The Best Pubs
in
Oxford

Tucked away by the canal, this charming ale house blends an olde-pub feel with a genuinely French-inspired menu that’s earned rave reviews. The beer is impeccably kept, the wine and cocktails flow freely, and the outdoor seating is perfect for lazy afternoons with your dog. With live music, a welcoming vibe for groups, and dishes like the best French onion soup you’ll ever taste, it’s no wonder this spot is considered one of the finest in town.

Nestled on a quiet residential street, The Chester Arms is a true gem of a neighbourhood pub, famed for its award winning steak platter that melts like butter. This family run, dog friendly spot boasts a sunny terrace and a Sunday Roast that’s absolutely worth travelling for, alongside a fantastic selection of beers, wines, and cocktails. Whether you’re gathering a group or enjoying the outdoor seating, the welcoming buzz and generous food make every visit feel like a celebration.

Step away from the city bustle and discover a true local treasure on Plantation Road, a charming 200 year old pub that has been proudly serving only exceptional vegetarian and vegan food for over two decades. This dog friendly haven offers a welcoming space for groups, with a cosy interior and lovely outdoor seating where you can enjoy a perfectly kept pint or a glass of wine. The kitchen turns out hearty, flavour packed comfort food that delights everyone, from committed herbivores to devoted carnivores, making every visit a genuinely satisfying experience.

Hidden down a narrow, winding alley and pressed against the ancient city walls, this legendary pub has been pouring pints since 1381. With a warren of cosy rooms, a sunny courtyard beer garden, and a dog friendly policy, it’s the perfect spot for groups to gather over a great selection of beers, wines, and cocktails. The historic charm and lively buzz make it a true hidden gem you’ll want to return to again and again.

Slip into Friars Entry and discover a whimsical wonderland where craft beer flows from constantly rotating taps and sourdough pizzas are the real stars of the show. The playful Alice in Wonderland theme brings curious decor and mismatched furniture to life, creating a cosy, welcoming spot for groups and their dogs to gather over excellent wines, cocktails, and hearty pub fare. With heated outdoor seating and a buzzing back room that feels like a secret cave, this is the perfect escape for a lively evening of exceptional drinks and generously portioned, gourmet pub classics.

Venture just beyond the city centre to find a corner pub that wraps around the street with undeniable charm, offering a welcoming spot for everyone from sports fans to dog owners. Inside, the cask ales are superb, the wine and cocktail selection is generous, and the buzz is perfect for groups gathering over a game or live music. With two outdoor areas, fast friendly service, and reasonably priced food and drinks, this is a local gem that rewards the short stroll every single time.

With a name that sparks curiosity and a prime spot in Jericho, Jude the Obscure is a wonderfully welcoming pub that delivers on every front. The cask ales are superb, the wine and cocktails are generous, and the menu shines with hearty classics like perfectly executed fish and chips or a deeply satisfying steak and ale pie. Gather your friends or bring your dog along to enjoy the outdoor seating, catch live sports on the big screens, and soak up the warm, traditional charm that keeps locals and visitors alike coming back for more.

Right in the heart of Jericho, The Rickety Press is a brilliant spot where the Sunday roasts are legendary and the burgers are absolutely top notch. With a cracking selection of beers, wines, and cocktails, it’s the perfect place to gather a big group, bring your dog, or catch the big game on the telly. The buzz is always welcoming, the service is spot on, and every visit feels like finding a true local gem you’ll want to return to again and again.

Tucked away from the main drag, The Star is a proper local gem where the beer garden is an absolute sun trap and the live music keeps the place buzzing. The selection of real ales and wines is top notch, and the whole team makes everyone feel welcome, from groups of friends to dogs and even wheelchair users. With its wonderfully worn furnishings and a crowd that knows a good thing, this is the kind of friendly, unpretentious spot you’ll want to make your regular.

Serving Oxford since 1242, The Bear Inn is a small but mighty institution where low ceilings and wooden beams create an incredibly cosy, centuries old feel. Their heated garden is perfect for groups, and the bar is stacked with superb cask ales, wines, and cocktails, all served with a famously warm welcome. Bring your dog, catch some live music, and soak up the history of a true local treasure that’s been perfected over nearly 800 years.