Best Places To Drink In Oxford

So you’ve landed in Oxford. Good move. Now you need a drink. But not just any drink. You want a pint with a story. A glass of wine that whispers secrets. Let’s dive in, shall we?

The Turf Tavern: Your Secret Alley Escape

First stop: The Turf Tavern. It’s hidden down a tiny alley called Bath Place. If you blink, you miss it. That’s the point. This place is a maze of wonky wooden beams and nooks where Bill Clinton once downed a few (non-presidential) beers. Grab a cider and stand outside. You’re technically in a medieval courtyard. Feel clever? You should.

The Eagle and Child: Where Lions and Ink Meet

Next, stumble over to The Eagle and Child. This pub looks like a shy, old bookshop from the outside. Inside, it’s a literary hall of fame. C.S. Lewis and J.R.R. Tolkien read their drafts here. Imagine Frodo and Aslan battling over peanuts. The best bit? Order a pint of “Tolkien’s Tipple.” It’s a real thing. You’ll feel smarter with every sip.

The Bear Inn: Ancient, Moody, and Lovable

Fancy the oldest pub in Oxford? That’s The Bear Inn, dating back to 1242. Yes, it’s older than most countries. The ceiling is so low you’ll duck for no reason. It’s cozy. The real gem here is the collection of hundreds of antique ties on the ceiling. Why? Nobody really knows. But it’s a pub that makes you feel like you’re drinking inside a historical squirrel’s nest. Weird? Yes. Brilliant? Absolutely.

The Head of the River: Rowers and River Views

Need a view? Hit The Head of the River. It sits right on the Thames (locals call it the Isis, because Oxford). Sit on the riverside deck. Watch rowers glide past, sweating and grunting. You’ll feel smug. Order Pimm’s in summer. It’s the official drink of pretending you’re in a Netflix period drama. The beer garden is a sun-trap. Bring sunglasses. And a smug smile.

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The Jericho Tavern: Indie Vibes and Laptop Legends

Want to feel cool? Go to The Jericho Tavern. Upstairs, it’s a tiny music venue where Radiohead played one of their first gigs. Downstairs, it’s a pub full of students pretending to write novels. The walls are covered in gig posters. The chips are legendary. Grab a local ale like “Oxford Gold.” You’re now drinking the same stuff future rockstars might order.

The Varsity Club: Rooftop Shenanigans

Let’s get fancy. The Varsity Club has a rooftop terrace. Yes, a rooftop in Oxford! That’s rare. You can see spires and college domes while sipping a cocktail called something silly like “The Don.” Downstairs, they have ping-pong tables and a secret bar. The vibe is “cool aunt who lets you stay up late.” Go at sunset. The sky turns the color of prosecco.

The best pubs in Oxford - Lonely Planet

The King’s Arms: Your No-Nonsense Classic

Sometimes you just need a normal pub. The King’s Arms (or “KA”) is that. It’s busy, loud, and full of bookshelves with actual books. No gimmicks. Just good beer and a fireplace in winter. Regulars say it’s haunted by a ghost called “The Drunken Dean.” Drink too fast, and you might meet him. Yikes.

Final Tip: The “Maybe It’s Closed” Charm

Oxford pubs have a secret game. Check opening hours online before you go. Many close early or open late for no reason. It’s not rude; it’s a conspiracy to make you feel like a local. Don’t panic. If one place is shut, wander two steps. There’s another pub. Always another pub. That’s the true magic of Oxford. Cheers, you clever thing.