Oxford Pubs

In Oxford, pubs far outnumber colleges—some even consider them the city’s prime attraction. They often hold as much history as the colleges themselves. Most open by noon, begin to fill around 5pm, and close around midnight (earlier on Sunday). Recent legislation has allowed pubs to stay open later, but there may be conditions, including an earlier door-closing time or a small cover charge. Be ready to pub crawl—many pubs are so small that a single band of celebrating students will squeeze out other patrons.

• The Turf Tavern, 4 Bath Pl. (☎01865 243 235; www.theturftavern.co.uk), hidden off Holywell St. Arguably the most popular student bar in Oxford, this 13th-century pub is tucked in an alley off an alley, but that doesn’t stop just about everybody in Oxford from partaking in its 11 different ales. Bob Hawke, future prime minister of Australia, downed a yard of ale (over 2 pints) in a record 11 seconds here while at the university. Open M-Sa ­11am-­11pm, Su noon-­10:30pm. Kitchen open noon-­7:30pm.
• The King’s Arms, 40 Holywell St. Oxford’s unofficial student union. Until 1973, the bar was the last male-only pub in the UK. Now, the “KA,” as it’s called locally, has plenty of large tables for all patrons even when it’s busy. Open daily ­10:30am-midnight. Kitchen open ­11:30am-­9pm
• The Bear, 6 Alfred St. Patrons once exchanged their club neckties for a pint at this oldest and tiniest of Oxford’s many pubs. Over 4500 adorn the walls and ceiling of the pub, established in 1242. Unfortunately, the deal no longer applies. Open M-Th ­11:30am-­11pm, F-Sa ­11:30am-midnight, Su noon-­10:30pm.
• The White Horse, 52 Broad St. (☎01865 722 393; www.whitehorseoxford.co.uk), between the 2 entrances of Blackwell’s. Step back in time in this tiny, historic pub favored by locals. Supposedly haunted by a witch whose broomstick was found in the living room upstairs (where it remains untouched, for fear of provoking her ghost). Open daily ­11am-­11pm. Kitchen open until ­9pm
• The Jolly Farmers, 20 Paradise St. (☎07771 561 848; www.jollyfarmers.com), Oxford’s 1st gay and lesbian pub. Popular with students and 20-somethings, especially on weekends. The landlord’s standard poodle, Benson, is a regular and a main attraction. Get there early for a seat in the garden. Open daily noon-midnight.
• The Eagle and Child, 49 St. Giles A historic pub. The dark-paneled back (now middle) room hosted “The Inklings,” a group of 20th-century writers including CS Lewis and JRR Tolkien, who referred to it as the “Bird and Baby.” The Chronicles of Narnia and The Hobbit were first read aloud here. Open M-Th ­10am-­11pm, F-Sa ­10am-­11:30pm, Su ­10am-­10:30pm. Kitchen open noon-­9pm
• The Head of the River, Folly Bridge, St. Aldates This aptly named pub has the best location in all of Oxford to view the Thames, known locally as the Isis. Much bigger than the pubs closer to the town center, so you can be sure you’ll find a seat. The large beer garden fills up quickly in the early evening. Open M-Sa ­11am-­11pm, Su ­11:30am-­10:30pm. Kitchen open daily noon-­2:30pm and ­5-9pm
• St. Aldates Tavern, 108 St. Aldates Local charm and regional ales. Formerly called “the Hobgoblin,” the pub is rumored to be haunted. The ceiling is plastered with over 1200 ale labels, all of which went through the pub in 1 year. Student discount 10%. Open M-Sa noon-­11:30pm, Su noon-­10:30pm.
• Chequers Inn, 131 High St. Leather couches, brick fireplaces, and a heated beer garden make this a great place to kick off a pub crawl. Rustic decor and energetic atmosphere. Open M-Th and Su ­11am-­11:30pm, F-Sa ­11am-midnight.
• The Grapes, 7 George St. This Victorian pub hasn’t changed much since the 19th century. A veritable Oxford institution frequented by professors and students alike. Open M-W and Su ­11am-­11pm, Th-Sa ­11am-midnight.
• Lamb and Flag, 12 St. Giles St. A sign outside gives this down-to-earth watering hole’s succinct mission statement: “Honest Pub.” Founded in 1617 as the Lamb Inn, this pub also has its share of literary history. Graham Greene was a regular, and Thomas Hardy set part of Jude the Obscure here. Open M-Sa noon-11pm, Su noon-10:30pm
• Castle Tavern, 24 Paradise St. Recently converted into a gay-friendly pub after it was purchased by the current owner of the Jolly Farmers next door. On weekends, a DJ turns the basement into a club-style dance floor. Open M-Th noon-midnight, F-Sa noon-3am, Su noon-7pm
• The Red Lion, 14 Gloucester St. Popular for its spacious garden, above-average food, plasma TVs, and some of the cheapest pints in town. Sandwich and drink combo £4. Tu curry and drink special £5. Open daily 9am-12:30am. Kitchen open daily until 10pm. MC/V over £5.
• The Gloucester Arms, Friars entry In an alley off Gloucester St., behind the Red Lion. Calls itself “Oxford’s No. 1 Rock Pub,” and has the long hair, piercings, and beards to prove it. Music-themed posters cover the ceiling. Show off your best grunts and growls at M night heavy metal karaoke. Open M-Th 11am-midnight, F-Sa 11am-1am, Su noon-11pm
• O’Neills, 37 George St. (☎01865 250 708; www.oneills.co.uk), A place so Irish that even their fish and chips is battered in Guinness. Popular pre-club spot for students. Occasionally hosts live music. Open M-W and Su 11am-midnight, Th 11am-1am, F-Sa 11am-2am