I lived in Oxford many years ago when I went to university there… not the proper Oxford, the fake one: Oxford Brookes. I loved every minute of it, most of which was spent in the pub (I did a degree in Hospitality what did you expect). It’s finally paid off spending all the time sussing out the best ones so you don’t have to!
These are my top five pubs that shouldn’t be missed, a real mixture of modern to vintage…
- Big Society
This lovely bar opened back in 2013. It’s a bit different to your old man bars and is much more of US meets Hipster place. It’s not cheap either mind, but no where in Oxford is. Their cocktails are great, along with selection of beers on tap and in bottle, they serve in schooners not pints. Sorry if you have kids it’s strictly no under 18s past 6pm
- The Chester Arms
Back in my uni days this was a pub pub with a snooker table and everything. Since then it has become an upmarket gastro pub in a residential area. The beer garden is great to sit and hide from the crowds. With no ties to any breweries they have the freedom to have on tap what they want which is always a nice change
- The Cape of Good Hope
This is a classic for so many reasons, with a mixture of students, tourists and locals all here, there is always a great vibe going on. They sometimes have live music on too which is great. The beer selection is also on point with some great cans and drafts, having one of my personal favourites Common Ground by Magic Rock – coffee and beer in one, winning!
- The Chequers
This is the perfect pub if you are in town! It does get busy, especially if the sun is out. It’s down one of the many allies but you can’t miss it! They now have to bars so if the one on the ground floor is looking busy make sure to try the one upstairs. The fish and chips here is also so good… and MASSIVE!
- The Gardeners Arms
This epic pub is based in North Oxford, with a great outdoors area and a full veggie menu (which you must try), what is not to love. This is your traditional place, that looks as if it hasn’t changed in 20 years, and it’s perfect. The ales change regularly so you will have to pop in to see what is available. You wouldn’t believe a place like this is on Plantation Road as it looks as if it should be houses but trust your google maps, this is exactly where is says it is.
Have you been to Oxford? Which pubs did you try, and which ones were your favourite (or least favourite)?
Travel, Food and Me 