The historic metropolis of Oxford is famed for its prestigious college and its enviable location on the sting of the Cotswolds. Town makes a fantastic day journey from London as there’s a lot to see and do. It’s additionally a fantastic place for a pint and a chunk to eat; learn on to seek out out about the most effective pubs in Oxford.
Uncover the whole lot from historic inns relationship again a whole lot of years to vigorous city-center pubs, in addition to one or two of the most effective nation pubs close to Oxford. Whether or not you’re on the lookout for 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 most of the good pubs in Oxford for years and it’s positively certainly one of my favourite locations in England for a pint, with so many choices to select from. One factor’s for positive, you definitely received’t go hungry or thirsty on a visit to this beautiful, historic metropolis.
Fast Look – Finest Pubs in Oxford
Finest Pubs in Oxford
After consuming and ingesting my manner round Oxford, I’ve compiled this record of my favourite pubs within the metropolis based mostly on the ambiance, high quality of meals and drinks, service, location, my private opinion, and buyer evaluations (in order that it’s not solely based mostly on my opinion).
1. The Turf Tavern: Prime Pub in Oxford General
The vigorous Turf Tavern is a conventional 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 affords a wide array of actual ales together with two of my favorites – Previous Speckled Hen and Abbot Ale – wines, cocktails, and ciders.
That is certainly one of my favourite spots within the metropolis because it’s so centrally situated and has a wonderful 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 Info
Tackle: 4 Bathtub Place, OX1 3SU
Cellphone: +44 (0)1865 243235
Working Hours: 11 am-11 pm, Mon-Solar
Should-Attempt Objects: Abbot Ale, Previous Speckled Hen, fish and chips
Common Price: £4-£5.50 per pint, £9 per cocktail, £11.50-£18.95 per primary
Web site: www.greenking-pubs.co.uk
2. The Bear Inn
The Bear Inn has been serving beer to the individuals 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 prime pubs in Oxford metropolis middle and is widespread with locals and vacationers alike.
You’ll discover a variety of ales on faucet from Fuller’s London Satisfaction (certainly one of my favorites and the primary pint I order when coming 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 all over the world.
There’s a wonderful menu of basic pub meals which can be a notch above the standard fare. You’ll discover classics comparable 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 really divine).
The Bear Inn Info
Tackle: 6 Alfred Avenue, OX1 4EH
Cellphone: +44 (0)1865 728164
Working Hours: 12 pm-11 pm, Tue-Sat, 12 pm-10:30 pm, Solar-Mon
Should-Attempt Objects: London Satisfaction, ESB, onion, and mushroom pie with ale
Common Price: £5-£6 per pint, £9 per cocktail, £13.95-£25.50 per primary
Web site: www.bearoxford.co.uk
3. The Previous Tom
The Previous Tom is house to among the finest 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 inside and outside. It’s situated within the metropolis middle and has been welcoming punters for no less than 3 centuries. You’ll discover a well-stocked bar of attention-grabbing craft beers from all over the world, in addition to wines and inventive cocktails.
The Previous Tom Info
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-Attempt Objects: Any craft beer, Thai purple curry, crab meat fried rice
Common Price: £5-£6 per pint, £9 per cocktail, £13.95 per primary
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 situated within the middle of town and affords a heat welcome, chilly beers, and glorious meals.
You’ll discover a fantastic 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 too can 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. In addition 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
Tackle: 59a Cornmarket Avenue, OX1 3HB
Cellphone: +44 (0)1865 256047
Working Hours: 12 pm-11 pm, Mon-Sat, 12 pm-10 pm, Solar
Should-Attempt Objects: St Austell Tribute, Espresso Martini, wild boar and chorizo pie
Common Price: £4-£5 per pint, £8 per cocktail, £12-£17 per primary
Web site: nicholsonspubs.co.uk
5. The 4 Candles
In case you’re on the lookout for an affordable 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 below £2 a pint form 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’ll discover in some other pub; it’s positively value stopping by.
I make a degree of visiting the Wetherspoons in each city and metropolis I go to, and The 4 Candles is certainly one of my favorites due to its helpful location between Oxford’s primary railway station and the college/metropolis middle. This can be a excellent place to start out your night with good meals and low cost drinks earlier than transferring on elsewhere.
The 4 Candles Info
Tackle: 51-53 George Avenue, OX1 2BE
Cellphone: +44 (0)1865 263110
Working Hours: 8 am-12 am, Solar-Wed, 8 am-1 am, Thu-Sat
Should-Attempt Objects: Punk IPA, gin and tonic, all-day brunch
Common Price: £4-£6 per pint, £9 per cocktail, £10-£15 per primary
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 outdoors seating, excellent for summer season afternoons within the beer backyard.
That is the place to go for a great 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 latest 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 slightly 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 season month.
The Trout Inn Info
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-Attempt Objects: Any actual ale, native cider, Sunday roast
Common Price: £4-£6 per pint, £9 per cocktail, £10-£15 per primary
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 wonderful number of cask ales, stylish craft beers, hearty meals, and a really heat welcome. That is positively the place you’ll discover among 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 attention-grabbing dishes comparable to devon crab cake, pork, apple, and leek sausages, an superior selfmade scotch egg, and a variety of juicy burgers (together with vegetarian choices).
The Kings Arms Info
Tackle: 40 Holywell Avenue, OX1 3SP
Cellphone: +44 (0)1865 242369
Working Hours: 11 am-11 pm, Mon-Solar
Should-Attempt Objects: Any cask ale, selfmade scotch egg, steak and ale pie
Common Price: £4-£6 per pint, £9 per cocktail, £13.50-£18.50 per primary
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 town and is likely one of the prime pubs in Oxford for locals and guests alike.
The Lamb has lately reopened after a compelled closure on account of covid, which is good news as that is definitely one of the historic and well-known pubs in Oxford. You’ll discover a number of rotating visitor ales on faucet from native breweries comparable to Hook Norton and native actual ciders.
The Lamb and Flag Info
Tackle: 12 St Giles’ Avenue, OX1 3JS
Cellphone: +44 (0)1865 515787
Working Hours: 11 am-11 pm, Solar-Wed, 11 am-12 am, Thu-Sat
Should-Attempt 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 vigorous 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 stay 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 town. Inside, you’ll discover a quirky bar that shares a wonderful number of actual ales and craft beers. There’s even a lending library the place you may borrow and alternate books.
The pub has an intensive menu providing an enormous vary of dishes from pub classics to modern 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 traditional bitter).
The Jericho Tavern Info
Tackle: 56 Walton Avenue, 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-Attempt Objects: Any actual ale or craft beer on faucet, smoked paprika cauliflower
Common Price: £5-£6 per pint, £10 per cocktail, £12-£17 per primary
Web site: wwwthejerichooxford.co.uk
10. The Angel and Greyhound
Actual ale lovers ought to positively try The Angel and Greyhound, which is only a 10-minute stroll from town middle. It contains 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 wonderful location with the River Cherwell operating behind it which is good for strolling off a great 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 Info
Tackle: 30 St Clement’s Avenue, OX4 1AB
Cellphone: +44 (0)1865 242660
Working Hours: 11 am-11 pm, Mon-Sat, 11 am-10 pm, Solar
Should-Attempt Objects: Any cask ale, native cider, Sunday roast
Common Price: £4-£6 per pint, £9 per cocktail, £10-£15 per primary
Web site: www.angelandgreyhound.co.uk
11. The Previous Bookbinders Ale Home
Persevering with with pubs in Jericho, this basic Oxford hangout is certainly one of my favourite pubs within the metropolis and considerably of a secret spot. The Previous Bookbinders has tons happening all through the week to entertain punters; from an open mic night time to a pub quiz, stay music, comedy nights, and extra.
The pub prides itself on being “canine, baby, and student-friendly (so long as they’re nicely 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. In case you’re on the lookout for quirky pubs in Oxford, make sure to pay the Previous Bookbinders Ale Home a go to.
The Previous Bookbinders Ale Home Info
Tackle: 17-18 Victor Avenue, 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-Attempt Objects: Hand-pulled ales, native cider, coq au vin
Common Price: £4-£6 per pint, £9 per cocktail, £11.50-£24.50 per primary
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 record, 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 certainly 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 for those who’re after a correct pint of ale.
The Rose and Crown Info
Tackle: 14 North Parade Avenue, OX2 6LX
Cellphone: +44 (0)1865 510551
Working Hours: 11:30 am-11 pm, Mon-Solar
Should-Attempt Objects: Adnams bitter, Hoptric American IPA, fish pie
Common Price: £4-£5 per pint, £9 per cocktail, £9-£16 per primary
Web site: roseandcrownoxford.com
13. The Up In Arms
I quite just like the witty identify of this vigorous Oxford pub within the suburb of Headington, to the east of town middle. This can be a excellent place to come back for a cut price as they’ve offers on meals and drinks daily 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 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 scorching day.
The Up In Arms Info
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-Attempt Objects: Punk IPA, gin repair, selfmade burgers
Common Price: £4-£5 per pint, £7 per cocktail, £11.25-£13.25 per primary
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 look at soccer and different sports activities. It affords 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 happening on the Fir Tree from quiz nights to “wine Wednesdays” and many particular affords 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 recognize you’ll be in for a great time.
The Fir Tree Info
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-Attempt 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 nicely definitely worth the six-mile (9.6 km) journey to the sleepy village of Marsh Baldon simply outdoors town. In case you’re seeking to get pleasure from a pint in beautiful rural environment, The Seven Stars can’t be missed. With a fantastic 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 great meal in a countryside pub (I grew up within the nation) and The Seven Stars ticks all the proper containers. The pub can be just some minutes stroll from Harcourt Arboretum, which is nicely value a go to if you wish to expertise the most effective of the attractive Oxford countryside.
The Seven Stars Info
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-Attempt Objects: Cask ales, native cider, beer-battered fish and chips
Common Price: £4-£6 per pint, £9 per cocktail, £10-£15 per primary
Web site: sevenstarsmarshbaldon.co.uk
Oxford Pubs: FAQs
Listed here are some solutions to widespread questions on the most effective pubs in Oxford:
A few of the finest pubs in Oxford embrace The Turf Tavern, The Bear Inn, The Eagle and Youngster, and The Trout. There are various wonderful 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 great meal a tip of 10% to fifteen% is customary.
The hip Jericho suburb has among the finest pubs in Oxford, together with the vigorous 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 one of the costly locations within the nation for a pint outdoors London. However worry not, price range drinkers will probably 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 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 outdated. The Kings Arms is one other of the oldest pubs within the metropolis.
There isn’t a primary bar road in Oxford. Town’s pubs might be discovered throughout town middle, round Jericho, and in all of the completely different suburbs of town.
Last Ideas
Now you recognize about the most effective Oxford pubs for meals, stay music, ambiance, and naturally, the most effective pints of beer on the town. Whether or not you wish to stroll within the footsteps of Tolkien at The Eagle and Youngster, 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.
