The Best Oxford Pubs & Bars

Oxford is not home to some of the best universities in the world. Unsurprisingly, it’s also more than beautiful parks and old quads, for there are some incredible and quirky pubs and bars that have their doors always open to new visitors. In fact, there are new places opening all the time, so you can be certain there’s a space tailored to your taste. Whether you are passing through Oxford, have just started uni, or live here, take a look at some of the best pubs in Oxfordshire, learn how to find them (yep, some are hidden in little alleys), and what to order in each of them. 

My Favourite Places to Drink in Oxford

In the list below, you’ll find a list of some of my favourite places where you can get a drink, socialize, and even dance in Oxford. I’m adding more of them as I get a chance to visit and truly see what they have to offer, but you should already be able to find something suitable for you in here:

Oxford restaurants & Bars: The Varsity Club - My Review

The Varsity Club

The Varsity Club is one of Oxford’s most popular and stylish bars, offering a unique blend of classic charm and contemporary flair.

Read More »
Oxford Taverns: Turf Tavern. Image courtesy of Jack Mayo.

Turf Tavern Pub

The Turf Tavern is hidden away and accessed only by two small alleys. This historical pub has been around since the 16th century!

Read More »

Guided Pub Crawls and More

Can’t see your pub or bar listed? Please reach out to me using the contact form to add a free listing or check our advertising plans.

Things to Do in Oxford

Are you looking for other things to do while visiting or living in Oxford? Here are a few ideas for great pubs, bars, restaurants, historical places, museums and art galleries, and beautiful parks. 

Oxford Hotels: Heythrop Park Hotel. Image courtesy of Geograph.

Heythrop Park Hotel

All about Heythrop Park Hotel, a Grade II listed country house set within 440 acres of picturesque parkland near oxford.

Oxford Breakfast Locations: Brown's Cafe

Brown’s Café

Brown’s Café is a well-established spot in the Oxford Covered Market, serving traditional British fare since 1924.

Covered Market - Cardews of Oxford

Cardews of Oxford

Cardews of Oxford is a long-established, family-run tea and coffee specialist located in Oxford’s historic Covered Market.

Museums & Art Galleries

Antiques on High - Oxford Museums, Art Galleries and Antiques Shops

Antiques on High

Antiques on High is an antiques and art shop from Oxford founded in 1997 and open seven days a week. It has won several awards.

Aidan Meller Gallery - Oxford Museums and Art Galleries

Aidan Meller Gallery

Aidan Meller Gallery is one of Oxford’s longest-established specialist art galleries. They showcase modern, contemporary and old masters.

Historical Places

Oxford Examination Schools. Image courtesy of David Nicholls LRPS via Flickr Commons.

Oxford Examination Schools

The Oxford Examination Schools were designed with a specific purpose in mind: to host university exams in a dedicated, controlled environment.

Oxford Historical Bridges: Magdalen Bridge

Magdalen Bridge

Magdalen Bridge plays a significant role in Oxford’s cultural life, particularly during the annual May Morning celebrations.

Parks & Meadows

Oxford Parks & Open Spaces: Clarendon Quad

Clarendon Quad

Clarendon Quad is part of the Bodleian Library complex at the University of Oxford. It is adjacent to Radcliffe Square and Brasenose College.

Oxford Parks: Radcliffe Square - Most Photographed Spot

Radcliffe Square

Radcliffe Square is one of the most iconic and picturesque locations in Oxford, often considered the heart of the city’s historic landscape.