Annette Cunningham tries out a popular eaterie on George Street

We're pretty spoilt for choice when it comes to eateries in Oxford. However, and call me fickle, I have become a tad bored with the city’s brunch offerings. Yawning at the now oh so familiar list of Eggs Florentine and Berry Granola that used to sound vaguely exotic.

But this week I feasted at Giraffe in George Street and had a wake-up call.

It was pretty busy for a Monday and noticeably a very popular place for families with little people.

Luckily there was still one window seat available for myself and my brunch buddy – offering a great view of life taking shape on George Street – and we were quickly presented with a menu from one of the two great waiters working the floor.

Between them they were efficiently carrying out all of the front of house duties from greeting, serving, clearing and smiling – in addition to a swift crayon delivery service to the young ones.

Brunch is served until 4pm with the very extensive, and unusual, breakfast menu finishing at 12pm.

I was stunned when my buddy, reliably a bacon and eggs kind of guy, veered away from the Full Brunch on offer (£8.50) and was steered towards the Croque ‘Giraffe’ (£8.05).

Described as a cheese toastie with chorizo, serrano ham, tapenade and topped with a fried egg plus chunky potato wedges it didn’t disappoint. A large colourful dish arrived (if ‘toastie’ conjures up images of a 1970s thin sliced bread offering think again) that was both tasty and filling.

I opted for the Mexican Breakfast (£8.25, also available as a vegetarian or gluten free option). Looking like breakfast on a pizza it consisted of delicious scrambled egg, chorizo, black beans, cheese, avocado and salsa on a beautifully crisp tortilla – all devoured with enthusiasm.

Glancing at the vast children’s menu, a far cry from the chicken nuggets and fish fingers often on offer, gave evidence of Giraffe’s huge popularity with families.

It was popular with us too. We'll be back.

Giraffe, George Street, Oxford 01856 201030
Open from 8am Monday to Friday, 9am Saturday and Sunday. Closing times vary
giraffe.net