The historic metropolis of Oxford is famed for its prestigious college and its enviable location on the sting of the Cotswolds. The 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 chew to eat; learn on to search out out about one of the best pubs in Oxford.
Uncover every thing from historic inns relationship again a whole bunch of years to energetic city-center pubs, in addition to one or two of one of the best 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 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 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 actually gained’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 method round Oxford, I’ve compiled this checklist 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 critiques (in order that it’s not solely based mostly on my opinion).
1. The Turf Tavern: Prime Pub in Oxford General
The energetic Turf Tavern is a conventional British pub inside a Grade II listed constructing within the coronary heart of Oxford’s college quarter. This is among 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 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 big selection 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 positioned 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 Data
Handle: 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 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 at present dates from the seventeenth Century). This is among 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 Delight (certainly 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 wonderful menu of basic pub meals which might be a notch above the same old fare. You’ll discover classics comparable to beer-battered haddock and chips on the menu, alongside scrumptious choices like Fuller’s London Delight, caramelized shallot, and button mushroom pie (which is really divine).
The Bear Inn Data
Handle: 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-Strive Objects: London Delight, 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 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 of 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 continues to be very a lot a correct British pub inside and outside. It’s positioned within the metropolis middle and has been welcoming punters for not less than 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
Handle: 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 pink 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 among 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 middle of town and gives a heat welcome, chilly beers, and glorious meals.
You’ll discover a fantastic choice 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 choice of bottled beers from all over the world. Additionally they provide 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 Avenue, 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 principal
Web site: nicholsonspubs.co.uk
5. The 4 Candles
When you’re on the lookout for a cheap pint, then The 4 Candles is among 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 positioned in a historic constructing subsequent to Oxford College’s historical past college 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 value stopping by.
I make some extent 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 useful location between Oxford’s principal railway station and the college/metropolis middle. This can be a good spot to begin your night with good meals and low cost drinks earlier than shifting on some place else.
The 4 Candles Data
Handle: 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-Strive Objects: 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 among 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, good for summer season afternoons within the beer backyard.
That is the place to go for a great 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 big selection of latest British and European delicacies. The Sunday roast right here is great too.
Preserve 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 just a little out of Oxford The Trout is one thing of a hidden gem, however on account of its picturesque location on the river, it could get busy through the summer season month.
The Trout Inn Data
Handle: 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 principal
Web site: thetroutoxford.co.uk
7. The Kings Arms
The well-known King’s Arms is among the oldest pubs in Oxford and has been serving beer to blissful pub-goers since 1607. The pub prides itself on a wonderful choice 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 comparable 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 Avenue, OX1 3SP
Cellphone: +44 (0)1865 242369
Working Hours: 11 am-11 pm, Mon-Solar
Should-Strive Objects: 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 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 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 among 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 actually one of the historic and well-known pubs in Oxford. You’ll discover a choice of rotating visitor ales on faucet from native breweries comparable to Hook Norton and native actual ciders.
The Lamb and Flag Data
Handle: 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-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 one of the best nightlife within the metropolis. As such there are many glorious pubs and bars right here, and the energetic Jericho Tavern is among the finest and is a positive favourite of mine. There’s a big beer backyard good for sipping pints in the summertime and reside music to be loved each weekend.
The Jericho Tavern is unquestionably 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 choice of actual ales and craft beers. There’s even a lending library the place you possibly can borrow and alternate 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 (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 normal bitter).
The Jericho Tavern Data
Handle: 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-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 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 town middle. 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 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 great). This is among the finest pubs to eat in Oxford and is unquestionably a favourite of mine.
The Angel and Greyhound Data
Handle: 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-Strive Objects: 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 certainly one of my favourite pubs within the metropolis and considerably of a secret spot. The Previous Bookbinders has heaps happening all through the week to entertain punters; from an open mic night time 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 among the finest Oxford pubs for meals, ambiance, and beer. I’ll actually be popping in on my subsequent go to to town. When you’re on the lookout for quirky pubs in Oxford, you’ll want to pay the Previous Bookbinders Ale Home a go to.
The Previous Bookbinders Ale Home Data
Handle: 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-Strive Objects: 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 choice of craft beers, its enormous wine checklist, and its vary of pies and different basic pub treats. The Rose and Crown is the right place for a night of leisure with common jazz nights.
The beers on faucet embody certainly one of my favorites, Adnams from Southwold in Suffolk which is near the place I grew up. Different brews embody Previous Hooky from the native Hook Norton Brewery, and Oxford Brewery’s Shotover Trinity. This is among the nicest pubs in Oxford for those who’re after a correct pint of ale.
The Rose and Crown Data
Handle: 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 principal
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 middle. This can be a good spot to return for a discount as they’ve offers on meals and drinks each 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 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 choice 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
Handle: 241 Marsten Highway, 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, home made 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 among the finest pubs in Oxford to look at soccer and different sports activities. It gives reside showings of main occasions on massive 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 happening on the Fir Tree from quiz nights to “wine Wednesdays” and plenty of 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 already know you’ll be in for a great time.
The Fir Tree Data
Handle: 163 Iffley Highway, 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 among 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 town. When you’re trying to get pleasure from a pint in beautiful rural environment, The Seven Stars can’t be missed. With a fantastic choice 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 best containers. The pub can also be only a few minutes stroll from Harcourt Arboretum, which is properly value a go to if you wish to expertise one of the best of the attractive Oxford countryside.
The Seven Stars Data
Handle: 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 principal
Web site: sevenstarsmarshbaldon.co.uk
Oxford Pubs: FAQs
Listed here are some solutions to standard questions on one of the best pubs in Oxford:
A number of the finest pubs in Oxford embody The Turf Tavern, The Bear Inn, The Eagle and Baby, and The Trout. There are various superb pubs throughout town and that is only a small choice of one of the best.
You don’t tip in Oxford for drinks, in contrast to within the USA, nevertheless for a great 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 wonderful beer backyard and reside music on weekends.
A median pint in Oxford prices a whopping £4.57 making it one of the costly locations within the nation for a pint exterior London. However concern not, finances drinkers shall be happy to know they’ll seize a pint in The 4 Candles for below £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 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 principal bar road in Oxford. The town’s pubs will be discovered throughout town middle, round Jericho, and in all of the totally different suburbs of town.
Last Ideas
Now you already know about one of the best Oxford pubs for meals, reside music, ambiance, and naturally, one of the best pints of beer on the town. Whether or not you wish to stroll within the footsteps of Tolkien at The Eagle and Baby, 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.
