Oxford is a city of spires, old stone, and very, very cramped streets. If you’ve ever walked down Queen Street on a Saturday afternoon, you know the feeling. It’s claustrophobic. You’re dodging tourists, students, and buses. But then, there’s this weirdly perfect escape right in the middle of the chaos. I’m talking about the 47 Circus Roof Garden.
It’s not just a restaurant. Honestly, calling it a "roof garden" almost feels like an understatement when you're standing up there looking out over the Great Hall and the distant hills of Oxfordshire. It’s part of the John Lewis building in the Westgate Centre, but it feels a world away from the department store downstairs where people are frantically buying throw pillows and high-end blenders.
The Reality of 47 Circus Roof Garden
Most people stumble upon it by accident. You’re shopping, you’re tired, and you see the sign for the terrace. You take the lift up. The doors open, and suddenly the air feels thinner—in a good way. The 47 Circus Roof Garden is designed with this sort of chic, botanical aesthetic that manages to feel high-end without being stuffy.
Think velvet. Think gold accents. Lots of greenery.
It’s run by the KuPP brand, which explains the Scandinavian influence you might notice in the menu and the layout. They’ve leaned heavily into the "Hygge" vibe, which is a bit of a buzzword these days, but it actually works here. Because Oxford is cold. It’s rainy. Having a space that feels warm and light even when the sky is that specific shade of British grey is a massive win.
Why the Design Actually Matters
A lot of rooftop bars in the UK are just... flat roofs with some plastic chairs and a flickering heater. 47 Circus Roof Garden is different because it was built into the architecture of the "new" Westgate. When the shopping center was revamped back in 2017, the architects (Benoy and several other firms) knew they needed to give people a reason to stay after the shops closed.
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The garden itself is expansive. You have the indoor area, which is floor-to-ceiling glass, so you don't lose the view even when it’s pouring. Then you have the terrace. This is where the magic happens during the summer months.
I’ve spent hours there just watching the light change on the stone of the nearby colleges. It’s one of the few places in the city where you can see the "Dreaming Spires" from an elevated, 360-degree perspective without having to climb 150 narrow, winding stairs in a church tower. Your knees will thank you.
What’s on the Menu?
It’s eclectic. You’ve got the Scandi-roots showing through with things like smoked fish and hearty open sandwiches, but they also pivot to classic British "brunch" culture.
- The Coffee: It’s better than your average department store brew. They take the bean quality seriously.
- The Cocktails: This is where they lean into the "Circus" name. They’re colorful, often floral, and highly Instagrammable.
- The Grazing Boards: If you’re with a group, this is the move. It’s low-pressure dining.
The price point? It’s Oxford. It’s not cheap. But you aren’t just paying for the avocado toast; you’re paying for the fact that you’re sitting on a garden in the sky.
The "Secret" Entrance and Logistics
Getting there is half the battle if you aren't familiar with the Westgate layout. You can enter through the main John Lewis doors and head to the top floor, but there’s also access via the roof terrace elevators located near the Leidener Gardens area of the mall.
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People get confused. I’ve seen people wandering around the scented candle section looking for the garden. Just keep going up. Once you hit the third floor of the store, look for the dedicated entrance.
One thing to keep in mind: the 47 Circus Roof Garden follows store hours to an extent, but it often stays open later than the retail sections. Always check the specific bookings if you’re planning a late-night drink, as the Westgate security guards start ushering people toward specific exits once the shops lock up.
Misconceptions About the Space
Some people think it’s a private club. It isn't. It looks exclusive because of the decor, but it’s open to anyone. You’ll see students finishing essays on their laptops next to families having a celebratory lunch.
Another mistake? Thinking it’s only for summer.
The indoor seating is actually the best part during the winter. When the sun sets at 4:00 PM in December, the garden is lit up with fairy lights. It’s incredibly cozy. It’s one of the best spots in the city to hide from the Christmas market crowds while still feeling like you’re part of the festivities.
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The Impact on Oxford’s Social Scene
Before the Westgate redevelopment, Oxford’s nightlife and dining were concentrated in the Cowley Road area or the very traditional (and often cramped) pubs in the city center. The introduction of the Roof Terrace, headlined by spots like 47 Circus Roof Garden, changed the gravity of the city.
It brought a bit of London-style "lifestyle" dining to a city that is notoriously protective of its traditional aesthetic. Some locals hated it at first. They thought the Westgate was too modern, too shiny. But it’s hard to argue with a view like that. It’s become a cornerstone for "graduation lunches"—that specific Oxford ritual where parents come to town and want somewhere that feels impressive but isn't a 500-year-old dark room with sawdust on the floor.
Essential Tips for Your Visit
If you're actually going to head there, don't just wing it.
- Book the Window: If you are eating, explicitly ask for a window table in your booking notes. The middle tables are fine, but the window tables are why you're there.
- Golden Hour: Aim for about 45 minutes before sunset. The way the light hits the limestone of the city is incredible.
- The Wind Factor: Even on a warm day, it gets breezy up there. Bring a jacket if you intend to sit outside.
- Check for Events: Sometimes the space is bought out for private corporate gigs or weddings. Check their social media or website before you make the trek.
Final Realities of the Garden
Is it the best food in Oxford? Probably not. You can find more "authentic" or experimental stuff in the backstreets of Jericho. But is it the best experience? It’s high on the list.
There is something psychologically refreshing about being above the treeline in an old city. The 47 Circus Roof Garden offers a perspective that most people—even those who have lived in Oxford for years—rarely get to see. It’s a mix of commercial convenience and genuinely beautiful landscape design.
Next time you find yourself overwhelmed by the crowds on Cornmarket Street, just remember there’s a lift nearby that can take you to a garden. It’s worth the trip up.
Next Steps for Your Visit:
- Check the Weather: If it's a rare clear day, drop everything and go. The visibility from the terrace reaches the Chiltern Hills.
- Confirm Hours: Visit the official Westgate Oxford website to see if 47 Circus Roof Garden has any specific holiday closures or private bookings.
- Coordinate Transport: If you're driving, use the Westgate underground parking, but be warned—it’s expensive. The Park & Ride is a much smarter move for a long lunch.