Oxford has some fancy pubs that are not always easy to locate. The city has a relatively low-key nightlife with just a few clubs, but the historic pubs in Oxford make up for the lack of nightclubs. Most of these pubs are classic examples of typical English pub culture. There are plenty of quirky places to sample pub grub, sip a pint, and wonder where medieval residents may have drank.
Pubs in Oxford offer a wide range of options to suit everyone’s tastes and preferences. Oxford has it all if you are looking for some delicious pub grub in a historic building or something a little more upmarket. Here is the list of top-tier pubs in Oxford that you can’t afford to miss:
Top 10 Pubs in Oxford
1. Angels Cocktail Bar
Location – Little Clarendon St.
Best Drinks – Vesper Martini, Black Star Liner, Patrón XO Cafe Tequila, Mozart Dark Chocolate Liqueur
Cost – £10
Why Visit – Angels Cocktail Bar is a perfect spot to enjoy a heady experience. A fully stocked bar is in one half of the room, surrounded by intricate vintage wallpaper. The staircase leads to a second bar and drinking area downstairs. It is equally atmospheric and intimate as the first, with dim lighting and tables close to one another. In the bar, you can enjoy a vast selection of drinks and cocktails to set the mood for the evening.
2. The Duke of Cambridge
Location – Little Clarendon St.
Best Drinks – Cosmopolitan and Sex on the Beach, Crème Brûlée, Vanilla Vodka and Butterscotch Schnapps Shaken with Cream
Cost – £9
Why Visit – The Duke of Cambridge is a classic cocktail bar with elegance and old-fashioned charm. It’s one of the most preferred pubs in Oxford to grab post-dinner drinks or enjoy a relaxing night with your friends. The interior of the club is graced with dramatic, glittering chandeliers, polished wooden floors, and curved sofas, ideal for relaxing and socializing. A generous happy hour is offered seven days a week at the pub.
3. The Trout Inn
Location – Oxford’s Port Meadow
Best Drinks – Cocktails, Whiskey, Gin
Cost – £39
Why Visit – The Trout Inn is located on the banks of the River Thames, flowing through the meadow. It retains many traditional features, such as a listed wooden footbridge. There are tables and chairs in the garden area, which provide excellent views of the river, the surrounding countryside, and the striking stone structure of the pub. However, the interior features cosy couches, roaring fires, and period features.
4. The Rusty Bicycle
Location – Magdalen Rd
Best Drinks – Draft Beer, Ale, Wine
Cost – £9-£15
Why Visit – As a quirky neighbourhood staple, the Rusty Bicycle is one of the most popular pubs in Oxford for a pint and a meal. The interior of the pub is intimate and cosy, featuring vintage posters and postcards of bicycles hanging on the walls. The chalkboards above the bar display the day’s menu or amusing quotes. Meanwhile, the pub serves a wide variety of food, including juicy burgers, hand-cut chips, and sourdough pizzas.
5. The Bear Inn
Location – Alfred St.
Best Drinks – Beer, Cider, Wine
Cost – £16
Why Visit – The Bear Inn is one of the oldest surviving pubs in Oxford, with a history dating back to 1242. The pub may appear similar to any other cosy pub on the street. However, once you step inside, you will see a collection of over 4,500 snipped neckties from around the world. There was an old policy of getting a beer in exchange for ties at this pub. Sadly, the free pint of beer in exchange for a tie is no longer available.
6. Turf Tavern
Location – Bath Pl
Best Drinks – Ale, Beer, Cocktails
Cost – £20
Why Visit – The Turf Tavern is an Oxford classic that you can’t afford to miss. One of the oldest pubs in Oxford, it is a popular hangout spot for students and locals alike. Many famous faces are seen in the pub, including Elizabeth Taylor, Emma Watson, Stephen Hawking, Thomas Hardy, and Ernest Hemingway. Throughout the year, the pub maintains a lively atmosphere, with locals, tourists and students socializing around tables and consuming traditional English pub food.
7. The Perch
Location – Binsey Ln, Binsey
Best Drinks – English Wines, Ale, Cider
Cost – £30
Why Visit – If it is sunny in Oxford, you should head to The Perch. Located along the river bank, it is a 17th-century pub with a spacious garden to enjoy the picturesque views. The pub serves delicious food, including steamed Shetland mussels and braised pork shoulder pie. The drinks menu is updated as often as the food menu, ensuring there is always something new to suit the season. It’s one of the main pubs in Oxford used to film Inspector Morse (a detective drama).
8. The Jericho Tavern
Location – Walton St.
Best Drinks – Cocktails, Classic Ales, Craft Beers
Cost – £32
Why Visit – The Jericho Tavern has an impressive selection of craft beers and an extensive food menu. On hot days, you can enjoy the spacious outdoor seating area. The Jericho Tavern is not only a fantastic pub, but it is also a music venue. Over the years, it has hosted several big names, including Mumford & Sons, Radiohead, Supergrass, and The XX. Besides hosting music acts, the upstairs room serves as a stage for comedy acts, burlesque shows, and poetry readings.
9. The Crown
Location – Cornmarket St.
Best Drinks – Ale, Wine, Whiskey, Gin
Cost – £3-£14
Why Visit – The Crown is the ideal place to refuel if you are exploring the city. It is based in the town centre, close to the Covered Market. The pub is a must-visit spot for people interested in old-fashioned English style. It is adorned with dark wood furnishings and an elegant vaulted ceiling, creating a cosy setting for a drink. Apparently, this was William Shakespeare’s favourite Oxford pub. While travelling between Stratford Upon Avon and London, he stopped here for refreshments. Therefore, if you want to drink at the same watering hole as the most notable playwright, here’s your chance!
10. The Old Bookbinders
Location – Victor St.
Best Drinks – Ale, Cider, Beer
Cost – £6-£17
Why Visit – Unlike any other pubs in Oxford, the Old Bookbinders has something unique to offer. Initially, it appears to be a typical old pub with a cosy atmosphere. The pub is decorated with dark wooden furnishings and offers a variety of beers. However, if you look at the menu, you may be surprised. Rather than serving classic British fare, the Old Bookbinders specializes in traditional French fare. The menu includes mussels, beef bourguignon, and an array of savoury crepes.
All in all, most pubs in Oxford are rich in history with a classic yet cosy ambience. If you are seeking a beer garden or somewhere to warm up on a cold day, one of the above-mentioned pubs in Oxford can meet your expectations and tastes.
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