The historic metropolis of Oxford is famed for its prestigious college and its enviable location on the sting of the Cotswolds. Town makes an awesome day journey from London as there’s a lot to see and do. It’s additionally an awesome place for a pint and a chew to eat; learn on to search out out about the most effective pubs in Oxford.
Uncover every little thing from historic inns courting again a whole bunch of years to energetic city-center pubs, in addition to one or two of the most effective nation pubs close to Oxford. Whether or not you’re searching for a pint of actual ale, a hearty pub lunch, or a pleasant beer backyard to calm down in, you’ll discover all of them on this charming metropolis.
I’ve been having fun with most of the good pubs in Oxford for years and it’s undoubtedly one among 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 ingesting my method 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 critiques (in order that it’s not solely primarily based on my opinion).
1. The Turf Tavern: Prime Pub in Oxford Total
The energetic 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 heart and is only a stone’s throw from well-known landmarks such because the Bodleian Library and New School.
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 provides a wide array of actual ales together with two of my favorites – Previous Speckled Hen and Abbot Ale – wines, cocktails, and ciders.
That is one among my favourite spots within the metropolis because it’s so centrally positioned and has a superb courtyard beer backyard for summer time days. Inside, you’ll discover a pub stuffed with character with a sequence of cozy interconnected rooms. The Turf Taven is each household and dog-friendly so convey the entire gang alongside.
The Turf Tavern Data
Tackle: 4 Bathtub Place, OX1 3SU
Cellphone: +44 (0)1865 243235
Working Hours: 11 am-11 pm, Mon-Solar
Should-Strive Objects: Abbot Ale, Previous Speckled Hen, fish and chips
Common Price: £4-£5.50 per pint, £9 per cocktail, £11.50-£18.95 per major
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 outdated on the time of writing (although the constructing as you see it right this moment dates from the seventeenth Century). This is likely one of the high pubs in Oxford metropolis heart and is fashionable with locals and vacationers alike.
You’ll discover a variety of ales on faucet from Fuller’s London Pleasure (one among my favorites and the primary pint I order when getting back from my travels), ESB Bitter, and a variety of rotating visitor ales. You’ll additionally discover a variety of wines, spirits, cocktails, and imported beers from world wide.
There’s a superb menu of traditional pub meals which might be a notch above the standard fare. You’ll discover classics resembling beer-battered haddock and chips on the menu, alongside scrumptious choices like Fuller’s London Pleasure, caramelized shallot, and button mushroom pie (which is really divine).
The Bear Inn Data
Tackle: 6 Alfred Road, OX1 4EH
Cellphone: +44 (0)1865 728164
Working Hours: 12 pm-11 pm, Tue-Sat, 12 pm-10:30 pm, Solar-Mon
Should-Strive Objects: London Pleasure, ESB, onion, and mushroom pie with ale
Common Price: £5-£6 per pint, £9 per cocktail, £13.95-£25.50 per major
Web site: www.bearoxford.co.uk
3. The Previous Tom
The Previous Tom is house to among the best pub eating places in Oxford. However as a substitute of steak and ale pie or fish and chips, you’ll be capable to tuck right into a Thai curry or Japanese prawn tempura together 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 wonderful menu from the Orient, The Previous Tom remains to be very a lot a correct British pub inside and outside. It’s positioned within the metropolis heart and has been welcoming punters for at the very least 3 centuries. You’ll discover a well-stocked bar of fascinating craft beers from world wide, in addition to wines and artistic cocktails.
The Previous Tom Data
Tackle: 101 St Aldate’s, OX1 1BT
Cellphone: +44 (0)1865 243034
Working Hours: 12 pm-11 pm, Mon-Thu, 11 am-1 am, Fri-Sat
Should-Strive Objects: Any craft beer, Thai crimson curry, crab meat fried rice
Common Price: £5-£6 per pint, £9 per cocktail, £13.95 per major
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 ingesting den of William Shakespeare as he traveled between London and his house in Stratford-upon-Avon. This conventional British pub is positioned within the heart of town and provides a heat welcome, chilly beers, and glorious meals.
You’ll discover an awesome 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).
You may as well 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 world wide. In addition they provide a meals menu of typical pub grub and do-it-yourself pies that’ll fill you up with out breaking the financial institution (the wild boar and chorizo is a must-try).
The Crown
Tackle: 59a Cornmarket Road, OX1 3HB
Cellphone: +44 (0)1865 256047
Working Hours: 12 pm-11 pm, Mon-Sat, 12 pm-10 pm, Solar
Should-Strive Objects: St Austell Tribute, Espresso Martini, wild boar and chorizo pie
Common Price: £4-£5 per pint, £8 per cocktail, £12-£17 per major
Web site: nicholsonspubs.co.uk
5. The 4 Candles
For those who’re searching for a cheap pint, then The 4 Candles is likely one of the finest pubs in Oxford city heart 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 below £2 a pint sort of low-cost!).
The pub is positioned in a historic constructing subsequent to Oxford College’s historical past school 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’ll discover in some other pub; it’s undoubtedly price stopping by.
I make some extent of visiting the Wetherspoons in each city and metropolis I go to, and The 4 Candles is one among my favorites because of its useful location between Oxford’s major railway station and the college/metropolis heart. It is a excellent place to begin your night with good meals and low-cost drinks earlier than transferring on some other place.
The 4 Candles Data
Tackle: 51-53 George Road, OX1 2BE
Cellphone: +44 (0)1865 263110
Working Hours: 8 am-12 am, Solar-Wed, 8 am-1 am, Thu-Sat
Should-Strive Objects: Punk IPA, gin and tonic, all-day brunch
Common Price: £4-£6 per pint, £9 per cocktail, £10-£15 per major
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 outdated pub overlooks the banks of the River Thames with loads of exterior seating, good for summer time afternoons within the beer backyard.
That is the place to go for a superb meal and you’ll stroll it off by taking a stroll throughout Port Meadow again to Oxford which takes simply over an hour. The menu options recent, native produce and contains a wide array 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 a bit out of Oxford The Trout is one thing of a hidden gem, however as a result of its picturesque location on the river, it could get busy throughout the summer time month.
The Trout Inn Data
Tackle: 195 Godstow Rd, Wolvercote, OX2 8PN. Click on right here for instructions.
Cellphone: +44 (0)1865 510930
Working Hours: 12 pm-11 pm, Mon-Sat, 12 pm-10:30 pm, Solar
Should-Strive Objects: Any actual ale, native cider, Sunday roast
Common Price: £4-£6 per pint, £9 per cocktail, £10-£15 per major
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 pleased pub-goers since 1607. The pub prides itself on a superb number of cask ales, fashionable craft beers, hearty meals, and a really heat welcome. That is undoubtedly the place you’ll discover a number of the finest pub meals in Oxford.
The menu makes use of British, seasonal produce and contains pub classics like beer battered fish and chips alongside extra fascinating dishes resembling devon crab cake, pork, apple, and leek sausages, an superior do-it-yourself scotch egg, and a variety of juicy burgers (together with vegetarian choices).
The Kings Arms Data
Tackle: 40 Holywell Road, OX1 3SP
Cellphone: +44 (0)1865 242369
Working Hours: 11 am-11 pm, Mon-Solar
Should-Strive Objects: Any cask ale, do-it-yourself scotch egg, steak and ale pie
Common Price: £4-£6 per pint, £9 per cocktail, £13.50-£18.50 per major
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 School and income are invested again into the college. The pub is positioned a stone’s throw from the Ashmolean Museum within the coronary heart of town and is likely one of the high pubs in Oxford for locals and guests alike.
The Lamb has just lately reopened after a pressured closure as a result of covid, which is good news as that is actually some of the historic and well-known pubs in Oxford. You’ll discover a number of rotating visitor ales on faucet from native breweries resembling Hook Norton and native actual ciders.
The Lamb and Flag Data
Tackle: 12 St Giles’ Road, OX1 3JS
Cellphone: +44 (0)1865 515787
Working Hours: 11 am-11 pm, Solar-Wed, 11 am-12 am, Thu-Sat
Should-Strive Objects: 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 energetic Jericho Tavern is likely one of the finest and is a positive favourite of mine. There’s a big beer backyard good for sipping pints in the summertime and dwell music to be loved each weekend.
The Jericho Tavern is certainly one of many coolest pubs in Oxford and attracts a classy crowd together with each locals and guests to 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 in depth 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 ordinary bitter).
The Jericho Tavern Data
Tackle: 56 Walton Road, OX2 6AE. Click on right here for instructions.
Cellphone: +44 (0)1865 311775
Working Hours: 12 pm-11 pm, Solar-Thu, 12 pm-12 am, Fri-Sat
Should-Strive Objects: Any actual ale or craft beer on faucet, smoked paprika cauliflower
Common Price: £5-£6 per pint, £10 per cocktail, £12-£17 per major
Web site: wwwthejerichooxford.co.uk
10. The Angel and Greyhound
Actual ale fans ought to undoubtedly take a look at The Angel and Greyhound, which is only a 10-minute stroll from town heart. It includes 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 good for strolling off a superb 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
Tackle: 30 St Clement’s Road, OX4 1AB
Cellphone: +44 (0)1865 242660
Working Hours: 11 am-11 pm, Mon-Sat, 11 am-10 pm, Solar
Should-Strive Objects: Any cask ale, native cider, Sunday roast
Common Price: £4-£6 per pint, £9 per cocktail, £10-£15 per major
Web site: www.angelandgreyhound.co.uk
11. The Previous Bookbinders Ale Home
Persevering with with pubs in Jericho, this traditional Oxford hangout is one among 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 night time to a pub quiz, dwell music, comedy nights, and extra.
The pub prides itself on being “canine, little one, and student-friendly (so long as they’re properly behaved)“. One can’t assist however surprise 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 undoubtedly among the best Oxford pubs for meals, environment, and beer. I’ll actually be popping in on my subsequent go to to town. For those who’re searching for quirky pubs in Oxford, remember to pay the Previous Bookbinders Ale Home a go to.
The Previous Bookbinders Ale Home Data
Tackle: 17-18 Victor Road, OX2 6BT
Cellphone: +44 (0)1865 553549
Working Hours: 4 pm-11 pm, Tue-Wed, 12 pm-11 pm, Thu-Sat, 12 pm-5 pm, Solar
Should-Strive Objects: Hand-pulled ales, native cider, coq au vin
Common Price: £4-£6 per pint, £9 per cocktail, £11.50-£24.50 per major
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 big wine listing, and its vary of pies and different traditional pub treats. The Rose and Crown is the proper place for a night of leisure with common jazz nights.
The beers on faucet embrace one among 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 case you’re after a correct pint of ale.
The Rose and Crown Data
Tackle: 14 North Parade Avenue, OX2 6LX
Cellphone: +44 (0)1865 510551
Working Hours: 11:30 am-11 pm, Mon-Solar
Should-Strive Objects: Adnams bitter, Hoptric American IPA, fish pie
Common Price: £4-£5 per pint, £9 per cocktail, £9-£16 per major
Web site: roseandcrownoxford.com
13. The Up In Arms
I somewhat just like the witty identify of this energetic Oxford pub within the suburb of Headington, to the east of town heart. It is a excellent place to come back for a cut price as they’ve offers on meals and drinks every single day of the week. From Burger Wednesday to Thirsty Thursdays, weekday lunches for simply £6, and low-cost pints every day, this can be a high place for an evening out.
There’s a well-stocked bar with rotating visitor ales, craft beers from world wide, and a big number of wines and cocktails to select from. There’s a pleasing beer backyard out the again simply good for a chilly pint on a sizzling day.
The Up In Arms Data
Tackle: 241 Marsten Street, Headington, OX3 0EN
Cellphone: +44 (0)1865 246172
Working Hours: 12 pm-10 pm, Solar-Wed, 12 pm-11 pm, Thu-Sat
Should-Strive Objects: Punk IPA, gin repair, do-it-yourself burgers
Common Price: £4-£5 per pint, £7 per cocktail, £11.25-£13.25 per major
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 provides dwell 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 cut price at simply £8/9 for a 14″. There’s all the time one thing occurring on the Fir Tree from quiz nights to “wine Wednesdays” and many particular provides for diners and drinkers up for grabs. The Fir Tree is rated as one of many high 10 pubs in Oxford on TripAdvisor, so you understand you’ll be in for a superb time.
The Fir Tree Data
Tackle: 163 Iffley Street, OX4 1EJ
Cellphone: +44 (0)1865 245290
Working Hours: 4 pm-11 pm, Mon-Thu, 4 pm-2 am, Fri-Sat, 4 pm-10 pm, Solar
Should-Strive Objects: 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 well worth the six-mile (9.6 km) journey to the sleepy village of Marsh Baldon simply exterior town. For those who’re seeking to get pleasure from a pint in beautiful rural environment, The Seven Stars can’t be missed. With an awesome number of actual ales, native ciders, and meals from native and seasonal produce, this can be a must-visit when in Oxford.
I like nothing greater than a few pints and a superb meal in a countryside pub (I grew up within the nation) and The Seven Stars ticks all the correct packing containers. The pub can 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 gorgeous Oxford countryside.
The Seven Stars Data
Tackle: The Inexperienced, Marsh Baldon, OX44 9LP
Cellphone: +44 (0)1865 343337
Working Hours: 12 pm-11 pm, Mon-Thu, 11 am-1 am, Fri-Sat
Should-Strive Objects: Cask ales, native cider, beer-battered fish and chips
Common Price: £4-£6 per pint, £9 per cocktail, £10-£15 per major
Web site: sevenstarsmarshbaldon.co.uk
Oxford Pubs: FAQs
Listed below are some solutions to fashionable 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 Little one, and The Trout. There are numerous superb pubs throughout town and that is only a small number of the most effective.
You don’t tip in Oxford for drinks, not like within the USA, nonetheless for a superb 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 energetic Jericho Tavern which has a superb beer backyard and dwell music on weekends.
A median pint in Oxford prices a whopping £4.57 making it some of the costly locations within the nation for a pint exterior London. However worry not, price range drinkers shall be happy to know they will seize a pint in The 4 Candles for below £2.
Oxford is house to many well-known pubs, and two of essentially the most well-known are The Bear Inn which is 780 years outdated, and The Eagle and Little one 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 outdated. The Kings Arms is one other of the oldest pubs within the metropolis.
There isn’t a major bar road in Oxford. Town’s pubs may be discovered throughout town heart, round Jericho, and in all of the totally different suburbs of town.
Remaining Ideas
Now you understand about the most effective Oxford pubs for meals, dwell 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 Little one, sip chilly pints on the riverbank at The Trout, or get pleasure from a pub lunch at The Angel and Greyhound, there’s a pub in Oxford ready so that you can wander into.