history

Gees Restaurant & Bar

The conservatory was built in 1897 for the Gee family to sell indoor and outdoor plants, flowers, fruit and vegetables to residents in the new North Oxford suburb. It was really the forerunner of the modern garden centre, with produce often sourced from Gee’s nurseries in Norham Gardens.

03 - 2022 - Gees Restaurant & Bar - Oxford - Low Res - History Vintage Victorian Conservatory

1897

The cost of building the conservatory and attached storage with a cellar was the princely sum of £800! Although this landmark building was considered to be of great importance by the Oxford City Council Planning Conservation Department and the North Oxford Victorian Society, it was only listed as Grade II in 2010.

‘North Oxford Suburb’

Development of North Oxford began around 1860 when the land was owned by St John’s College. The college periodically leased sets of building plots in an effort to ensure its firm financial future.

Very strict control was maintained by St John’s where developments were concerned, both in terms of the size of agreed constructions, and the spacing between them. All proposed plans were checked thoroughly, not only for quality but also to ensure adequate provision of front walls with railings, and rear gardens.

05 - 2023 - Gees Restaurant & Bar - Oxford - Low Res - History Vintage Banbury Road

06 - 2023 - Gees Restaurant & Bar - Oxford - Low Res - History Victorian Conservatory

‘HW Moore’

The Victorian conservatory, still standing today, was designed by Harry Wilkinson Moore in 1897, shortly after he was made a Fellow of the Royal Institute of British Architects.

HW Moore was responsible for building a lot of North Oxford at the time, but is highly noted for designing the Logic Lane covered bridge at University College on Oxford High Street. Moore was paid £10 for his work with construction being carried out by R D Tucker of South Tottenham, and additional work later that year by Simms and Sons.

04 - 2022 - Gees Restaurant & Bar - Oxford - Low Res - History Vintage Mrs Gee Victorian Conservatory Greengrocer Florist

‘Gee’s Victorian Nurseries’

The Gee family, who were the leading nurserymen in the area, opened the doors to Gee’s Victoria Nurseries in 1898. A single-storey brick building to the rear of the conservatory was built as an afterthought later that year, plus greenhouses were constructed at the very back of the property which have since been removed. These nurseries became hugely popular with residents of the local area, particularly with wedding bouquets and funeral wreaths being skilfully crafted for generation after generation of North Oxford families.

01 - 2008 - Gees Restaurant & Bar - Oxford - Low Res - History Victorian Conservatory

1982… Nearly 100 years later

Jeremy Mogford bought the lease from the Gee family and the freehold of the building from Oxford University. Planning permission was granted to change the use from fruiterer and greengrocer to restaurant and bar with the addition of a kitchen, storage and an extended basement.

Coincidently, a former business partner acquired a distinctive stone cottage in Northmoor Road and discovered that it was originally part of the Gee’s nursery.

08 - 2023 - Gees Restaurant & Bar - Oxford - Low Res - History Victorian Conservatory

1985-1989

From 1985, Gees was leased to Raymond Blanc for his very first Petit Blanc. He recruited John Burton Race and his wife Christine as chef and manager. Petit Blanc became very successful, competing with another of Raymond’s Oxfordshire businesses, and he decided to close it just four years later with Jeremy Mogford taking back the lease…

10 - 2023 - Gees Restaurant & Bar - Oxford - Low Res - History

1989

Gees opened shortly afterwards and quickly became the Oxford landmark we know today, where locals and visitors to the city meet for lunch, dinner and drinks.

Situated in the heart of the conservation area known as Victorian North Oxford, and just a ten-minute walk from the city centre, Gees was best known at the time for celebratory suppers with a fine dining service style.

0010 - 2019 - Gees Restaurant & Bar - Oxford - High Res - Facade Spring - Web Hero

002 - 2019 - Gees Restaurant & Bar - Oxford - High res - Interior Restaurant Waitress 1 - Web Hero

2013

In 2013, the restaurant Gees was transformed completely, ensuring that it remained loyal to its traditions of providing quality food and service. The interior is filled with trees and plants and the kitchen now features a wood-fire oven and charcoal grill.

The light airy restaurant and bar with its comfortable, contemporary atmosphere is surrounded by a beautiful tree-lined outside terrace, perfect for summer dining.

0020 - 2022 - Gees Restaurant & Bar - Oxford - High res - Awnings Conservatory Seating Exterior - Web Hero

2022 Refurbishment

In 2022, The Oxford Collection announced some radical changes as Gees underwent a full top-to-bottom makeover. The conservatory was combined with the property next door to create Gees Gallery & Gees Secret Garden, two all-day destinations.

history

1897

‘North Oxford Suburb’

‘HW Moore’

‘Gee’s Victorian Nurseries’

1982… Nearly 100 years later

1985-1989

1989

2013

2022 Refurbishment

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