Walking through Oxford the other day I was predictably hungry but in a quandary about exactly what it was I wanted to eat.

I required something uncomplicated, filling, served quickly and at a reasonable price — not an easy combination on the best of days.

But before long it appeared I had found the answer. Outside All Bar One on the High Street, the menu appeared reasonably simple but at the same time there was plenty that I wanted to eat, so my companion and I soon found ourselves parked in the window seat.

There were not many people in the place which is impressively large and, initially, there were some fears that we may not be served quickly, but they were soon allayed by the cheerful waitress who whisked by to take our drinks order.

I went for a large glass of Pinot Grigio and my companion was slightly more restrained and chose a small glass of Chardonnay. Both were good wines for the price.

The choice of main courses ranged from basics such as gammon steak, Cumberland sausages and cod, to various skewers, hand-made burgers or hot sandwiches.

There was also a range of tapas — from lamb koftas and fishcakes to calamari and goat’s cheese bruschetta.

Our smiling waitress came and took our order, remembering everything rather than writing it down. It reminded us what a difference bright, English-speaking staff can make to your eating experience.

To start, I opted for the hoi sin duck quesadilla from the tapas menu. This was a crispy tortilla containing the duck with the sweet sauce on the side. It was very tasty, although there was an unusual aftertaste which I could not quite put my finger on.

My companion went for the organic salmon fishcakes, also from the tapas selection.

This consisted of five small fishcakes which were a little too greasy for her liking but came with pineapple chutney, which was an unusual accompaniment but one that worked.

My main course was a large beef and coriander burger with added Monterey Jack cheese, bacon, mushrooms and a good helping of fries and a tomato salsa. Just what the doctor didn’t order but very satisfying, nonetheless.

I was particularly pleased to be served with a dish of mayonnaise, as well as the salsa on the side, which allowed me plenty to dip my chips into. Across the table my friend enjoyed her plate of chargrilled tiger prawns, accompanied by a hot noodle salad with red onions, tomatoes and cucumber in ginger and soy sauce.

She said the noodles were slightly over-cooked and a bit of a strange mix with the cold tomatoes and raw onions, which she thought would have been better cooked, but the prawns were tasty.

A new waiter took over and came over to let us know he was there. Again he was cheerful and good at his job and the service level was clearly making a seamless transition.

After my burger I couldn’t manage a pudding but agreed to share one with my companion so she wouldn’t feel guilty.

She chose a plate of waffles in maple syrup but managed to gather the mental strength to decline the clotted cream accompaniment.

The dessert came, and I soon realised I wasn’t going to get to use my spoon too often. The bite-size waffles were crispy and sugary and my companion certainly enjoyed them without requesting too much intervention from me. Perhaps I should have gone for my own sweet after all.

We followed with two cappuccinos which came with a little jar of smarties, which was a nice extra.

All Bar One had provided us with a reasonably priced meal in a relaxed setting with happy, bright staff — sadly an experience I do not have often, but it made a refreshing change.

It had ticked all the boxes of my criteria and added more besides, not least the ever-changing view of the High through the window.

And judging by the offers on the website, it won’t be long before I return.

o Contact: 01865 791696.

Web: www.allbarone.co.uk