Oxford, England is renowned for its rich history, stunning architecture and world-class academic institutions. But what many people don’t know is that the city is also home to some of the best pubs in the country. Whether you’re a local resident or just visiting, there’s no shortage of options when it comes to finding a great place to grab a pint and relax.
Here’s a comprehensive guide to the best pubs in Oxford, including information on their history, atmosphere, drinks and food.

History of Pubs in Oxford
Pubs have been a staple of Oxford life for centuries, and many of the city’s most famous establishments have been serving drinks and providing a social hub for locals and visitors for hundreds of years. Some of the city’s oldest pubs, such as The Bear Inn and The Turf Tavern, have been around since the 14th century and are still popular today.
Atmosphere
Oxford’s pubs offer a wide range of atmospheres, from traditional and historic to modern and trendy. Whether you’re looking for a quiet spot to enjoy a pint with friends or a lively venue for a night out, you’ll find it in Oxford.
Drinks
Oxford’s pubs are known for their selection of ales, lagers and ciders, as well as a range of wines, spirits and cocktails. Many of the city’s pubs offer local brews, and there are also several microbreweries in the area that produce their own unique ales.
Food
If you’re looking for a pub with great food, Oxford has plenty of options to choose from. Many of the city’s pubs serve traditional pub fare, such as fish and chips, burgers and pies, as well as more upscale dishes like steak and seafood. Whether you’re looking for a light snack or a full meal, you’ll find plenty of options to choose from in Oxford’s pubs.

The Bear Inn
The Bear Inn is one of Oxford’s oldest pubs, dating back to the 14th century. It’s located in the heart of the city and is a popular spot for locals and visitors alike.
Atmosphere
The Bear Inn has a traditional and historic atmosphere, with low-beamed ceilings and wooden furnishings. It’s a great spot for a quiet pint or a meal with friends.
Drinks
The Bear Inn offers a range of ales, lagers and ciders, as well as wines, spirits and cocktails.
Food
The Bear Inn serves traditional pub fare, including fish and chips, burgers and pies.

The Turf Tavern
The Turf Tavern is another of Oxford’s oldest pubs, dating back to the 14th century. It’s located just outside the city centre and is a popular spot for locals and visitors alike.
Atmosphere
The Turf Tavern has a relaxed and friendly atmosphere, with a large beer garden and a cozy interior. It’s a great spot for a quiet pint or a meal with friends.
Drinks
The Turf Tavern offers a range of ales, lagers and ciders, as well as wines, spirits and cocktails.
Food
The Turf Tavern serves traditional pub fare, including fish and chips, burgers and pies.
The Eagle and Child
The Eagle and Child is a historic pub that was once a favourite hangout of J.R.R. Tolkien and C.S. Lewis. It’s located in the heart of the city and is a popular spot for literary enthusiasts.
Atmosphere
The Eagle and Child has a cozy and historic atmosphere, with plenty of literary memorabilia on display. It’s a great spot for a quiet pint or a meal with friends.
Drinks
The Eagle and Child offers a range of ales, lagers and ciders, as well as wines, spirits and cocktails.
Food
The Eagle and Child serves traditional pub fare, including fish and chips, burgers and pies.
The Lamb and Flag

The Lamb and Flag is a historic pub that has been serving drinks since the 17th century. It’s located in the heart of the city and is a popular spot for locals and visitors alike.
Atmosphere
The Lamb and Flag has a traditional and historic atmosphere, with low-beamed ceilings and wooden furnishings. It’s a great spot for a quiet pint or a meal with friends.
Drinks
The Lamb and Flag offers a range of ales, lagers and ciders, as well as wines, spirits and cocktails.
Food
The Lamb and Flag serves traditional pub fare, including fish and chips, burgers and pies.
The White Horse
The White Horse is a modern pub that’s located in the heart of the city. It’s a popular spot for locals and visitors alike.
Atmosphere
The White Horse has a trendy and modern atmosphere, with a spacious interior and a large beer garden. It’s a great spot for a night out or a meal with friends.
Drinks
The White Horse offers a range of ales, lagers and ciders, as well as wines, spirits and cocktails.
Food
The White Horse serves a range of pub fare, including burgers, pies and salads, as well as more upscale dishes like steak and seafood.
The Kings Arms
The Kings Arms is a historic pub that’s located in the heart of the city. It’s a popular spot for locals and visitors alike.
Atmosphere
The Kings Arms has a cozy and historic atmosphere, with low-beamed ceilings and wooden furnishings. It’s a great spot for a quiet pint or a meal with friends.
Drinks
The Kings Arms offers a range of ales, lagers and ciders, as well as wines, spirits and cocktails.
Food
The Kings Arms serves traditional pub fare, including fish and chips, burgers and pies.
Conclusion
Oxford is home to some of the best pubs in the country, offering a wide range of atmospheres, drinks and food. Whether you’re a local resident or just visiting, there’s no shortage of options when it comes to finding a great place to grab a pint and relax.
Meta Title: Discover the Best Pubs in Oxford, England
Meta Description: Explore the rich history, drinks and food of the best pubs in Oxford, England, including The Bear Inn, The Turf Tavern and The Eagle and Child.
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Whether you’re a fan of traditional, historic pubs or modern, trendy bars, you’ll find what you’re looking for in Oxford. The city’s pubs offer a wide range of experiences, from quiet and cozy to lively and energetic. And with so many options to choose from, you’re sure to find the perfect spot to suit your mood and tastes.
So next time you’re in Oxford, why not take the time to explore some of the city’s best pubs? You’re sure to have a great time, whether you’re enjoying a pint with friends or trying some of the local brews. And who knows, you might even discover a new favourite pub that you’ll come back to time and time again.
So, whether you’re a local resident, a student, or just visiting the city for the first time, be sure to check out some of Oxford’s best pubs. You won’t be disappointed!
In addition to the traditional pubs and modern bars, Oxford also has a thriving microbrewery scene. With several local breweries producing unique and delicious ales, it’s worth checking out some of these establishments if you’re a fan of craft beer.
One popular brewery in the area is the Oxfordshire Ales Brewery, which produces a range of ales using locally sourced ingredients. Another popular brewery is the Little Ox Brewery, which offers a range of ales, lagers and stouts, as well as a selection of wines and ciders.
So, whether you’re a fan of traditional ales or craft beers, you’re sure to find something to suit your tastes in Oxford. With so many options to choose from, you’re sure to have a great time exploring the city’s pubs and breweries.
In conclusion, Oxford is a city with a rich and vibrant pub culture, offering something for everyone. From historic and traditional pubs to modern and trendy bars, there’s no shortage of options when it comes to finding a great place to grab a drink. So be sure to check out some of the city’s best pubs and breweries the next time you’re in Oxford!
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