The Best Pubs in Oxford

This historic riverside pub, an institution for over 800 years, serves proper British pub food inspired by modern and traditional recipes alongside a rotating selection of local real ales, craft beers, and ciders. It is always warmly welcoming to families with muddy boots, children, and dogs, offering a lovely sunlit garden perfect for whiling away a summer’s afternoon. The pub hosts an annual beer and cider festival as well as outdoor movie nights and music festivals, and its 17th century thatched roof building provides a picture perfect setting for weddings and celebrations.

The Rusty Bicycle is a welcoming pub that prides itself on walk ins, with less than half its tables available for booking. It offers a food menu featuring a Sunday roast, and the kitchen serves daily from 12pm with a break in the afternoon. The pub is dog friendly, has outdoor seating, and provides vegan options, craft beer, and wheelchair access. It hosts regular events like pub quizzes and is known for its friendly staff, top notch burgers, and good beer selection.

The Turf Tavern is a historic pub that first opened its doors in 1381, serving everyone from literary greats like C.S. Lewis to movie stars such as Richard Burton and Elizabeth Taylor. This charming Grade II listed tavern is an intriguing warren of small rooms connected by narrow passages and staircases, surrounded on three sides by delightful patio courtyard beer gardens. Located against the medieval remains of the city walls and reached only by exploring back alleys and cobbled passageways, it is truly a hidden gem that is hugely popular with students.

The Royal Blenheim is a true gem, bursting with character and run by a landlord who takes genuine pride in his cask ales. You’ll find a brilliant selection of local brews and Titanic beers, all kept in perfect condition by a team of incredibly friendly staff. It’s the kind of place where you can settle into a comfy corner with a hoppy pint of Village Idiot and feel right at home.

The Trout Inn is a premium country pub and restaurant with its own garden, recently refurbished to a high standard. It offers a generous selection of foods, wines, ales, and lagers, with something for everyone from light bites to scrumptious Sunday roasts. Inside, you will find unique focal points like roaring log fires and an ultra stylish dining room. This is the perfect spot to catch up with friends, enjoy a lunch with a co-worker, or treat yourself to a three-course meal.

This is the home of the famous steak platter, serving award winning food in a family run, dog friendly neighbourhood pub. The menu boasts delicious pub food with vegan and vegetarian options, plus a Sunday roast worth travelling for. You can enjoy your meal on the small sunshine terrace, and the pub regularly hosts new guest beers on tap.

The Rickety Press is a welcoming pub that serves up a Sunday roast rated 10/10 by Bitten Oxford, alongside a full food menu with vegan options and craft beer. You can enjoy outdoor seating, and the pub is dog friendly with wheelchair access, making it a great spot for everyone including kids. It offers house deals, merchandise, and takeout options like click and collect or Deliveroo, with walk ins always welcome. The pub also hosts events like a pub quiz and May Day celebrations, so there is always something happening.

Step into The Library on Cowley Road, where the buzz of great conversation meets the clink of expertly poured pints. This lively spot is fueled by friendly service and a fantastic beer selection, often accompanied by live gigs that fill the room with energy. Between 4 and 7pm, you can even roll the dice for a chance at a free round, adding a playful twist to your visit. It’s a place where good music and even better company make every trip feel like a winning night out.

Welcome to The Bear Inn, a historic pub serving since 1242 that is a small but mighty institution seating just two dozen inside with many more in its heated garden. It offers delicious food with refined pub classics made from fresh, seasonal ingredients and a fantastic selection of real ales, from modern craft beers to cask classics. This dog friendly pub also features a real fire, free WiFi, and a covered smoking area, making it a warm and welcoming spot for both locals and tourists.

The Punter is a laid-back riverside pub specialising in modern dining with seasonal dishes and changing menus. It is the perfect escape for outdoor lunches, cosy evening dinners, local beers, real ales, and wine, with a garden lit by fairy lights in the evening. The charming pub is full of character and unique artwork, offering delicious food that makes it one of the city's best-kept secrets. With a fantastic location right next to the river, it is pet friendly and known for great value and a decent beer selection.