It is always a good day when work sends you to review food and it is an equally great day when work sends you to try some cocktails.

Combine the two and you’re looking at a great week, well, that is if you can remember what day it is after the seventh drink.

My first meal review since coming to Oxford concerns popular cocktail bar, The Alchemist, and their newest menu.

Now before we continue any further, let’s get one thing straight: I do not profess to be an expert on food or drink.

thisisoxfordshire: The two Cosmic Oyster cocktails on offer.The two Cosmic Oyster cocktails on offer. (Image: Newsquest)

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I simply enjoy going out and enjoying a meal like the majority of the people reading this so, with that in mind, my aim here is not to critique.

Rather I wish to recommend an excellent experience I had which is available right on our doorstep so, without further ado, here goes.

I arrived at The Alchemist at the Westgate shopping centre with my partner Jordyn to try out their brand new Cosmic Supper Club menu.

thisisoxfordshire: The Chorizo and Cheddar Doughballs.The Chorizo and Cheddar Doughballs. (Image: Newsquest)

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Encompassing a variety of smaller dishes along with drinks, the basic idea is that you pay £20 for a Cosmic Oyster cocktail as well as three little plates.

Don’t worry, I hear you. What on earth is a Cosmic Oyster you ask? Well, both its name and nature would suggest it is far from being on this planet.

A strong cocktail served in a futuristic metal dish to reflect the space theme, the drink is taken like one would eat an oyster hence the name.

thisisoxfordshire: There was a wide selection in terms of savoury dishes.There was a wide selection in terms of savoury dishes. (Image: Newsquest)

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Jordyn and I each opted for different cocktails given that there were two options and I would recommend the Cosmic Oyster over the Aperitivo Cosmic Oyster but both were splendid.

With the food, we went for a selection of four dishes including the Chorizo & Cheddar Doughballs, the Loaded Truffle Tater Tots, Pan-fried Gyoza and Cubano Pork Bon Bons.

The Tater Tots were a clear favourite for us both with the parmesan and truffle oil combining to make a sonic boom in my mouth.

Packed full of flavour, the individual dishes were filling and provided a comfortable, relaxed feeling to the evening which felt like the gravity had been switched off.

thisisoxfordshire: The Passionfruit Pancakes were a real highlight on the night.The Passionfruit Pancakes were a real highlight on the night. (Image: Newsquest)

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Sadly I was brought back down to earth by the time dessert came round, fully aware of my newfound density thanks to the generous helpings.

Passionfruit Pancakes and the Next Level Chocolate Brownie were our picks and these flavours complimented each other with the former’s tangy taste balanced out by the caramel.

A round of cocktails helped call time on a great evening which I can only recommend to anyone on the planet or, of course, beyond.

Futuristic space cocktails? ET phone taxi.