The historic metropolis of Oxford is famed for its prestigious college and its enviable location on the sting of the Cotswolds. Town makes an ideal day journey from London as there’s a lot to see and do. It’s additionally an ideal place for a pint and a chunk to eat; learn on to seek out out about the very best pubs in Oxford.
Uncover all the pieces from historic inns relationship again tons of of years to vigorous city-center pubs, in addition to one or two of the very best 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 certainly 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 beautiful, historic metropolis.
Fast Look – Greatest Pubs in Oxford
Greatest Pubs in Oxford
After consuming and consuming my method round Oxford, I’ve compiled this record of my favourite pubs within the metropolis based mostly on the environment, 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 standard British pub inside a Grade II listed constructing within the coronary heart of Oxford’s college quarter. This is without doubt 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 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 As a Greene King pub, it gives a wide array of actual ales together with two of my favorites – Outdated Speckled Hen and Abbot Ale – wines, cocktails, and ciders.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 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 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
Handle: 4 Bathtub Place, OX1 3SU
Telephone: +44 (0)1865 243235
Working Hours: 11 am-11 pm, Mon-Solar
Should-Attempt Objects: Abbot Ale, Outdated Speckled Hen, fish and chips
Common Price: £4-£5.50 per pint, £9 per cocktail, £11.50-£18.95 per predominant
Web site: www.greenking-pubs.co.uk
2. The Bear Inn
The Bear Inn has been serving beer to the individuals of Oxford because the yr 1242, making it a staggering 781 years previous on the time of writing (although the constructing as you see it immediately dates from the seventeenth Century). This is without doubt 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 Delight (certainly one of 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 all over the world.
There’s a wonderful menu of traditional pub meals which are a notch above the same old fare. You’ll discover classics equivalent 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 actually divine).
The Bear Inn Data
Handle: 6 Alfred Avenue, OX1 4EH
Telephone: +44 (0)1865 728164
Working Hours: 12 pm-11 pm, Tue-Sat, 12 pm-10:30 pm, Solar-Mon
Should-Attempt Objects: London Delight, ESB, onion, and mushroom pie with ale
Common Price: £5-£6 per pint, £9 per cocktail, £13.95-£25.50 per predominant
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 a substitute 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 Outdated Tom remains 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 at the least 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 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 Objects: Any craft beer, Thai pink curry, crab meat fried rice
Common Price: £5-£6 per pint, £9 per cocktail, £13.95 per predominant
Web site: oldtomoxford.com
4. The Crown
The historic Crown is without doubt 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 residence in Stratford-upon-Avon. This conventional British pub is positioned within the middle of the town and gives a heat welcome, chilly beers, and glorious meals.
You’ll discover an ideal 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. In addition 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
Telephone: +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 predominant
Web site: nicholsonspubs.co.uk
5. The 4 Candles
If you happen to’re searching for a cheap pint, then The 4 Candles is without doubt 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 underneath £2 a pint sort 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 some other pub; it’s undoubtedly 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 useful location between Oxford’s predominant railway station and the college/metropolis middle. This can be a excellent spot to start out your night with good meals and low cost drinks earlier than transferring on some other place.
The 4 Candles Data
Handle: 51-53 George Avenue, OX1 2BE
Telephone: +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 predominant
Web site: www.jdwetherspoon.com
6. The Trout Inn
The seventeenth Century Trout Inn is without doubt one of the finest gastropubs close to Oxford and sits simply throughout the massive 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 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 contemporary, native produce and consists of a wide array of latest British and European delicacies. The Sunday roast right here is great 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 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 get busy throughout the summer season 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 Objects: Any actual ale, native cider, Sunday roast
Common Price: £4-£6 per pint, £9 per cocktail, £10-£15 per predominant
Web site: thetroutoxford.co.uk
7. The Kings Arms
The well-known King’s Arms is without doubt one of the oldest pubs in Oxford and has been serving beer to completely happy pub-goers since 1607. The pub prides itself on a wonderful choice 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 consists of pub classics like beer battered fish and chips alongside extra attention-grabbing dishes equivalent to devon crab cake, pork, apple, and leek sausages, an superior home made scotch egg, and a variety of juicy burgers (together with vegetarian choices).
The Kings Arms Data
Handle: 40 Holywell Avenue, OX1 3SP
Telephone: +44 (0)1865 242369
Working Hours: 11 am-11 pm, Mon-Solar
Should-Attempt 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 predominant
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 the town and is without doubt 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 one of the historic and well-known pubs in Oxford. You’ll discover a choice of rotating visitor ales on faucet from native breweries equivalent to Hook Norton and native actual ciders.
The Lamb and Flag Data
Handle: 12 St Giles’ Avenue, OX1 3JS
Telephone: +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 very best nightlife within the metropolis. As such there are many glorious pubs and bars right here, and the vigorous Jericho Tavern is without doubt one of the finest and is a certain 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 unquestionably 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 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 modern 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 traditional bitter).
The Jericho Tavern Data
Handle: 56 Walton Avenue, 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 Objects: Any actual ale or craft beer on faucet, smoked paprika cauliflower
Common Price: £5-£6 per pint, £10 per cocktail, £12-£17 per predominant
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 the town middle. It incorporates 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 right 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 great). This is without doubt one of 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
Telephone: +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 predominant
Web site: www.angelandgreyhound.co.uk
11. The Outdated Bookbinders Ale Home
Persevering with with pubs in Jericho, this traditional Oxford hangout is certainly one of my favourite pubs within the metropolis and considerably of a secret spot. The Outdated Bookbinders has tons occurring all through the week to entertain punters; from an open mic evening to a pub quiz, dwell music, comedy nights, and extra.
The pub prides itself on being “canine, baby, and student-friendly (so long as they’re effectively 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 undoubtedly among the finest Oxford pubs for meals, environment, and beer. I’ll definitely be popping in on my subsequent go to to the town. If you happen to’re searching for quirky pubs in Oxford, be sure you pay the Outdated Bookbinders Ale Home a go to.
The Outdated Bookbinders Ale Home Data
Handle: 17-18 Victor Avenue, 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 Objects: Hand-pulled ales, native cider, coq au vin
Common Price: £4-£6 per pint, £9 per cocktail, £11.50-£24.50 per predominant
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 large wine record, 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 certainly 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 without doubt one of the nicest pubs in Oxford if you happen to’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 Objects: Adnams bitter, Hoptric American IPA, fish pie
Common Price: £4-£5 per pint, £9 per cocktail, £9-£16 per predominant
Web site: roseandcrownoxford.com
13. The Up In Arms
I quite just like the witty title of this vigorous Oxford pub within the suburb of Headington, to the east of the town middle. This can be a excellent spot to return for a cut price 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, 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 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 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 Objects: Punk IPA, gin repair, home made burgers
Common Price: £4-£5 per pint, £7 per cocktail, £11.25-£13.25 per predominant
Web site: dodopubs.com
14. The Fir Tree
This Victorian pub dates again to 1866 and is without doubt one of the finest pubs in Oxford to look at soccer and different sports activities. It gives dwell 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 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 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 realize 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 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 without doubt one of the finest nation pubs close to Oxford and is effectively definitely worth the six-mile (9.6 km) journey to the sleepy village of Marsh Baldon simply exterior the town. If you happen to’re trying to get pleasure from a pint in beautiful rural environment, The Seven Stars can’t be missed. With an ideal choice 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 a superb meal in a countryside pub (I grew up within the nation) and The Seven Stars ticks all the appropriate bins. The pub can be just some minutes stroll from Harcourt Arboretum, which is effectively value a go to if you wish to expertise the very best of the attractive 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 Objects: Cask ales, native cider, beer-battered fish and chips
Common Price: £4-£6 per pint, £9 per cocktail, £10-£15 per predominant
Web site: sevenstarsmarshbaldon.co.uk
Oxford Pubs: FAQs
Listed here are some solutions to standard questions on the very best pubs in Oxford:
A number of the finest pubs in Oxford embrace The Turf Tavern, The Bear Inn, The Eagle and Baby, and The Trout. There are a lot of wonderful pubs throughout the town and that is only a small choice of the very best.
You don’t tip in Oxford for drinks, not like within the USA, nevertheless 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 vigorous Jericho Tavern which has a wonderful beer backyard and dwell 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 worry not, funds drinkers can be happy to know they will seize a pint in The 4 Candles for underneath £2.
Oxford is residence 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 predominant bar road in Oxford. Town’s pubs will be discovered throughout the town middle, round Jericho, and in all of the completely different suburbs of the town.
Ultimate Ideas
Now you realize about the very best Oxford pubs for meals, dwell music, environment, and naturally, the very best 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 get pleasure from a pub lunch at The Angel and Greyhound, there’s a pub in Oxford ready so that you can wander into.