If you are walking across Port Meadow as the sun starts to set you might notice the gentle glow of stringed fairy lights in the distance.

Your eyes are not playing tricks on you though because tucked away next to the River Thames is a quirky little spot serving wood fired pizzas and local beers out of a refurbished caravan.

The Medley, which is set on the land at Medley Manor Farm in Binsey, is situated next to the famous Rainbow Bridge and offers near panoramic views of the beauty spot that is Port Meadow.

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Oxford Mail: The team at The Medley work hard to deliver delicious pizzas and drinks The team at The Medley work hard to deliver delicious pizzas and drinks

Created by Charlie Gee and his friend Otto Figueiredo on a disused part of the farm - which Mr Gee’s parents own – The Medley now boasts simple landscaping including gravel paths, decking and a covered seating area.

The natural, vintage look of the site with its alfresco dining, mix-matched wooden chairs and hundreds of fairy lights make you feel like you are at a cottagecore inspired festival retreat.

Oxford Mail: Set next to the River Thames, The Medley is a hidden gemSet next to the River Thames, The Medley is a hidden gem

This is where I found myself on Saturday evening and, honestly, I think this is Oxford’s best hidden gem.

As aesthetics go, The Medley has everything you want from an outdoor spot; it is surrounded by picturesque views and feels a million miles away from Oxford even though you are just a short hop from the city centre.

If you are lucky enough to grab a table next to the river, then you can kick back with a beer and slice of pizza and lose yourself watching the world pass you by.

The pizza, as it should be, is the real star of the retro little haunt.

Meat lovers, vegans and gluten free folks have options at The Medley, with ingredient swaps available which suit different dietary needs.

That being said, as I visited with my girlfriend I picked a meat option while she went for a create-your-own vegan mash up of sorts.

Oxford Mail: You can relax by picturesque views You can relax by picturesque views

My choice of pizza, the Do Ya?, was made from tomato, basil, pepperoni, nduja and pickled red chilli. My other half went for a vegan margarita and added pomegranate seeds, artichoke and mushrooms.

Now, I might be a little biased but I think sourdough pizza is the supreme pizza type and so naturally I was obsessed with the pizza The Medley dished up.

Light without being thin, filling without being heavy, my pizza was flavoursome and well-balanced with some heat from chillies.

Oxford Mail: Pizza is the star of the show at The MedleyPizza is the star of the show at The Medley

While I might have been sceptical of my girlfriend adding pomegranate seeds to her pizza, I actually could not fault it. The seeds gave a sweetness that balanced the savoury flavours of the mushrooms and dough.

Of course, I had to wash my pizza down with a couple of beers and it is great to see The Medley serving local beverages, including ones from Chadlington Brewery and Tap Social Brewery.

Oxford Mail: A range of local beers are served at The MedleyA range of local beers are served at The Medley

If you decide to visit The Medley I insist you make a point to come when the fairy lights have flicked on. As dusk settles over Port Meadow, the twinkling lights really do elevate this spot to a gorgeous, one of a kind find.

Oxford Mail: The fairy lights give the spot a quirky atmosphereThe fairy lights give the spot a quirky atmosphere

The Medley can be found at The Meldey, Oxford, OX2 0NJ and is open 11am to 11pm everyday.

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Read more from this author

This story was written by Sophie Perry. She joined the team in 2021 as a digital reporter.

You can get in touch with her by emailing: sophie.perry@newsquest.co.uk

Follow her on Twitter @itssophieperry

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