The historic metropolis of Oxford is famed for its prestigious college and its enviable location on the sting of the Cotswolds. Town makes an incredible day journey from London as there’s a lot to see and do. It’s additionally an incredible place for a pint and a chew to eat; learn on to seek out out about the most effective pubs in Oxford.
Uncover every part from historic inns relationship again a whole lot of years to full of life city-center pubs, in addition to one or two of the most effective nation pubs close to Oxford. Whether or not you’re in search of a pint of actual ale, a hearty pub lunch, or a pleasant beer backyard to chill out in, you’ll discover all of them on this charming metropolis.
I’ve been having fun with lots of the good pubs in Oxford for years and it’s positively considered one of my favourite locations in England for a pint, with so many choices to select from. One factor’s for positive, you actually received’t go hungry or thirsty on a visit to this beautiful, historic metropolis.
Fast Look – Greatest Pubs in Oxford
Greatest Pubs in Oxford
After consuming and consuming my approach round Oxford, I’ve compiled this listing of my favourite pubs within the metropolis primarily based on the environment, high quality of meals and drinks, service, location, my private opinion, and buyer opinions (in order that it’s not solely primarily based on my opinion).
1. The Turf Tavern: High Pub in Oxford Total
The full of life Turf Tavern is a standard British pub inside a Grade II listed constructing within the coronary heart of Oxford’s college quarter. This is likely one of the finest pubs in Oxford metropolis middle and is only a stone’s throw from well-known landmarks such because the Bodleian Library and New Faculty.
Come right here for hearty pub grub from beer-battered Atlantic cod to burgers, steaks, sandwiches, ciabatta, and extra (there are many veggie choices too). As a Greene King pub, it presents a big selection of actual ales together with two of my favorites – Previous Speckled Hen and Abbot Ale – wines, cocktails, and ciders.
That is considered one of my favourite spots within the metropolis because it’s so centrally situated and has a superb courtyard beer backyard for summer season days. Inside, you’ll discover a pub filled with character with a collection of cozy interconnected rooms. The Turf Taven is each household and dog-friendly so convey the entire gang alongside.
The Turf Tavern Data
Deal with: 4 Tub Place, OX1 3SU
Telephone: +44 (0)1865 243235
Working Hours: 11 am-11 pm, Mon-Solar
Should-Attempt Gadgets: Abbot Ale, Previous Speckled Hen, fish and chips
Common Price: £4-£5.50 per pint, £9 per cocktail, £11.50-£18.95 per principal
Web site: www.greenking-pubs.co.uk
2. The Bear Inn
The Bear Inn has been serving beer to the folks of Oxford for the reason that 12 months 1242, making it a staggering 781 years previous on the time of writing (although the constructing as you see it as we speak dates from the seventeenth Century). This is likely one of the prime pubs in Oxford metropolis middle and is standard with locals and vacationers alike.
You’ll discover a variety of ales on faucet from Fuller’s London Pleasure (considered one of my favorites and the primary pint I order when coming back from my travels), ESB Bitter, and a spread of rotating visitor ales. You’ll additionally discover a variety of wines, spirits, cocktails, and imported beers from all over the world.
There’s a superb menu of basic pub meals which can be a notch above the standard fare. You’ll discover classics corresponding to beer-battered haddock and chips on the menu, alongside scrumptious choices like Fuller’s London Pleasure, caramelized shallot, and button mushroom pie (which is actually divine).
The Bear Inn Data
Deal with: 6 Alfred Road, OX1 4EH
Telephone: +44 (0)1865 728164
Working Hours: 12 pm-11 pm, Tue-Sat, 12 pm-10:30 pm, Solar-Mon
Should-Attempt Gadgets: London Pleasure, ESB, onion, and mushroom pie with ale
Common Price: £5-£6 per pint, £9 per cocktail, £13.95-£25.50 per principal
Web site: www.bearoxford.co.uk
3. The Previous Tom
The Previous Tom is house to the most effective pub eating places in Oxford. However as an alternative of steak and ale pie or fish and chips, you’ll have the ability to tuck right into a Thai curry or Japanese prawn tempura along with your pint of actual ale, amongst many different tantalizing dishes from the Asian-inspired menu (I like to recommend the crab meat fried rice).
Regardless of the superb menu from the Orient, The Previous Tom continues to be very a lot a correct British pub in and out. It’s situated within the metropolis middle and has been welcoming punters for at the very least 3 centuries. You’ll discover a well-stocked bar of fascinating craft beers from all over the world, in addition to wines and artistic cocktails.
The Previous Tom Data
Deal with: 101 St Aldate’s, OX1 1BT
Telephone: +44 (0)1865 243034
Working Hours: 12 pm-11 pm, Mon-Thu, 11 am-1 am, Fri-Sat
Should-Attempt Gadgets: Any craft beer, Thai purple curry, crab meat fried rice
Common Price: £5-£6 per pint, £9 per cocktail, £13.95 per principal
Web site: oldtomoxford.com
4. The Crown
The historic Crown is likely one of the most well-known pubs in Oxford because it was as soon as the consuming den of William Shakespeare as he traveled between London and his house in Stratford-upon-Avon. This conventional British pub is situated within the middle of the town and presents a heat welcome, chilly beers, and glorious meals.
You’ll discover an incredible number of cask ales and craft beers on faucet from Nicholson’s personal pale ale, to a few of my favourite beers from Cornish brewers together with St Austell’s Tribute and Sharp’s Doom Bar (the Doom Bar is an island within the estuary near Padstow).
It’s also possible to sip on some nice cocktails from classics like a Mojito, Espresso Martini, and Lengthy Island ice tea, to Westcountry cider and a number of bottled beers from all over the world. Additionally they supply a meals menu of typical pub grub and selfmade pies that’ll fill you up with out breaking the financial institution (the wild boar and chorizo is a must-try).
The Crown
Deal with: 59a Cornmarket Road, OX1 3HB
Telephone: +44 (0)1865 256047
Working Hours: 12 pm-11 pm, Mon-Sat, 12 pm-10 pm, Solar
Should-Attempt Gadgets: St Austell Tribute, Espresso Martini, wild boar and chorizo pie
Common Price: £4-£5 per pint, £8 per cocktail, £12-£17 per principal
Web site: nicholsonspubs.co.uk
5. The 4 Candles
When you’re in search of a cheap pint, then The 4 Candles is likely one of the finest pubs in Oxford city middle as that is the native Wetherspoon joint; the eponymous chain of British pubs that’s famed for its ludicrously low-cost costs (I’m speaking beneath £2 a pint type of low-cost!).
The pub is situated in a historic constructing subsequent to Oxford College’s historical past college and former highschool for boys and shares the standard vary of visitor ales, bottled beers and ciders, and low-cost wines and cocktails. Regardless of costs being low right here, the standard is as you’d discover in every other pub; it’s positively price stopping by.
I make some extent of visiting the Wetherspoons in each city and metropolis I go to, and The 4 Candles is considered one of my favorites due to its useful location between Oxford’s principal railway station and the college/metropolis middle. It is a excellent place to begin your night with good meals and low-cost drinks earlier than shifting on elsewhere.
The 4 Candles Data
Deal with: 51-53 George Road, OX1 2BE
Telephone: +44 (0)1865 263110
Working Hours: 8 am-12 am, Solar-Wed, 8 am-1 am, Thu-Sat
Should-Attempt Gadgets: Punk IPA, gin and tonic, all-day brunch
Common Price: £4-£6 per pint, £9 per cocktail, £10-£15 per principal
Web site: www.jdwetherspoon.com
6. The Trout Inn
The seventeenth Century Trout Inn is likely one of the finest gastropubs close to Oxford and sits simply throughout the big expanse of Port Meadow. This beautiful previous pub overlooks the banks of the River Thames with loads of exterior seating, excellent for summer season afternoons within the beer backyard.
That is the place to go for meal and you may stroll it off by taking a stroll throughout Port Meadow again to Oxford which takes simply over an hour. The menu options contemporary, native produce and consists of a big selection of up to date British and European delicacies. The Sunday roast right here is superb too.
Maintain a watch out for offers such because the three-course dinner and luxurious bottle of wine for 2 for simply £100. Because it’s just a little out of Oxford The Trout is one thing of a hidden gem, however as a result of its picturesque location on the river, it might get busy through the summer season month.
The Trout Inn Data
Deal with: 195 Godstow Rd, Wolvercote, OX2 8PN. Click on right here for instructions.
Telephone: +44 (0)1865 510930
Working Hours: 12 pm-11 pm, Mon-Sat, 12 pm-10:30 pm, Solar
Should-Attempt Gadgets: Any actual ale, native cider, Sunday roast
Common Price: £4-£6 per pint, £9 per cocktail, £10-£15 per principal
Web site: thetroutoxford.co.uk
7. The Kings Arms
The well-known King’s Arms is likely one of the oldest pubs in Oxford and has been serving beer to blissful pub-goers since 1607. The pub prides itself on a superb number of cask ales, stylish craft beers, hearty meals, and a really heat welcome. That is positively the place you’ll discover a number of the finest pub meals in Oxford.
The menu makes use of British, seasonal produce and consists of pub classics like beer battered fish and chips alongside extra fascinating dishes corresponding to devon crab cake, pork, apple, and leek sausages, an superior selfmade scotch egg, and a spread of juicy burgers (together with vegetarian choices).
The Kings Arms Data
Deal with: 40 Holywell Road, OX1 3SP
Telephone: +44 (0)1865 242369
Working Hours: 11 am-11 pm, Mon-Solar
Should-Attempt Gadgets: Any cask ale, selfmade scotch egg, steak and ale pie
Common Price: £4-£6 per pint, £9 per cocktail, £13.50-£18.50 per principal
Web site: www.kingsarmsoxford.co.uk
8. The Lamb and Flag
The five hundred-year-old Lamb and Flag is a favourite with Oxford College college students because it’s owned by St John’s Faculty and earnings are invested again into the college. The pub is situated a stone’s throw from the Ashmolean Museum within the coronary heart of the town and is likely one of the prime pubs in Oxford for locals and guests alike.
The Lamb has not too long ago reopened after a compelled closure as a result of covid, which is good news as that is actually probably the most historic and well-known pubs in Oxford. You’ll discover a number of rotating visitor ales on faucet from native breweries corresponding to Hook Norton and native actual ciders.
The Lamb and Flag Data
Deal with: 12 St Giles’ Road, OX1 3JS
Telephone: +44 (0)1865 515787
Working Hours: 11 am-11 pm, Solar-Wed, 11 am-12 am, Thu-Sat
Should-Attempt Gadgets: Cask ales, bar snacks
Common Price: £4-£5 per pint, £8 per cocktail
9. The Jericho Tavern
Jericho is Oxford’s bohemian neighborhood and has arguably the most effective nightlife within the metropolis. As such there are many glorious pubs and bars right here, and the full of life Jericho Tavern is likely one of the finest and is a positive favourite of mine. There’s a big beer backyard excellent for sipping pints in the summertime and reside music to be loved each weekend.
The Jericho Tavern is certainly one of many coolest pubs in Oxford and attracts a stylish crowd together with each locals and guests to the town. Inside, you’ll discover a quirky bar that shares a superb number of actual ales and craft beers. There’s even a lending library the place you may borrow and trade books.
The pub has an intensive menu providing an enormous vary of dishes from pub classics to up to date British delicacies and a very good vegan and vegetarian menu (strive the fried, smoked paprika cauliflower) – I imagine that is additionally the one place I’ve seen fish chips fried in a pale ale batter (versus the extra standard bitter).
The Jericho Tavern Data
Deal with: 56 Walton Road, OX2 6AE. Click on right here for instructions.
Telephone: +44 (0)1865 311775
Working Hours: 12 pm-11 pm, Solar-Thu, 12 pm-12 am, Fri-Sat
Should-Attempt Gadgets: Any actual ale or craft beer on faucet, smoked paprika cauliflower
Common Price: £5-£6 per pint, £10 per cocktail, £12-£17 per principal
Web site: wwwthejerichooxford.co.uk
10. The Angel and Greyhound
Actual ale fans ought to positively take a look at The Angel and Greyhound, which is only a 10-minute stroll from the town middle. It encompasses a courtyard backyard with heating in winter and each coated and uncovered seating for the hotter (however sometimes wet) months.
This pub is in a superb location with the River Cherwell operating behind it which is right for strolling off pub lunch – it’s dog-friendly too, so what higher excuse for a post-meal meander?
The Angel additionally hosts common quiz nights and different leisure and serves up scrumptious meals all day (the Sunday roast is superb). This is likely one of the finest pubs to eat in Oxford and is certainly a favourite of mine.
The Angel and Greyhound Data
Deal with: 30 St Clement’s Road, OX4 1AB
Telephone: +44 (0)1865 242660
Working Hours: 11 am-11 pm, Mon-Sat, 11 am-10 pm, Solar
Should-Attempt Gadgets: Any cask ale, native cider, Sunday roast
Common Price: £4-£6 per pint, £9 per cocktail, £10-£15 per principal
Web site: www.angelandgreyhound.co.uk
11. The Previous Bookbinders Ale Home
Persevering with with pubs in Jericho, this basic Oxford hangout is considered one of my favourite pubs within the metropolis and considerably of a secret spot. The Previous Bookbinders has tons occurring all through the week to entertain punters; from an open mic evening to a pub quiz, reside music, comedy nights, and extra.
The pub prides itself on being “canine, baby, and student-friendly (so long as they’re properly behaved)“. One can’t assist however marvel which demographic they’re referring to… You’ll discover 6 hand-pumped beers on faucet and a menu of tasty dishes of a decidedly French theme (the coq au vin is to die for).
That is positively the most effective Oxford pubs for meals, environment, and beer. I’ll actually be popping in on my subsequent go to to the town. When you’re in search of quirky pubs in Oxford, make sure to pay the Previous Bookbinders Ale Home a go to.
The Previous Bookbinders Ale Home Data
Deal with: 17-18 Victor Road, OX2 6BT
Telephone: +44 (0)1865 553549
Working Hours: 4 pm-11 pm, Tue-Wed, 12 pm-11 pm, Thu-Sat, 12 pm-5 pm, Solar
Should-Attempt Gadgets: Hand-pulled ales, native cider, coq au vin
Common Price: £4-£6 per pint, £9 per cocktail, £11.50-£24.50 per principal
Web site: craftybelle.uk/oldbookbinders/
12. The Rose and Crown
This cozy pub is one other favourite with the scholars and is famed for its glorious number of craft beers, its large wine listing, and its vary of pies and different basic pub treats. The Rose and Crown is the proper place for a night of leisure with common jazz nights.
The beers on faucet embrace considered one of my favorites, Adnams from Southwold in Suffolk which is near the place I grew up. Different brews embrace Previous Hooky from the native Hook Norton Brewery, and Oxford Brewery’s Shotover Trinity. This is likely one of the nicest pubs in Oxford in the event you’re after a correct pint of ale.
The Rose and Crown Data
Deal with: 14 North Parade Avenue, OX2 6LX
Telephone: +44 (0)1865 510551
Working Hours: 11:30 am-11 pm, Mon-Solar
Should-Attempt Gadgets: Adnams bitter, Hoptric American IPA, fish pie
Common Price: £4-£5 per pint, £9 per cocktail, £9-£16 per principal
Web site: roseandcrownoxford.com
13. The Up In Arms
I fairly just like the witty title of this full of life Oxford pub within the suburb of Headington, to the east of the town middle. It is a excellent place to return for a discount as they’ve offers on meals and drinks day by day of the week. From Burger Wednesday to Thirsty Thursdays, weekday lunches for simply £6, and low-cost pints every day, it is a prime place for an evening out.
There’s a well-stocked bar with rotating visitor ales, craft beers from all over the world, and a big number of wines and cocktails to select from. There’s a nice beer backyard out the again simply excellent for a chilly pint on a sizzling day.
The Up In Arms Data
Deal with: 241 Marsten Street, Headington, OX3 0EN
Telephone: +44 (0)1865 246172
Working Hours: 12 pm-10 pm, Solar-Wed, 12 pm-11 pm, Thu-Sat
Should-Attempt Gadgets: Punk IPA, gin repair, selfmade burgers
Common Price: £4-£5 per pint, £7 per cocktail, £11.25-£13.25 per principal
Web site: dodopubs.com
14. The Fir Tree
This Victorian pub dates again to 1866 and is likely one of the finest pubs in Oxford to observe soccer and different sports activities. It presents reside showings of main occasions on giant TVs all through the venue, so come right here for the Champions League, Six Nations, and different sporting occasions washed down with loads of good beer.
Pizza is served Monday to Friday from 6 pm to 9 pm and is a discount at simply £8/9 for a 14″. There’s at all times one thing occurring on the Fir Tree from quiz nights to “wine Wednesdays” and many particular presents for diners and drinkers up for grabs. The Fir Tree is rated as one of many prime 10 pubs in Oxford on TripAdvisor, so you already know you’ll be in for time.
The Fir Tree Data
Deal with: 163 Iffley Street, OX4 1EJ
Telephone: +44 (0)1865 245290
Working Hours: 4 pm-11 pm, Mon-Thu, 4 pm-2 am, Fri-Sat, 4 pm-10 pm, Solar
Should-Attempt Gadgets: Cask ale, native cider, El Nino pizza
Common Price: £4-£6 per pint, £9 per cocktail, £9 per pizza
15. The Seven Stars
This is likely one of the finest nation pubs close to Oxford and is properly definitely worth the six-mile (9.6 km) journey to the sleepy village of Marsh Baldon simply exterior the town. When you’re seeking to take pleasure in a pint in beautiful rural environment, The Seven Stars can’t be missed. With an incredible number of actual ales, native ciders, and meals from native and seasonal produce, it is a must-visit when in Oxford.
I like nothing greater than a few pints and meal in a countryside pub (I grew up within the nation) and The Seven Stars ticks all the correct containers. The pub can also be just some minutes stroll from Harcourt Arboretum, which is properly price a go to if you wish to expertise the most effective of the attractive Oxford countryside.
The Seven Stars Data
Deal with: The Inexperienced, Marsh Baldon, OX44 9LP
Telephone: +44 (0)1865 343337
Working Hours: 12 pm-11 pm, Mon-Thu, 11 am-1 am, Fri-Sat
Should-Attempt Gadgets: Cask ales, native cider, beer-battered fish and chips
Common Price: £4-£6 per pint, £9 per cocktail, £10-£15 per principal
Web site: sevenstarsmarshbaldon.co.uk
Oxford Pubs: FAQs
Listed below are some solutions to standard questions on the most effective pubs in Oxford:
A number of the finest pubs in Oxford embrace The Turf Tavern, The Bear Inn, The Eagle and Youngster, and The Trout. There are lots of wonderful pubs throughout the town and that is only a small number of the most effective.
You don’t tip in Oxford for drinks, in contrast to within the USA, nevertheless for meal a tip of 10% to fifteen% is customary.
The hip Jericho suburb has a number of the finest pubs in Oxford, together with the full of life Jericho Tavern which has a superb beer backyard and reside music on weekends.
A mean pint in Oxford prices a whopping £4.57 making it probably the most costly locations within the nation for a pint exterior London. However concern not, funds drinkers might be happy to know they will seize a pint in The 4 Candles for beneath £2.
Oxford is house to many well-known pubs, and two of probably the most well-known are The Bear Inn which is 780 years previous, and The Eagle and Youngster which is the place the writers C.S. Lewis and J.R.R. Tolkien used to drink.
The oldest pub in Oxford is The Bear Inn which dates again to 1242 making it over 780 years previous. The Kings Arms is one other of the oldest pubs within the metropolis.
There isn’t a principal bar avenue in Oxford. Town’s pubs could be discovered throughout the town middle, round Jericho, and in all of the totally different suburbs of the town.
Last Ideas
Now you already know about the most effective Oxford pubs for meals, reside music, environment, and naturally, the most effective pints of beer on the town. Whether or not you need to stroll within the footsteps of Tolkien at The Eagle and Youngster, sip chilly pints on the riverbank at The Trout, or take pleasure in a pub lunch at The Angel and Greyhound, there’s a pub in Oxford ready so that you can wander into.
