
The Alchemist Oxford
A unique bar and restaurant above Oxford's Westgate Centre, known for its chemistry-infused cocktails and stunning city views.

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Blue hour photography, calmer galleries

The Alchemist Oxford

Highlights
Must-see attractions
A unique bar and restaurant above Oxford's Westgate Centre, known for its chemistry-infused cocktails and stunning city views.
"Experience cocktails that are works of art, presented with smoke, fire, and a touch of science."
Request Top Staff
Ask for servers like Ojas, Purva, or Rio for exceptional service.
Terrace Dining
Enjoy the spectacular views from the terrace, best in good weather.

Quick Facts
Cuisine
Cocktail Bar & Restaurant
Price
$$$
Phone
+44 1865 792072
Address
Westgate, Bonn Square, Oxford OX1 1TR, United Kingdom
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Theatrical Cocktails
Experience cocktails that are works of art, presented with smoke, fire, and a touch of science.

Stunning Oxford Views
Dine or drink on the terrace and enjoy breathtaking panoramic views of Oxford's iconic spires.

The Alchemist's Smoked Board
A popular choice featuring tender, juicy meats and fresh, crunchy vegetables.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Request Top Staff
Ask for servers like Ojas, Purva, or Rio for exceptional service.
Terrace Dining
Enjoy the spectacular views from the terrace, best in good weather.
Mind the Music Volume
If seeking quiet conversation, opt for indoor seating as music can be loud outdoors.
Bottomless Brunch Magic
Experience a magical pairing of brunch items with theatrical, bottomless cocktails.
Tips
from all over the internet
Request Top Staff
Ask for servers like Ojas, Purva, or Rio for exceptional service.
Terrace Dining
Enjoy the spectacular views from the terrace, best in good weather.
Mind the Music Volume
If seeking quiet conversation, opt for indoor seating as music can be loud outdoors.
Bottomless Brunch Magic
Experience a magical pairing of brunch items with theatrical, bottomless cocktails.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
The Alchemist Oxford is praised for its inventive and theatrical cocktails, often described as a magical experience. Diners also rave about the stunning views from the terrace and the excellent service, with specific staff members frequently highlighted. However, some guests have noted small portion sizes for food and issues with music volume on the terrace making conversation difficult. There are also occasional mentions of food not arriving or items being missing from the menu.
"We just popped in to grab some food while traveling. The staff were friendly, took our prawn allergy seriously, and warned us against having fish and chips as the fish might be fried in the same fryer as the prawns. It was nice of them to warn us, but on the other hand, shouldn’t a person allergic to prawns be able to eat fish in a restaurant? That’s why only 5 stars for food.We ordered their smoked board, and it was a good choice. The meat was soft and juicy, and the veggies were fresh and crunchy. The view from their terrace is spectacular. We didn’t plan on visiting Oxford this time, so it was an extra bonus for us. The only problem for us was the music, which was a tad too loud to allow for conversations, more like in a bar and people had to shout to communicate. But we’re in our 60s; the younger crowd seemed happy chatting loudly."
Małgosia Tetiurka
"This place is worth the hype and the money. The cocktails are wonderful, mixed beautifully and drunk far too easily - and many come with a show. It is a clever and fun idea and the only thing I didn't enjoy was how short the experience was. Will be back. Also, some of the best vegetarian food I have eaten in a while."
Sudo Mohawk
"The Alchemist offers an elegant and beautifully decorated indoor space, along with an open-air area that’s perfect for enjoying the weather and the view.
The real highlight is the creative and daring cocktails, which feel like they were crafted in a potion lab — complete with smoke effects, unique presentations, and unexpected flavor combinations.
Service is fast, attentive, and efficient, adding to the overall experience. The Alchemist is the perfect destination for anyone looking to step off the beaten path and explore new sensations."
Mylena Alves
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
The Alchemist is renowned for its 'molecular mixology' where cocktails are presented with theatrical flair, including smoke, fire, and unique presentations.
Yes, the terrace offers stunning panoramic views of Oxford, making it an ideal spot, especially during good weather.
Indoor seating is recommended for quieter conversations, as music on the terrace can be loud.
Yes, The Alchemist offers a bottomless brunch package on Saturdays and Sundays, combining brunch items with theatrical cocktails.
Several reviewers highly recommend staff members like Ojas, Purva, Rio, and Oscar for their friendly and exceptional service.
The smoked board is frequently mentioned as a standout dish. The salt and pepper fries and chicken sandwiches are also noted.
Yes, it's a popular spot for celebrations like birthdays, with staff often going the extra mile to make occasions special.
Mentioned in
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The best cocktail bars in Oxford
Nestled amongst the group of restaurants above the Westgate shopping centre – with views of the dreaming spires of Oxford – is The Alchemist, a modern bar and restaurant that offers some seriously original cocktails, howbeit served with a twist on chemistry and theatre. Behind the smoke and mirror acts are talented bartenders trained in classic drinks-making techniques, who create every cocktail with an obsessive eye for detail, orchestrated to add a devilish dash of theatre. The Alchemist is open well after the shops have closed – until 11.00pm during the week and an hour later on Fridays and Saturdays.
The Best Bottomless Brunch In Oxford
Perched on the rooftop of the Westgate Centre, The Alchemist Oxford offers the best vistas in town paired with molecular mixology, making it the perfect spot for an enchanting brunch experience. Their bottomless brunch package is pure magic, where you can choose any brunch item and pair it with three of their most jaw-dropping, theatrical cocktails for £30 per person or upgrade to free-flowing cocktails, prosecco, or beer for just a tenner more.
Stunning Rooftop Bars In Oxford For Drinks With A View
We can’t write a guide to stellar rooftop bars in Oxford without mentioning The Alchemist. One of the most popular and creative chains in the UK, The Alchemist has become a go-to spot for the young and hip across the country, and the Oxford location at the Westgate Shopping Centre is no different. Nothing beats a good-themed bar, but sometimes a stellar aesthetic can take the place of quality drinks—not this place!
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If you are looking for a quirky, unique and creative cocktail bar/pub, The Alchemist is the ideal place for you thanks to its outstanding food, service and cocktails. The bartenders have an eye for detail and create exquisite and aesthetically pleasing cocktails with a hint of theatre!. You can even enjoy any warm weather, along with those exceptional drinks, on their outdoor roof terrace.
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Yet, at the top of the Westgate shopping centre is Oxford’s bougiest cocktail experience. Only a few doors down from some of Oxford’s best bites, including the consistently excellent Sticks’n’Sushi, The Alchemist is the perfect end to a big day out in Oxford. With a large space and huge floor-to-ceiling glass windows, you’re usually able to get a table here (unless its a busy weekend).
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It's one of Oxford's most flashy cocktail bars and doesn't disappoint when it comes to variety. There are absolutely loads to choose from and if you're date isn't going to plan, then get yourself The Alchemist's 'life's a beach' cocktail and entertain yourself by watching some of the mixology wizardry that goes down at the bar. Pretend you designed that light hanging up?
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The Alchemist, located in the Westgate Oxford shopping center, is renowned for its innovative and theatrical cocktails. The bar’s skilled mixologists use high-quality ingredients and creative techniques to create drinks that are both delicious and visually stunning. Popular choices include the Colour Changing One, the Smokey Old Fashioned, and the Bubblebath.
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What gives this bar the reputation it has is the fact that they turn cocktail drinking into a spectacle and special event with every drink they serve. Expect flames, smoke, chemistry theatrics and razzmatazz if you decide to head to the Alchemist. With a great eye for detail, the bartenders are perfectionists, creating a masterpiece right before your eyes.
The best places to go for Bottomless brunch in Oxford
We all love The Alchemist, as who else can make such intriguing cocktails, but did you know they also offer bottomless brunches?. Every Saturday and Sunday from 10am to 2pm you can enjoy their bottomless brunch, where you can get any brunch dish and 3 cocktails for £27 per person. You can even make your drinks bottomless for an extra £10 per person.
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Nesting in Westgate Oxford, The Alchemist Oxford is another hip cocktail bar that you should not skip on your vacation in the city. It bills itself as employing masters in the dark arts of molecular mixology and demons in the kitchen. Its mixologists are professional and knowledgeable in the art of cocktail exhibitions, which impresses guests.
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The Alchemist has become pretty iconic on the UK’s cocktail scene, and the Oxford venue is one of the best they’ve got. It’s a beautiful bar with delicious cocktails and a real sense of magic and alchemy about everything they do. Their expertly crafted cocktails are super exciting, from colour-changing drinks to test tube shots and cocktails.
Best Rooftop Bars in Oxford – Oxford Guide
If you’re looking for a breathtaking view of Oxford, look no further than The Alchemist. This rooftop bar is located on the top floor of the Radisson Blu Hotel and offers stunning panoramic views of the city. The menu features classic cocktails with a twist, as well as an extensive list of wine and champagne.
Why Are Oxford's Nightlife Spots Considered the Best? – Oxfordshire Times
Two unique cocktail bars stand out in Oxford's vibrant nightlife scene: The Alchemist and The Varsity Club, both renowned for their innovative drinks and stunning views. You'll be impressed by the innovative mixology that goes into crafting their signature cocktails, which are almost too beautiful to drink.
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Specialising in molecular mixology cocktails, The Alchemist is renowned for its flaming atmosphere, creative drinks and all-day dining menu. There's everything from quick nibbles to mighty main courses with unexpected twists, all set off spectacularly on the terrace by the glorious Oxford rooftop backdrop.
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Located on Westgate Shopping Centre’s rooftop, sits a cocktail bar that takes cocktails to the next level. If you’re looking to go out with your mates and experience Oxford’s nightlife, then The Alchemist might be a good place to visit. They have cocktails, wine, beer & cider, you name it, they have it.
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If you’re looking for somewhere a bit different, The Alchemist is worth checking out. Labelling themselves as masters of molecular mixology, this quirky bar serves up some seriously creative cocktails. Try the ‘Pipe Dream’, a delicious blend of whisky, rum and smoke served in a glass pipe.
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Found in the Westgate Shopping Centre, The Alchemist is not your everyday bar and restaurant. As ‘specialists in molecular mixology cocktails and drinks’ this cocktail bar is definitely worth checking out if you want some added theatre on your night out.
Cocktail Bar & Restaurant Oxford
At the Alchemist we believe that every experience should be life-enhancing. Whether it’s your first sip of one of our compelling cocktails or a morsel from our restaurant’s mouthwatering menu.
Best Breakfast, Brunch and Sunday Lunch Guide
The Alchemist is famous for their creative cocktails and delicious dining. Experience their decadent Alchemy Cocktail Brunch, available every weekend.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit