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 search out out about the perfect pubs in Oxford.
Uncover every part from historic inns courting again a whole bunch of years to energetic city-center pubs, in addition to one or two of the perfect 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 loosen up 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 certain, you definitely received’t go hungry or thirsty on a visit to this attractive, historic metropolis.
Fast Look – Greatest Pubs in Oxford
Greatest Pubs in Oxford
After consuming and ingesting my approach round Oxford, I’ve compiled this listing of my favourite pubs within the metropolis primarily based on the ambiance, 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: Prime Pub in Oxford General
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 greatest 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 As a Greene King pub, it gives a wide array of actual ales together with two of my favorites – Outdated Speckled Hen and Abbot Ale – wines, cocktails, and ciders.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 positioned and has a wonderful courtyard beer backyard for summer time 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 carry the entire gang alongside.
The Turf Tavern Data
Handle: 4 Tub Place, OX1 3SU
Telephone: +44 (0)1865 243235
Working Hours: 11 am-11 pm, Mon-Solar
Should-Attempt Gadgets: Abbot Ale, Outdated Speckled Hen, fish and chips
Common Price: £4-£5.50 per pint, £9 per cocktail, £11.50-£18.95 per important
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 yr 1242, making it a staggering 781 years previous on the time of writing (although the constructing as you see it right now dates from the seventeenth Century). This is likely one of the prime pubs in Oxford metropolis heart and is well-liked with locals and vacationers alike.
You’ll discover a variety of ales on faucet from Fuller’s London Satisfaction (considered one of my favorites and the primary pint I order when getting 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 around the globe.
There’s a wonderful menu of basic pub meals which are a notch above the same old fare. You’ll discover classics corresponding to beer-battered haddock and chips on the menu, alongside scrumptious choices like Fuller’s London Satisfaction, caramelized shallot, and button mushroom pie (which is actually divine).
The Bear Inn Data
Handle: 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 Satisfaction, ESB, onion, and mushroom pie with ale
Common Price: £5-£6 per pint, £9 per cocktail, £13.95-£25.50 per important
Web site: www.bearoxford.co.uk
3. The Outdated Tom
The Outdated Tom is residence to among the finest pub eating places in Oxford. However as an alternative 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 superb menu from the Orient, The Outdated Tom continues 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 not less than 3 centuries. You’ll discover a well-stocked bar of attention-grabbing craft beers from around the globe, in addition to wines and artistic cocktails.
The Outdated Tom Data
Handle: 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 crimson curry, crab meat fried rice
Common Price: £5-£6 per pint, £9 per cocktail, £13.95 per important
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 residence in Stratford-upon-Avon. This conventional British pub is positioned within the heart of town and gives a heat welcome, chilly beers, and wonderful meals.
You’ll discover an incredible collection 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 collection of bottled beers from around the globe. Additionally they supply a meals menu of typical pub grub and home made pies that’ll fill you up with out breaking the financial institution (the wild boar and chorizo is a must-try).
The Crown
Handle: 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 important
Web site: nicholsonspubs.co.uk
5. The 4 Candles
For those who’re in search of a reasonable pint, then The 4 Candles is likely one of the greatest 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 beneath £2 a pint form 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 same old 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 another pub; it’s positively price stopping by.
I make a degree 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 helpful location between Oxford’s important railway station and the college/metropolis heart. It is a excellent place to start out your night with good meals and low cost drinks earlier than transferring on elsewhere.
The 4 Candles Data
Handle: 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 important
Web site: www.jdwetherspoon.com
6. The Trout Inn
The seventeenth Century Trout Inn is likely one of the greatest gastropubs close to Oxford and sits simply throughout the massive expanse of Port Meadow. This attractive previous 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 may 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 consists of a wide array of up to date British and European delicacies. The Sunday roast right here is superb too.
Hold an eye fixed 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 on account of its picturesque location on the river, it could possibly get busy in the course of the summer time month.
The Trout Inn Data
Handle: 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 important
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 completely satisfied pub-goers since 1607. The pub prides itself on a wonderful collection of cask ales, fashionable craft beers, hearty meals, and a really heat welcome. That is positively the place you’ll discover a few of the greatest 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 attention-grabbing dishes corresponding to devon crab cake, pork, apple, and leek sausages, an superior home made scotch egg, and a spread of juicy burgers (together with vegetarian choices).
The Kings Arms Data
Handle: 40 Holywell Road, OX1 3SP
Telephone: +44 (0)1865 242369
Working Hours: 11 am-11 pm, Mon-Solar
Should-Attempt Gadgets: Any cask ale, home made scotch egg, steak and ale pie
Common Price: £4-£6 per pint, £9 per cocktail, £13.50-£18.50 per important
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 prime pubs in Oxford for locals and guests alike.
The Lamb has not too long ago reopened after a compelled closure on account of covid, which is good news as that is definitely some of the historic and well-known pubs in Oxford. You’ll discover a collection of rotating visitor ales on faucet from native breweries corresponding to Hook Norton and native actual ciders.
The Lamb and Flag Data
Handle: 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 perfect nightlife within the metropolis. As such there are many wonderful pubs and bars right here, and the energetic Jericho Tavern is likely one of the greatest and is a certain favourite of mine. There’s a big beer backyard good for sipping pints in the summertime and stay 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 wonderful collection of actual ales and craft beers. There’s even a lending library the place you’ll be able to borrow and change 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 (attempt 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
Handle: 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 important
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 town heart. It encompasses a courtyard backyard with heating in winter and each lined and uncovered seating for the hotter (however sometimes wet) months.
This pub is in a wonderful location with the River Cherwell working 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 greatest pubs to eat in Oxford and is certainly a favourite of mine.
The Angel and Greyhound Data
Handle: 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 important
Web site: www.angelandgreyhound.co.uk
11. The Outdated 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 Outdated Bookbinders has heaps occurring all through the week to entertain punters; from an open mic evening to a pub quiz, stay music, comedy nights, and extra.
The pub prides itself on being “canine, youngster, 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 positively among the finest Oxford pubs for meals, ambiance, and beer. I’ll definitely be popping in on my subsequent go to to town. For those who’re in search of quirky pubs in Oxford, remember to pay the Outdated Bookbinders Ale Home a go to.
The Outdated Bookbinders Ale Home Data
Handle: 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 important
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 wonderful collection of craft beers, its enormous 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 Outdated 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
Handle: 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 important
Web site: roseandcrownoxford.com
13. The Up In Arms
I moderately just like the witty title of this energetic Oxford pub within the suburb of Headington, to the east of town heart. It is a excellent place to return for a cut price as they’ve offers on meals and drinks on daily basis of the week. From Burger Wednesday to Thirsty Thursdays, weekday lunches for simply £6, and low cost pints each day, this can be a prime place for an evening out.
There’s a well-stocked bar with rotating visitor ales, craft beers from around the globe, and a big collection of wines and cocktails to select from. There’s a pleasing beer backyard out the again simply good for a chilly pint on a scorching day.
The Up In Arms Data
Handle: 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, home made burgers
Common Price: £4-£5 per pint, £7 per cocktail, £11.25-£13.25 per important
Web site: dodopubs.com
14. The Fir Tree
This Victorian pub dates again to 1866 and is likely one of the greatest pubs in Oxford to observe soccer and different sports activities. It gives stay 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 at all times one thing occurring on the Fir Tree from quiz nights to “wine Wednesdays” and many particular gives 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 understand you’ll be in for a superb time.
The Fir Tree Data
Handle: 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 greatest 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 town. For those who’re seeking to take pleasure in a pint in attractive rural environment, The Seven Stars can’t be missed. With an incredible collection 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 fitting containers. The pub can be only a few minutes stroll from Harcourt Arboretum, which is properly price a go to if you wish to expertise the perfect of the gorgeous Oxford countryside.
The Seven Stars Data
Handle: 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 important
Web site: sevenstarsmarshbaldon.co.uk
Oxford Pubs: FAQs
Listed here are some solutions to well-liked questions on the perfect pubs in Oxford:
Among the greatest pubs in Oxford embrace The Turf Tavern, The Bear Inn, The Eagle and Baby, and The Trout. There are various wonderful pubs throughout town and that is only a small collection of the perfect.
You don’t tip in Oxford for drinks, in contrast to within the USA, nonetheless for a superb meal a tip of 10% to fifteen% is customary.
The hip Jericho suburb has a few of the greatest pubs in Oxford, together with the energetic Jericho Tavern which has a wonderful beer backyard and stay music on weekends.
A mean pint in Oxford prices a whopping £4.57 making it some of the costly locations within the nation for a pint exterior London. However concern not, finances drinkers will likely be happy to know they will seize a pint in The 4 Candles for beneath £2.
Oxford is residence to many well-known pubs, and two of essentially the most well-known are The Bear Inn which is 780 years previous, and The Eagle and Baby 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 important bar road in Oxford. Town’s pubs may be discovered throughout town heart, round Jericho, and in all of the completely different suburbs of town.
Remaining Ideas
Now you understand about the perfect Oxford pubs for meals, stay music, ambiance, and naturally, the perfect pints of beer on the town. Whether or not you need to stroll within the footsteps of Tolkien at The Eagle and Baby, 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.
