Pubs in Oxford

Some Pubs in Oxford are Historic and Some Are As Famous As Oxford City Itself:

The Eagle and Child, Oxford..

Oxford has a plethora of pubs which serve pub meals and drinks in a variety of settings and styles.  Some of the pubs in Oxford are historic, some are famous because of their clientele, some are in great river-side settings, whereas others are just casual and relaxed venues that the students and townspeople have adopted as their favourite drinking hole for socializing.

For an Oxford pub crawl, here are some suggested Oxford Pubs to try:

Historic Oxford Pubs

• The Eagle & Child in St Giles – Some locals refer to this pub as the “Bird and Baby”. This famous Oxford pub was a favourite of C.S. Lewis and JRR Tolkien and was the regular meeting place of the literary group, the Inklings.
• Lamb and Flag – (the symbol of St John).  This pub is owned by St John’s College.  It is believed that Thomas Hardy wrote much of his novel “Jude the Obscure” in this pub.  The Lamb and Flag was also frequently featured in ‘Inspector Morse’.
• White Horse on Broad Street – Oxford’s smallest pub, much frequented by ‘Inspector Morse’.
• KA (King’s Arms) on the corner of Holywell Street – This pub offers a good range of beers and pub food and is popular with students.
• Bear in Alfred Street – The Bear is in one of Oxford’s oldest buildings and is famous for its tie collection. These ties, which have been donated and signed by it donors, adorn showcases around the pub walls.
• Turf Tavern – Built up against the 12th century city wall, this was where past Aussie PM Bob Hawke’s record for drinking a yard of ale still stands.
• Rose & Crown on North Parade – Vegetarians will be pleased to know that this pub in Oxford offers a good vegetarian selection.
• The Mitre – Oxford’s oldest inn, once owned and managed by the real Alice in Wonderland’s former governess.

The Mitre, Oxford © Travel Signposts

Riverside Pubs

• Head of The River on St Aldate’s (Folly Bridge) – This Oxford pub is frequented by the well-heeled younger set.
• Trout at Wolvercote is very popular.
• The Isis near Iffley – has rowing relics and an old English nine-pin bowling alley.
• The Perch at Binsey village has a lovely garden.
• Victoria Arms in Marston, the destination of many a punt trip.

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