Tom's Diner in Cherwell

I went here with my partner and the staff were really friendly, we sat down in the diner and was told to order our food at the bar! Once we ordered our food, it came super quick, the food was delicious, a good portion and worth the money! Maybe on the expensive side a little, but otherwise good value.

Really enjoyed the food here! Went on a quiet Wednesday night and had quick service, friendly staff and great food! Burgers were really great, bit on the pricey side but would recommend.

TERRIBLE SERVICE! We came in at 11:50am on a bank holiday Monday and ordered on the app, there was 4 of us and only one other table of about 6. Lots was unavailable but we ordered 2 breakfasts, a soup and a piece of cake as well as drinks. They then told us they were out of soup and out of sausages. Half an hour later and we still don’t have any drinks or even the cake so we asked the waitress and she said the system hadn’t picked up on the drinks (but picked up on the food??) so she took the drinks down and went off. Instead of the soup one of our party then ordered a salad and that came (baring in mind he ordered this about 20 minutes after the initial order) and still no cake or breakfasts. Finally after 35 minutes the breakfasts came and the drinks but still no cake. With the tea they didn’t bring any milk either so had to go off and get that. We had all finished our breakfasts, now at 12:40pm and still didn’t have the cake so one person was just sat there with tea, despite us asking about the cake multiple times. What were they doing, making a cake from scratch?? We finally got the cake at 12:41pm. If we hadn’t paid we would have walked out. Terrible service, will not be coming back.

Portions small and over priced. Didn't have no pulled pork pizza or burgers. Food came out very slow and not together. 4 Desserts ordered. Had to ask for cutlery. 2 waffles came out but the chocolate pizzas didn't. The waffles had to ate as the chocolate pizzas we're taking forever. Had to complain as 2 children had ate there's and 2 were still waiting. The excuse given was that a chef was training.... on a Friday, bare in mind it wasn't busy thankfully!! In the end after 1/2 hour wait they came out and was told they were taken off the bill and we would recieve 10% off our main bill. Good job the chocolate pizzas were free as there were no bananas as they didn't have any, the strawberries sour, dough under cooked and the marshmallows chucked on the top!!

Great potential, terrible food. I appreciate it is new and so it may change and improve but the food is not good. Two pizzas: both undercooked, dough was part baked, not crispy. Burger: underfilled, no substance for the price Chicken Wings: actually the worst chicken wings I’ve ever had in my life. Must have been microwaved or something. Skin was soft and almost like it was alive still. Wings should be fried or oven baked to achieve crispy skin. Would not recommend in current state.

None of the food actually appeared to have been made on site! It all seemed to have been pre-prepared, shipped in and just heated up :-(

A very disappointing meal. What was meant to be an enjoyable time was unfortunately ruined by a catastrophe of mistakes. It's just opened but even allowing for this ,the whole experience was one I do not wish to repeat. I will say that the staff were very pleasant but obviously inexperienced so there should have been knowledgeable staff available to deal with the problems.

I don't normally go out of my way to write reviews, but have Just had lunch here, service was appalling. "Hot" drinks were tepid, wrong food was brought to the table, for my friend, so I ate before her correct food even came Food was only just warm. Coleslaw or sauce in both burgers was far too spicy (not described as spicy on menu). When her correct meal arrived, the chicken breast was cremated. Waiting staff were scruffy, one waitress was wearing dirty/muddy trainers, looked like she'd done a cross country run, to get to work. Customer Service was very poor. Had 4 different members of staff approach our booth & none of them knew what was happening, (no staff communication). Although they soon scarpered when they heard there was a problem, that someone else was apparently dealing with. Will definitely not eat here again, or recommend it to anyone else.

My friend and I tried Tom's diner before COVID, but I just found the photos I took on my phone so I thought I would take a moment to provide a 'non vegan review'. I hope that's ok, keep in mind this is BEFORE covid. I have no doubt the quality and taste of the food hasn't changed because of covid. I can't have wheat/gluten which is why my friend and I decided to try Tom's diner. This place is GF friendly, and you don't have to worry about any mishaps with your food. Neither of us are vegan, so we weren't sure about what to expect. My friend had a salad, which at the time there were two different portion sizes. Thankfully we discover this while ordering (we noticed two different prices). My friend got the larger salad because we were advised that would be more filling as a meal. She said the salad was nice, but she felt £10 for a salad was a lot as it was just vegetables. I had a cheese burger. I have to admit I wasn't sure what to expect because my idea of a burger is different but it actually tasted very nice. I wasn't too sure about the texture but I suspect its something you get use too. My one thing I would have preferred was fries with the burger instead of crisps, I know lots of restaurants do it and I always find it weird. I really like the location of the restaurant, its on the canal and I think once castle quay have finished the works around there it will be a nice space to enjoy eating outside on the canal!

Had a great hot dog dish and delicious pumpkin spice cake (similar to carrot cake). Partner had the chilli pie with mash and refried beans which were okay but not the tastiest pie and everything was the same texture, so that could be improved. Service was great, and the restaurant was spacious which is particularly great at the moment. Will return in future for definite.

I visited Tom’s Diner with two friends and had a hot dog with the best gluten free bread I’ve ever tasted. It’s so great to have a place in Banbury that offers such a wide choice whilst still catering for all types of dietary requirements - Tom’s is one of a kind and the food and staff were brilliant. Well done Team Tom!

Amazing plant based cafe! I’ve visited several times and every time the food has been delicious and the staff have been very friendly. Best hotdogs in town!

As others have already posted: Truly excellent food with delightful knowledgeable staff who obviously knew the Suzanne Vega song reference in the Diner's name. Vegan Burger was as good as any, either Vegetarian or meat that I've eaten as was the salad, relish etc..A really good experience and look forward to visiting again soon.

Popped in for a bit of lunch and subsequently found my new favourite place to eat. Tye food from the hotdogs to the burgers we had was cooked beautifully, packed with flavour and fresh. The staff were top notch and sat by the canal on a sunny day rounded off a perfect visit. On a side note, they covered all bases with regards to social distancing etc to make it safe for all.

Have been wanting to try for ages. Not a massive many but great choices. We had a hot dog. This dog was the nicest i have tasted. Partner had the burger. Both so so tasty . Puddings not a huge choice but ok But buy their bags of meringue s they were delicious. Very friendly helpful staff. We will visit again soon well recommended

We popped in for a drink and to order a couple of takeaway meals. The cafe was spotlessly clean, the tables were well spaced out. Staff, as always, were really friendly and helpful. They are always keen to help with allergy concerns and suggestions on what to try. Their food is delicious and they are always trying out new things on the menu. It's by far our favourite place to eat in Banbury. The take out we ordered was absolutely delicious that evening. Can't wait for our next meal there.

Had a fantastic lunch, coffees and just couldn’t resist the ice cream. Absolutely fabulous food. Well set out. All the tables are far apart so feels really safe. Everything is spotless. The staff are friendly and helpful when making choices. Pop in for coffee and cake or lunch, it’s so worth it.

Absolute gem of a place. Great menu and fantastic friendly service. The food delicious with a lot of thought gone into it. Freshly prepared and great for children too. Best meal out ever according to my 12 year old! And spotlessly clean. Will definately go back. And you don't need to be vegan to enjoy this food! Gluten, nut free and vegan - amazing

Vegan heaven. With loads of very tasty cakes, lovely and friendly staff. Large choice of tee's. Gluten free.

Such an amazing place for breakfast/ lunch or some coffee in Banbury! I love that it's plant based, gluten and nut free- so you can bring everyone with you and share a meal without worrying. Staff is so willing to help you + all the food is so tasty and fresh. Cakes are wonderful and there is the best in Banbury choice of herbal teas. They really care here about customers, animals and environment. You can watch boats passing by and people walking why the canal. There is also choice of sitting outside. It's kids and dogs friendly as well. If you are in the area definitely check them out!

Visiting Banbury from Durham my daughter wanted to watch the boats so we went into Tom’s for a coffee, it’s nicely positioned next to the cannel ideal for watching the boats go past. We were greeted with smiles and the place felt very friendly, staff talked me through their menu. I found out it was a plant based cafe, and I had the most amazing coffee ( no dairy) and we decided to stay for lunch where I was introduced to a vegan hotdog in artisan bread, with a lovely salad. They did’t mind my excitable 3 year old and it was nice to see some new mums having a a catch up ,It’s also breastfeeding friendly.

We had visited this cafe before when it was in different hands. The lady behind the counter informed us that the fare was now plant based and gluten free etc and recommended some choices. We both had jacket potatoes, mine with hickory smoked beans and my husband had cheese. Both had a lovely side salad as well. I like my tea very weak and they only had Yorkshire teabags which is very strong but the lady got a large teapot and filled it with a lot of water and put the teabag on the side so I could brew it myself. The oat milk was good as well. The staff were all very welcoming and friendly and the meal was very good.

Popped for a coffee, ended up having lunch. Fully vegan and gluten free options! Served by knowledgeable a nd friendly staff.

Really friendly and relaxed atmosphere. The food is delicious and the menu has a good variety. And the cakes......toooooo good!!

Had a lovely lunch at Toms lots of choice everything plant based and gluten free . Very friendly and helpful staff.

I love Tom's Diner, I have been a few times now, and always found a warm welcome, delicious food and a calming atmosphere.

A light, airy, large café on the canal beneath Banbury museum - opposite the boat yard with seats outside. Had the breakfast brunch - I chose tofu scramble and mushrooms - it was absolutely delicious. Great coffee too. Watched the ducks and canal boats go...

Popped in with a friend to see what the cafe was like as not long opened. Sited in the museum (entrance through shopping centre or towpath) and looks out onto the canal. Such a lovely suprise to find that all the cakes, pasta etc is...