by Max Benster

‘WE SHALL NOT CEASE FROM EXPLORATION, AND THE END OF ALL OUR EXPLORING WILL BE TO ARRIVE WHERE WE STARTED AND KNOW THE PLACE FOR THE FIRST TIME.’ – T. S. Eliot

I think that one of the best things Oxford has going for it is the calibre of its pubs. I know of nowhere else that has as many incredible pubs in so small an area. Even in London, the pubs are usually a lot more spread out and, I think, not as nice. Oxford pubs are TRULY special. 

I also think it is a sad truth that many Oxford students go through their degree without really exploring the different pubs the city has to offer. Oriel students are very bad when it comes to this. I love the local as much as the next person, don’t get me wrong, but you’re missing a trick if you don’t explore all the very different pubs Oxford has to offer. As Petrarch wrote, ‘Sameness is the mother of disgust, variety the cure.’ Wise words, Petrarch, wise words indeed. Even if you’re not big on drinking, these are still beautiful and often historic places that I think are worth seeing regardless – if only just for a can of coke and a giggle with friends.  

For these two reasons, I want to draw attention to a few of the best pubs that are not frequently visited by Oriel students. Hopefully this will encourage a bit more variety (not Chequers and the Bear, again!), and inspire a few people to go exploring this term – what could possibly be a more fun activity for Hilary! In the words of Atticus Garlick (the king of Middlesbrough), ‘whether you’re looking for a session pub, or just a swift one’, I hope this list will prove a useful reference point.

So, my list of the best pubs in Oxford, most underrated by Oriel, is as follows: 

*Thanks to Miranda for taking me to half of them. It is to her that I dedicate this work. in cervisia veritas.

North(-ish) Oxford:  

The Rose and Crown (10/10) – GOATED 

The Gardener’s Arms (both ones – on North Parade (6/10) and Plantation Road (8/10)) 

Jericho: 

Bookbinders (10/10) – GOATED (more goated than the little hobbit penalty merchant)

The Rickety Press (7/10)  

The Victoria (9/10) 

The Harcourt Arms (8.5/10) 

Jericho Tavern (4/10 most days, 10/10 on Mondays, when the imps are there) 

Cowley: 

The Port Mahon (8/10) 

The Oxford Blue (9/10)  

The Fir Tree (7/10) 

The Rusty Bicycle (9/10) 

The City Arms (6/10) – not anything special but close to Bartlemas and Wing Wednesday there is the archbishop of epicness

The Old Black Horse – never been but really want to go 

The Chester Arms (8/10) 

For the Summer: 

The Perch (9/10) 

The Medley (10/10) – GOATED 

The Victoria Arms (7.5/10) 

The Isis farmhouse (7/10) 

A bit further out: 

The Red Lion (Marston) – never been but want to go 

The Prince of Wales (Iffley) – never been but want to go 

The William Morris (Temple Cowley) – never been but want to go 

The Blackbird (Blackbird Leys) (7/10) – perfect if you’ve just been to watch the football or for a game of ten pin bowling

Tap Social (Botley) (10/10) – GOATED

The Trout (Wolvercote) (8/10) – Went there today for lunch. Was fabulous. Do recommend if you get a chance.