The sun was beating down and it was almost too hot to think about where to have lunch. I needed somewhere in the city but it would have to be outside as the prospect of sitting indoors in a stifling restaurant was not one I was prepared to entertain in the recent heatwave.

But with the exception of the Castle development, Oxford itself is not well served for eating al fresco and I was looking for some where a little different away from the ubiquitous chain outlets.

Then I recalled a summer’s evening last year which was a real eye opener not just in terms of location but for the quality of the food.

The venue was Aziz Pandesia, specifically the decked pontoon area built on the river just below Folly Bridge.

I am sure many people do not know it is even there as it’s difficult to spot apart from a sign on the right when many people will be distracted by the hoardes gathered at the Head of the River pub on the other side.

So it was we found ourselves at a table in splendid isolation.

The staff seemed almost surpised to see us but nonetheless were very welcoming and hastily handed out the menus before scampering inside to sort out the drinks.

Meanwhile, we sat back to admire the surroundings. You are literally sitting on the river with punts and other craft slipping by taking care not to cath their poles on the underside of the bridge.

Salters Steamers is next door and occasionally you find yourself the subject of a tour party craning their necks to see why you are sitting at a table on a pontoon.

In fact so in touch with the river were we that my companion expressed some consternation as first a swan and then a goose moved a little close for comfort, search for a few crumbs from the table.

Such hazards safely negotiated, we concentrated on the menu. As the name suggests, the restaurant belongs to the family best known for the long-established Bangladeshi/Indian restaurant on the Cowley Road.

Pandesia is managed by Aziz Ur-Rahman’s son Abdul, helped by his younger brother Rashel. The food is described as a fusion of Bangladeshi, Indian and Thai.

Fortunately, unlike some Indian establishments, the menu does not contain a bewildering choice of dishes and each one carries a good description so even if they are unfamiliar, then you can experiment a little without being disappointed.

To start we decided to go for the traditional poppadoms which came with a pickle tray that included mango chutney, fresh onions and tomato relish.

Accompanied by a large glass of house chardonnay, this proved a deliciously tangy appetiser.

Choosing a main course was a little more difficult. I was tempted by the chicken and lamb but perhaps the riverside setting encouraged me to opt for a Jinga Malai Curry which promised medium spiced king prawns in a sauce of cream and herbs.

The prawns proved to be huge in the sauce which was just as described and thoroughly delicious.

Having forgotten to order any rise I was able to dig into the Jinga Biriyani which had appeared on the other side of the table as it was such a large portion.

It also came with prawns and was served with a vegetable curry that was again mild and the perfect accompaniment.

We had also ordered several side dishes, although judging by the size of the main courses, we perhaps did not need them.

Nevertheless, I particularly enjoyed the Misti Naan, which even the waiter described as the more familiar Peshwari Naan, as it came coated in coconut and almond offering a delightful sweetness to offset the curry.

Also the Sak Aloo spinach and potatoes was particularly appreciated across the table, while we also enjoyed a Mushroom Bhagi — a bowl of lightly fried mushrooms.

Having consumed such a large lunch, I must admit the heat of the day was almost unbearable. and we retreated for coffee under the shade of the main restaurant which juts out slightly from the main building.

But, as before, it had been a memorable occasion.

For me, on a summer’s day or evening when Pandesia attracts most of its diners, there is nowhere better in Oxford to eat excellent food in fantastic surroundings.

Poppadoms for two people: £2.90

Jinga Biriyani: £11.95

Jinga Malai Curry: £10.75 Sak Aloo: £3.95

Mushroom Bhagi: £4.15 Misti Naan: £3.15

Glass of chardonnay: £3.30

Bottle of sparkling water: £3.85

Coffee: £2.50

TOTAL: £46.50