out exactly what you want, and b) you can't have smaller amounts than are in the bags.

Sainsbury's Local has a fairly good range of foods, with all the essentials and is usually…read morewell-stocked despite its popularity. It's quite hard to get into through the flow of pedestrians and queues for the bus on Magdalen Street, but it's well worth it. There are no surprises, and it's not really the height of luxury, but there's a good selection of fruit juices and a section of bakery goods and lunch time snacks/meals. Because it's only Sainsbury's Local, as opposed to the main shop, you don't really get the good Sainsbury's Basics deals or the more unusual foods, but there's usually a suitable alternative available. The queue often snakes around the shop and is very offputting, but it moves surprisingly quickly; they've got a very efficient system going, so don't be put off because of that. The most frustrating thing is trying to fit everything into a bag on the tiny counter, as the shop assistants work very quickly! Some are friendly, some aren't so, but you'll get your food for a reasonable price, so it doesn't really matter.

As an Californian used to high quality produce I was thrilled to find Waitrose. The variety of…read morefruits and vegetables and the quality is superior to that of their two main competitors. The selection of meats and cheeses is impressive. The shrimp and salmon are always fresh, and the prepared foods are appealing. The cost is a little higher, but the customer service is astonishing -- everyone is so helpful and kind. Also if you join their rewards program you get a free coffee or tea every time you come in -- the only unfortunate thing is that they don't have a decaf. option. I really recommend this store and finding it has improved my life in the UK markedly.

As with most services, it is expensive to get food and drink here…read more Sandwiches are good but the Tuna Niçoise salad was really odd tasting to be honest.

Conveniently located a few minutes walk from Univ, this grocery store has just about everything you…read morecan need except pharmacy items. The prices are not cheap but I don't have a huge database for comparison. I like the fact that they installed self-check out stations which greatly speeds the process. They often have specials on beers and ales which brings down the prices a bit.

this place has barely any assistance me and my family waited 6 minutes for someone to come and help…read moreus because no one was near for assistance. honestly even poundland has people right there waiting incase of help, sainsbury you've let me down.

The frozen pre-made dinners are quite good. I've recently eaten the mushroom risotto, chicken…read moremasala, macaroni & cheese, green vegetable medley. After a quick microwave warming the flavors and textures of all were surprisingly satisfactory. Last year while staying in Paris I did sample the frozen dinners at the Picard stores. I bought 5 different dishes. All were awful, all were trash. How the Picard franchise remains open is a complete mystery to me, so the French must also eat really crappy food when they don't want to prepare a proper fresh meal. ... Back to Budgen's. Market size is 75% smaller than a Tesco. Selection variety therefore is less numerous. Upside is that what is on display is usually pretty good quality and the prices are competitive especially with discounts on sale items. All fresh produce and bread I've purchased here made me quite happy. The store is sparkling clean, well lighted. My only gripe: the wine selection is mediocre. Lots of low priced generic, factory produced wines from Australia, South Africa, Argentina, etc. As France is just across the channel why are there not more French good quality wines in stock? Still, I'm a happy Budgen's customer.

I don't know Budgens very well but this was a pleasant place to stop and grab a few groceries. The…read morestore is at one end of the high street with lots of parking. It was a bright store with very friendly service.

Cute place to stop for coffee, tea, and snacks. Friday midday wasn't too crowded! Plenty of seating…read moreoptions upstairs. Staff is friendly and they bring you your food and drinks to your table. My earl gray tea was really nice on this chilly day- you get the whole teapot! The carrot cake was really nice as well- great texture, not too sweet. 2 drinks and 2 pastry/sweets for ~£9 isn't too shabby!

This little place is such a gem. Actually I shouldn't say little with over 3 levels of antique and…read morecharming sitting areas to enjoy your beverages. The staff was incredibly kind and helpful! They helped us American tourists figure out what to see and other areas of Cotswolds to explore. Including helping us sort our pence and pounds. To add, I was allowed to go up and explore all the levels while they made our coffee. Since we opted for to go drinks. I returned downstairs expecting my drink when the staff mentioned they waited for me to make me a fresh hot drink. So thoughtful. A definite stop!

A local's spot and a hidden gem. I ended up here on a whim and can't have been happier. When…read morethere's only enough time to do so much but you're hungry, you'll be in and out of the Alternative Tuck Shop in no time. The shop is TINY and there's only room for a few people in there at a time. I suggest grabbing a menu outside and then deciding before you make it inside. I had the Chicken Curry sandwich and it was so delicious I dove straight in and didn't even take a photo. Portions are generous. One thing you should plan ahead for is a place to sit if you choose not to walk and eat. Unfortunately, the Alternative Tuck Shop doesn't have any seating indoors or outdoors. Highly recommend this spot!!

Popular, efficient, and darn cute. Not to mention delicious. We stumbled upon this shop while…read moreroaming around Oxford, with a little line. It moved quickly. Inside the tight quarters, the choices were well marked so ordering and payment was easy enough. After ordering they bring it out to you back outside. The street wasn't busy so people spilled out to the street. I can how this is probably both a student and tourist haven.

Can't fault it!! A terrific tearoom housed in a Grade 2 listed building, built 1648 by the Bloss…read morefamily. A dream of nostalgia, in the way of old radios, teacups and saucers, teapots....just the way it used to be!!! The menu is very comprehensive and, most certainly will not break the bank!! The standard of cooking is first class, as is the attention on the serving staff. An absolute must if you in the area. Special Thank you to Amber, for looking after us so well...

4.60 pounds for 2 scones and a tea! Nice cozy place to stop and rest, and is not too crowded as…read morewell even on a Saturday afternoon.