This was a gifted meal.

I had heard about Joe Perks opening in Oxford back in October last year but it has taken me this long to get my act together and go and see what it’s all about. I ventured to Oxford to the Cowley Road side of the city to find Joe Perks (the place as opposed to the person, more about that later) to see if they really did offer the best hot dogs in Britain.

 

I like the location, the size, the look and the atmosphere of Joe Perks. I would describe the look at homely come industrial come minimal come friendly; in other words lots of exposed brick, a very inviting looking bar and mismatching furniture. Just how I like it. It was one of the most relaxing places I think I’ve ever eaten in; no one was rushing, no one was too busy and there was no pressure to hurry up or move on. Indeed, so relaxing was the experience that I ended up being there for four hours without even realising. All the drinks looked great as they had all the receptacles that I wish I had (glass tea and coffee cups, swish looking tea strainers, mini milk bottles and Kilner jars for the sugar) that I’m secretly pleased I don’t have so I don’t have to faff around with washing it all up. The idea is a simple one: hot dogs in four varieties (beef, pork, beef and pork and vegetarian), one or two specials, beer and cocktails.

I opted for the ‘Big Dog’ which is their signature sausage; seasoned with marjoram, garlic and black pepper then double smoked over German beech wood (£5.50). Crispy onions, gherkins and/or sauerkraut are (free) optional extras so I went for onions and gherkins. It would be rude not to. You can then choose between short or curly fries (£2); for future reference I am always curly fries. It was so good, not like any hot dog I’ve had before in that the sausage actually resembled a sausage and not a bready, stodgy frankfurter that I’ve had before. The bun was nice and soft so it was easy to pick the whole thing up and eat it. The flavour was as described with subtle garlic and marjoram; like a hot dog but better and really juicy. The crispy onions were good but they did have a habit of falling off the hot dog onto the table rather than into your mouth. The curly fries were as expected and came with a world of condiments and chilli sauces to have alongside so you could have them just as you like it.

The list of drinks I thought was good; not too long that you don’t know where to start but long enough to spark up some interest and try to decide what to have. I started with a lemon, mint and elderflower fizz which was refreshing and not too sweet. The tea and coffee looked pretty good too. Things moved progressively more alcohol containing from there; I tried a Yardbird American Pale Ale (I also had a sip of something called Noble >insert other word which I can’t remember here<) and then tried their tea cocktail (bourbon, peach schnapps, assam and lady grey) which was a delight. I thought the menu could have done with a few more craft beers on; they’ve got a great selection of local breweries to choose from round there. As it turns out Joe Perks (a mixologist) went missing some years ago and no one has found him as of yet. The bar was set up as a tribute to him. Overall I like the concept (hot dogs and drinks, no complications), the setting and the atmosphere; I would certainly like to go back.