Latest reviews for Bars & Pubs in Oxford, United Kingdom

The Original Swan - David's review on The Original Swan in Oxford by David35

David35 — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 11:55:54 +0000

Review by David35

Rating: 1.00The venue is an excellent setting, typical of the pubs in this touristic city.

However, the current innkeeper displays a serious lack of tact and diplomacy towards the clientele, bordering arrogance at best and a tendency towards exhibiting a xenophobic attitude at worst.

If you are not a member or sympathiser of the BNP, or enjoy having your alcohol intake monitored or metered in public, you would be well advised of the existence of alternative drinking establishments in the vicinity.
The venue is an excellent setting, typical of the pubs in this touristic city.

However, the current innkeeper displays a serious lack of tact and diplomacy towards the clientele, bordering arrogance at best and a tendency towards exhibiting a xenophobic attitude at worst.

If you are not a member or sympathiser of the BNP, or enjoy having your alcohol intake monitored or metered in public, you would be well advised of the existence of alternative drinking establishments in the vicinity.

The Original Swan - David's review on The Original Swan in Oxford by David35

David35 — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 11:52:05 +0000

Review by David35

Rating: 1.00

Phone: 01865 778888

Website: http://www.swindonweb.com/arkells/

Tags: traditional, pool tables

The venue is an excellent setting, typical of the pubs in the city.

However, the current innkeeper displays a serious lack of tact and diplomacy towards the clientele, bordering arrogance at best and a tendency towards exhibiting a xenophobic attitude at worst.

If you are not a member or sympathiser of the BNP, or do not enjoy having your alcohol intake monitored or metered in public, you would be well advised of the existence of alternative drinking establishments in the vicinity.

The venue is an excellent setting, typical of the pubs in the city.

However, the current innkeeper displays a serious lack of tact and diplomacy towards the clientele, bordering arrogance at best and a tendency towards exhibiting a xenophobic attitude at worst.

If you are not a member or sympathiser of the BNP, or do not enjoy having your alcohol intake monitored or metered in public, you would be well advised of the existence of alternative drinking establishments in the vicinity.

Perch Inn - very disappointing by WIDGET1

WIDGET1 — Fri, 02 Oct 2009 10:13:48 +0000

Review by WIDGET1

Rating: 1.00Was at the Perch recently for a very special family occasion which had been booked for a long time and feel completely let down and utterly disappointed! The service was awful as was the food but I will get onto that later...
It was for my grandparents 60th wedding anniversay and we had told the staff this previously yet from the moment we walked in they made no effort to make us feel welcome.
To start, we were told that both the white and the red wines we ordered were not available, no apology was given, just a shrug of the shoulders to tell us to get on with it. So, we decided to sit back for a while and take in the atmosphere while we waited for our drinks, only to hear christmas music playing in the background! I love christmas but over 3 months away from christmas I thought this was ridiculous and only added to their couldn't care less attitude, I assume no-one had checked!
When the wines did arrive, they poured a glass for us each and for the rest of the meal my father had to act as waiter as no effort was made to top up our glasses, shocking when you look at the prices they charge.
We were a big party and everyone seemed ok about their starters, however the mains were awful. Some people had the steak and at paying over Â£16 for it you'd expect it to be edible. My boyfriend is not a fussy eater unyet he was unable to finish it. Chewy and tasteless were the words used. Many of us had the shellfish, some of which had to be sent back as none of the shells were open! Once i got round to tasting them it tasted like a bit of seafood in water!
When we got round to cutting the cake, we had to use napkins to hand it out at first as no plated were given.

It was my grandparents special day and would have at least expected the staff to wish them a happy anniversary or perhaps give them a glass of bubbly to make up for their inept performance but nothing was forthcoming.

It took the shine off what was supposed to be a very memorable day for us all and will never return here again.Was at the Perch recently for a very special family occasion which had been booked for a long time and feel completely let down and utterly disappointed! The service was awful as was the food but I will get onto that later...
It was for my grandparents 60th wedding anniversay and we had told the staff this previously yet from the moment we walked in they made no effort to make us feel welcome.
To start, we were told that both the white and the red wines we ordered were not available, no apology was given, just a shrug of the shoulders to tell us to get on with it. So, we decided to sit back for a while and take in the atmosphere while we waited for our drinks, only to hear christmas music playing in the background! I love christmas but over 3 months away from christmas I thought this was ridiculous and only added to their couldn't care less attitude, I assume no-one had checked!
When the wines did arrive, they poured a glass for us each and for the rest of the meal my father had to act as waiter as no effort was made to top up our glasses, shocking when you look at the prices they charge.
We were a big party and everyone seemed ok about their starters, however the mains were awful. Some people had the steak and at paying over Â£16 for it you'd expect it to be edible. My boyfriend is not a fussy eater unyet he was unable to finish it. Chewy and tasteless were the words used. Many of us had the shellfish, some of which had to be sent back as none of the shells were open! Once i got round to tasting them it tasted like a bit of seafood in water!
When we got round to cutting the cake, we had to use napkins to hand it out at first as no plated were given.

It was my grandparents special day and would have at least expected the staff to wish them a happy anniversary or perhaps give them a glass of bubbly to make up for their inept performance but nothing was forthcoming.

It took the shine off what was supposed to be a very memorable day for us all and will never return here again.

The Isis Tavern - Avoid if you can by johnsmith315

johnsmith315 — Sat, 08 Aug 2009 18:18:32 +0000

Review by johnsmith315

Rating: 1.00

Tags: beer garden, friendly, different pub food

I was buying a pint here when I saw someone being charged for a glass of water. In an extremely rude way.
You'd need Mystic Meg to let you know if they've decided to serve food at any realistic times. Never going again.I was buying a pint here when I saw someone being charged for a glass of water. In an extremely rude way.
You'd need Mystic Meg to let you know if they've decided to serve food at any realistic times. Never going again.

The Folly Bridge Inn - Quality Quiz Pub by CHARLIEG72

CHARLIEG72 — Mon, 04 May 2009 18:27:44 +0000

Review by CHARLIEG72

Rating: 5.00

Phone: 01865 790106

Tags: live music, friendly, beer garden

Let's just say Thursday night at The Folly is a must for everyday 'Quizzers' as it has an excellent mix of topics/questions.Other nights are also good if you like your pub games or just watching on their large T.V's.All in all we've always had a good time when passing through-if in need of Sunday Lunch then this also is a fine example of 'good home cooking'(big portions to).Let's just say Thursday night at The Folly is a must for everyday 'Quizzers' as it has an excellent mix of topics/questions.Other nights are also good if you like your pub games or just watching on their large T.V's.All in all we've always had a good time when passing through-if in need of Sunday Lunch then this also is a fine example of 'good home cooking'(big portions to).

White Horse - Small but perfectly formed by oxfordian1

oxfordian1 — Wed, 07 Jan 2009 22:50:14 +0000

Review by oxfordian1

Rating: 4.00

Phone: 01865 728318

Tags: relaxed, food, friendly

Located opposite the Sheldonian Theatre and the Bodleian Library, The White Horse couldn't be more historical if it tried. Fortunately it hasn't tried and remains a good old fashioned beer house. I was once informed that it was Winston Churchill's favorite pub, but as he is unlikely to dispute this it is a claim that many pubs might have made. Presuming Woodstock's favorite son did frink here I suspect he would have quickly clogged it up with smoke, and I still fondly remember the days when raw lungs were included in the price of a pint at this pub. I know we'll all live longer and I have long since given up myself, but I still think these town centre drinking holes lack something since the ban.

Location dictates a surplus of students and tourists at most times. The fact that it is little more than a corridor with a bar and chairs crammed in sees them often spilling out onto Broad Street, but they are generally a good natured bunch, more likely to be parsing latin verbs than obstructing passers-by. I've had some vvery enjoyable nights in here though, and the beer is generally well kept with something interesting normally on tap.Located opposite the Sheldonian Theatre and the Bodleian Library, The White Horse couldn't be more historical if it tried. Fortunately it hasn't tried and remains a good old fashioned beer house. I was once informed that it was Winston Churchill's favorite pub, but as he is unlikely to dispute this it is a claim that many pubs might have made. Presuming Woodstock's favorite son did frink here I suspect he would have quickly clogged it up with smoke, and I still fondly remember the days when raw lungs were included in the price of a pint at this pub. I know we'll all live longer and I have long since given up myself, but I still think these town centre drinking holes lack something since the ban.

Location dictates a surplus of students and tourists at most times. The fact that it is little more than a corridor with a bar and chairs crammed in sees them often spilling out onto Broad Street, but they are generally a good natured bunch, more likely to be parsing latin verbs than obstructing passers-by. I've had some vvery enjoyable nights in here though, and the beer is generally well kept with something interesting normally on tap.

The Black Boy - Right food, right time, right place! by oxfordian1

oxfordian1 — Sun, 04 Jan 2009 20:28:10 +0000

Review by oxfordian1

Rating: 5.00

Phone: 01865 763234

Tags: relaxed, food, friendly

The description of the Black Boy given on Trusted Places is plain wrong. It does not have Sky TV, and is not even really a pub any more.

It is much better than that. Headington has long needed a classy place to eat out and with this latest incarnation of the Black Boy, it finally has one - HOORAY!

Seated in historic Old Headington, a stone's throw from St Andrews Church, the exterior of the Black Boy is a little dowdy compared to its neighbours. Happily that's nothing a few potted plants and some bushes won't cure, and from here on in its good news all the way. Walk in through the doors into a cosy sofa/lounge area. Turn left and the decor really has a wow factor - bright and airy with lots of nice features to look at.

But its the food that is the star turn here. For a start its a lot less than at many foodie pubs, not to mention the legions of faceless dining factories out there (Q. "Have you eaten at a (fill in brand name here) before?" A. "Do you think I'd be here now if I had?".) What is more , for the money you get dishes that, whilst not so exotic as to terrify the great british diner, will certainly give you something to chew over. Potato soup with truffle oil made a nice change on a winters day, Smoked Haddock Fishcake with a herb salad and a lemon beurre blanc with tomato concasse and chives - was refreshing as a main course, and especially for Â£8.95. If you are going for all three courses it will probably cost between Â£15 and Â£20, but in truth one or 2 courses (cÂ£8 to Â£12) would probably do most people. Yes, of course I had three!

Everyone in my group thoroughly enjoyed their food, and there was plenty to keep the veggies happy too. I just hope that this venture has not been started at exactly the wrong time. The food is almost too good to be believed at the prices and The Black Boy is frankly too good to be allowed to fail. If you live in Headington do yourself a favour and give this place a try. In a time of recession we all look for value for money. Hidden away in a corner of Headington you will find it.The description of the Black Boy given on Trusted Places is plain wrong. It does not have Sky TV, and is not even really a pub any more.

It is much better than that. Headington has long needed a classy place to eat out and with this latest incarnation of the Black Boy, it finally has one - HOORAY!

Seated in historic Old Headington, a stone's throw from St Andrews Church, the exterior of the Black Boy is a little dowdy compared to its neighbours. Happily that's nothing a few potted plants and some bushes won't cure, and from here on in its good news all the way. Walk in through the doors into a cosy sofa/lounge area. Turn left and the decor really has a wow factor - bright and airy with lots of nice features to look at.

But its the food that is the star turn here. For a start its a lot less than at many foodie pubs, not to mention the legions of faceless dining factories out there (Q. "Have you eaten at a (fill in brand name here) before?" A. "Do you think I'd be here now if I had?".) What is more , for the money you get dishes that, whilst not so exotic as to terrify the great british diner, will certainly give you something to chew over. Potato soup with truffle oil made a nice change on a winters day, Smoked Haddock Fishcake with a herb salad and a lemon beurre blanc with tomato concasse and chives - was refreshing as a main course, and especially for Â£8.95. If you are going for all three courses it will probably cost between Â£15 and Â£20, but in truth one or 2 courses (cÂ£8 to Â£12) would probably do most people. Yes, of course I had three!

Everyone in my group thoroughly enjoyed their food, and there was plenty to keep the veggies happy too. I just hope that this venture has not been started at exactly the wrong time. The food is almost too good to be believed at the prices and The Black Boy is frankly too good to be allowed to fail. If you live in Headington do yourself a favour and give this place a try. In a time of recession we all look for value for money. Hidden away in a corner of Headington you will find it.

The Royal Blenheim - Great beer in Oxford City centre - shurely not? by oxfordian1

oxfordian1 — Tue, 30 Dec 2008 18:22:41 +0000

Review by oxfordian1

Rating: 4.00

Phone: 01865 242 355

Tags: live music, relaxed, food

A result!

Only viewed from outside, I had always viewed the Blenheim as a 70's throw back, awash with yellowing men in pattern sweaters arguing about not-very-current events.

So last night when I was taken there against my judgement, if not my wishes (ultimately they would still be selling beer), it was with a grim resolve to make the most of it and not get into a conversation with anyone who displayed his name on his knuckles or spelled out in his jewellery.

The decor wasn't initially promising - it is a genuinely traditional pub as opposed to those which claim authenticity by nailing the contents of your grandad's garage to the walls and ceiling. This one is plain, with a tiled floor and lots of tables, with some nice little nooks to settle in for a session.

I believe it has been kept functional, because this pub exists to serve a higher purpose - to serve very good, well kept beer, at reasonable prices.

You can get an excellent pint of White Horse brewery's ale for Â£2.50 a pint, and if this is not exactly going to keep the credit crunch at bay, its certainly going to do more to take you mind off it than a 2.5% drop in VAT. In the cause of science I tested 4 beers last night and they were all very, very nice. I will be back for more.

They also do food butI can't comment because they didn't have it on that night - it was Xmas. I could put in a request for veggie breakfasts though. Just stick 3 veggie sausages on instead of the sausage and bacon, and watch them fly out the kitchen.

I really hope to see this pub thrive. It will be an asset to the honest drinking folk of Oxford, who just want the right to drink good beer and lots of it. Belnheim, I salute you, and all who drink in you.
A result!

Only viewed from outside, I had always viewed the Blenheim as a 70's throw back, awash with yellowing men in pattern sweaters arguing about not-very-current events.

So last night when I was taken there against my judgement, if not my wishes (ultimately they would still be selling beer), it was with a grim resolve to make the most of it and not get into a conversation with anyone who displayed his name on his knuckles or spelled out in his jewellery.

The decor wasn't initially promising - it is a genuinely traditional pub as opposed to those which claim authenticity by nailing the contents of your grandad's garage to the walls and ceiling. This one is plain, with a tiled floor and lots of tables, with some nice little nooks to settle in for a session.

I believe it has been kept functional, because this pub exists to serve a higher purpose - to serve very good, well kept beer, at reasonable prices.

You can get an excellent pint of White Horse brewery's ale for Â£2.50 a pint, and if this is not exactly going to keep the credit crunch at bay, its certainly going to do more to take you mind off it than a 2.5% drop in VAT. In the cause of science I tested 4 beers last night and they were all very, very nice. I will be back for more.

They also do food butI can't comment because they didn't have it on that night - it was Xmas. I could put in a request for veggie breakfasts though. Just stick 3 veggie sausages on instead of the sausage and bacon, and watch them fly out the kitchen.

I really hope to see this pub thrive. It will be an asset to the honest drinking folk of Oxford, who just want the right to drink good beer and lots of it. Belnheim, I salute you, and all who drink in you.

Bear Inn - Historical, a bit touristy, but still a favourite! by oxfordian1

oxfordian1 — Thu, 25 Dec 2008 20:59:27 +0000

Review by oxfordian1

Rating: 4.00

Tags: posh, relaxed, friendly

If I need to meet somone for a drink in Oxford City centre The Bear is often the first name that I come up with. It is a small pub with ye olde oake beams and low ceilings, dripping with history and tradition, which it does rather wear on its sleeve. For many years it sported a large collection of ties hung from the bar ceiling, although these have thankfully now been relegated to display cases. I dare say that after 50 years of being there someone suddenly decided they were an imminent fire hazard.

Sadly The Bear is not far enough off the beaten track to avoid tourists - indeed it may well be on the IVY League postgraduate syllabus. For all that it is friendly with a lively feel, and the beer seems well kept. For such a small pub you are seldom left waiting long at the bar either. I've never eaten there (and i am not even sure if they do food) so can't rate that.If I need to meet somone for a drink in Oxford City centre The Bear is often the first name that I come up with. It is a small pub with ye olde oake beams and low ceilings, dripping with history and tradition, which it does rather wear on its sleeve. For many years it sported a large collection of ties hung from the bar ceiling, although these have thankfully now been relegated to display cases. I dare say that after 50 years of being there someone suddenly decided they were an imminent fire hazard.

Sadly The Bear is not far enough off the beaten track to avoid tourists - indeed it may well be on the IVY League postgraduate syllabus. For all that it is friendly with a lively feel, and the beer seems well kept. For such a small pub you are seldom left waiting long at the bar either. I've never eaten there (and i am not even sure if they do food) so can't rate that.

The Oxford Blue - Great Sunday Lunch Plus Footie on TV by oxfordian1

oxfordian1 — Fri, 21 Nov 2008 22:47:50 +0000

Review by oxfordian1

Rating: 4.00

Phone: 01865 723898

Tags: posh, relaxed, food

Several of us had a great Sunday lunch here recently. I don't know what its like in the week but the sunday roasts were lovely, well presented and generous, and everything else, including the veggie food was good too. If it was down to me and my son we'd be back again very soon because it has all the essentials - nice food, football on telly and beer and fizzy orange. The staff were very relaxed although perhaps too relaxed as service was very slow. recommend that you book a table as the word has obviously spread about the food and it was busy. Decor was simple and comfortable, crowd were mainly students and young professionals - but then it is between Cowley and Iffley Road.Several of us had a great Sunday lunch here recently. I don't know what its like in the week but the sunday roasts were lovely, well presented and generous, and everything else, including the veggie food was good too. If it was down to me and my son we'd be back again very soon because it has all the essentials - nice food, football on telly and beer and fizzy orange. The staff were very relaxed although perhaps too relaxed as service was very slow. recommend that you book a table as the word has obviously spread about the food and it was busy. Decor was simple and comfortable, crowd were mainly students and young professionals - but then it is between Cowley and Iffley Road.

The White Hart - Olde worlde with lovely garden by oxfordian1

oxfordian1 — Fri, 21 Nov 2008 21:56:11 +0000

Review by oxfordian1

Rating: 4.00

Tags: posh, relaxed, friendly

Tucked away in the heart of Old Headington, and just across from the church, the White Hart has long been a great little place for a good night's drinking. With beams and stonework to spare it has atmosphere to spare.

There are normally at least 2 or 3 well kept guest beers, along with Tiger and the cold yellow gassy stuff. A very nice walled garden makes it particularly popular in the summer, but its seldom empty. Frequented by a well mixed and friendly crowd of younger and older professionals and (often) well heeled locals. Perennially popular amongst doctors and nurses from the nearby JR.

I believe it has recently started doing food as well - but I haven't eaten there so can't comment on that.Tucked away in the heart of Old Headington, and just across from the church, the White Hart has long been a great little place for a good night's drinking. With beams and stonework to spare it has atmosphere to spare.

There are normally at least 2 or 3 well kept guest beers, along with Tiger and the cold yellow gassy stuff. A very nice walled garden makes it particularly popular in the summer, but its seldom empty. Frequented by a well mixed and friendly crowd of younger and older professionals and (often) well heeled locals. Perennially popular amongst doctors and nurses from the nearby JR.

I believe it has recently started doing food as well - but I haven't eaten there so can't comment on that.

The Abingdon Arms - Great food, lovely garden, take parents! by oxfordian1

oxfordian1 — Fri, 21 Nov 2008 21:24:44 +0000

Review by oxfordian1

Rating: 4.00

Tags: relaxed, friendly, independent pub

A great place to take your parents, which is exactly what I do when they are here (and paying!). Not quite a gastro pub, but better for that as it lacks the pretension. Generous portions of consistently interesting, and better than average, pub food. Has a lovely garden for letting the kids off the lead in the summer, and a cosy open fire in the winter. Very nice atmosphere and plenty of indoor dining space, but gets popular especially at weekends, so it pays to phone ahead. I've been about 10 times and not been disappointed yet.A great place to take your parents, which is exactly what I do when they are here (and paying!). Not quite a gastro pub, but better for that as it lacks the pretension. Generous portions of consistently interesting, and better than average, pub food. Has a lovely garden for letting the kids off the lead in the summer, and a cosy open fire in the winter. Very nice atmosphere and plenty of indoor dining space, but gets popular especially at weekends, so it pays to phone ahead. I've been about 10 times and not been disappointed yet.

Angel & Greyhound - Heavenly with no music by oxfordian1

oxfordian1 — Fri, 21 Nov 2008 21:16:05 +0000

Review by oxfordian1

Rating: 4.00

Phone: 01865 242660

Website: http://www.youngs.co.uk

Tags: relaxed, friendly, students

Consistently popular but seldom overcrowded, the Angel and Greyhound is set apart for one thing in partiuclar. Blissfully it has no music, so people talk. Beers are normally well kept and if the standard Yuongs range prevents them from being too interesting, they are at least well kept. Staff are always friendly and seem to enjoy being there. Food always feels like something of an afterthought - you eat because you are there, you do not go there to eat. Interestingly, given the lack of music, the crowd is probably 40% student, with 60% young and middle aged professional types. Large smoking garden to rear seems popular all year round.Consistently popular but seldom overcrowded, the Angel and Greyhound is set apart for one thing in partiuclar. Blissfully it has no music, so people talk. Beers are normally well kept and if the standard Yuongs range prevents them from being too interesting, they are at least well kept. Staff are always friendly and seem to enjoy being there. Food always feels like something of an afterthought - you eat because you are there, you do not go there to eat. Interestingly, given the lack of music, the crowd is probably 40% student, with 60% young and middle aged professional types. Large smoking garden to rear seems popular all year round.

Gardener's Arms - Beer, Veggie Food and Atmosphere by oxfordian1

oxfordian1 — Fri, 21 Nov 2008 21:05:54 +0000

Review by oxfordian1

Rating: 5.00

Phone: 01865 554007

Tags: relaxed, food, friendly

Only in Oxford would you find a pub which serves a good range of well kept beers - real ale and unusual import lagers, has a genuine vegetarian menu which actually qualifies as filling, interesting and fun, and attract a combination of happy locals and well informed beer drinkers. Well informed because you do not exactly stumble across this pub. Take a map if you haven't been before.

But once you get there its great. Personally I think it lost something with the smoking ban, as you can now see beyond the end of your nose, but in spite of that I can't recommend this pub too highly.Only in Oxford would you find a pub which serves a good range of well kept beers - real ale and unusual import lagers, has a genuine vegetarian menu which actually qualifies as filling, interesting and fun, and attract a combination of happy locals and well informed beer drinkers. Well informed because you do not exactly stumble across this pub. Take a map if you haven't been before.

But once you get there its great. Personally I think it lost something with the smoking ban, as you can now see beyond the end of your nose, but in spite of that I can't recommend this pub too highly.

Trout Inn - Beautiful riverside pub by kspence

kspence — Tue, 07 Oct 2008 22:42:04 +0000

Review by kspence

Rating: 5.00

Phone: 01865 302071

Tags: friendly, beer garden, excellent pub food

The Trout Inn is very well known locally and for fans of the television programme as the â¬ÜInspector Morse pubâ¬". This has had a slightly unfortunate effect because the place is generally mobbed at popular times; the road through the village of Wolvercote is narrow and winding and high-walled at best and because of the pubâ¬"s popularity, you run a real risk â¬ either as motorist or pedestrian â¬ of being involved in a road traffic accident when trying to get to, or from, this hostelry. I also seem to remember some foolishness about the pub car-park being located a few tens of metres down on the opposite side of the (narrow and winding) road from the pub, which doesnâ¬"t help the situation. There is good reason for this though â¬ since the pub is situated directly on the banks of the river Thames.

I see from the other reviews this is reputedly a gastro-pub and although I usually pay attention to these things, I havenâ¬"t the slightest recollection of what I ate there when I visited. Five stars still, though, for if nothing else the utter beauty of its setting, which has made me quite forgetful of the usual practicalities of eating out. This isnâ¬"t to detract from the many qualities of this pub of course â¬ which is nicely appointed indoors and out, has a lovely terrace seating area on the river-bank, takes card payments (fortunately, becasue it's not exactly cheap), and does good food and a range of beers and beverages etc. etc. etc. But what ideally youâ¬"ll remember if you go is the sight of the green willows and the lazy river, that wooden footbridge, and if youâ¬"re lucky, the peacocks sitting on it in a gentle, hazy rain...itâ¬"s almost too pretty to be believed, really.
The Trout Inn is very well known locally and for fans of the television programme as the â¬ÜInspector Morse pubâ¬". This has had a slightly unfortunate effect because the place is generally mobbed at popular times; the road through the village of Wolvercote is narrow and winding and high-walled at best and because of the pubâ¬"s popularity, you run a real risk â¬ either as motorist or pedestrian â¬ of being involved in a road traffic accident when trying to get to, or from, this hostelry. I also seem to remember some foolishness about the pub car-park being located a few tens of metres down on the opposite side of the (narrow and winding) road from the pub, which doesnâ¬"t help the situation. There is good reason for this though â¬ since the pub is situated directly on the banks of the river Thames.

I see from the other reviews this is reputedly a gastro-pub and although I usually pay attention to these things, I havenâ¬"t the slightest recollection of what I ate there when I visited. Five stars still, though, for if nothing else the utter beauty of its setting, which has made me quite forgetful of the usual practicalities of eating out. This isnâ¬"t to detract from the many qualities of this pub of course â¬ which is nicely appointed indoors and out, has a lovely terrace seating area on the river-bank, takes card payments (fortunately, becasue it's not exactly cheap), and does good food and a range of beers and beverages etc. etc. etc. But what ideally youâ¬"ll remember if you go is the sight of the green willows and the lazy river, that wooden footbridge, and if youâ¬"re lucky, the peacocks sitting on it in a gentle, hazy rain...itâ¬"s almost too pretty to be believed, really.

All Bar One - My Review by bradavon

bradavon — Sat, 13 Sep 2008 12:17:46 +0000

Review by bradavon

Rating: 4.00

Phone: 01865 258991

Website: http://www.mbplc.com

Tags: friendly, relaxed, young and fun

Good:

Selection of beers and wines, food, atmosphere, people who go there.

Bad:

The acoustics are poor (you can always hear everyone's conversations) and their strict kicking out at 11:00/11:30 policy is a wee bit annoying.

Contrary to the fact I've written more negative I would recommend All-Bar-One. It's one of Baths better bars.Good:

Selection of beers and wines, food, atmosphere, people who go there.

Bad:

The acoustics are poor (you can always hear everyone's conversations) and their strict kicking out at 11:00/11:30 policy is a wee bit annoying.

Contrary to the fact I've written more negative I would recommend All-Bar-One. It's one of Baths better bars.

The Lamb - Wonderful Country Pub by magic_mummy

magic_mummy — Wed, 03 Sep 2008 18:40:12 +0000

Review by magic_mummy

Rating: 4.00

Tags: traditional pub, beer garden, excellent pub food

This is a lovely country pub. It has ample parking and a childrens play area, complete with 2 rescue donkeys. The staff are friendly and helpful and so are the landlords Ian and Des. The food is tasty and well priced and the menu extensive with lots of specials. The roast dinners are wonderful!This is a lovely country pub. It has ample parking and a childrens play area, complete with 2 rescue donkeys. The staff are friendly and helpful and so are the landlords Ian and Des. The food is tasty and well priced and the menu extensive with lots of specials. The roast dinners are wonderful!

The Goose Of Gloucester - Cheap as chips by loyd

loyd — Wed, 03 Sep 2008 16:28:29 +0000

Review by loyd

Rating: 4.00

Phone: 01865 726255

Tags: food, friendly, trendy

The Goose is one of the few places in Oxford where you can pick up a sub-Â£2 pint. This does mean that some of the clientÃ¨le are a little on the scruffy side, with a lot of students thrown in. There are some great promotions to be had, such as a beer and burger for under a fiver.

Bouncers can be a little rude, although they are a reassuring presence. The Goose is a great venue if you are after a nice meal in the day, where it tends to be a little less manic than a Friday night: the bar frequently disappears from view.

A great cheap pub, but sometimes a little crowded.The Goose is one of the few places in Oxford where you can pick up a sub-Â£2 pint. This does mean that some of the clientÃ¨le are a little on the scruffy side, with a lot of students thrown in. There are some great promotions to be had, such as a beer and burger for under a fiver.

Bouncers can be a little rude, although they are a reassuring presence. The Goose is a great venue if you are after a nice meal in the day, where it tends to be a little less manic than a Friday night: the bar frequently disappears from view.

A great cheap pub, but sometimes a little crowded.

Turf Tavern - Magic by loyd

loyd — Wed, 03 Sep 2008 14:36:34 +0000

Review by loyd

Rating: 5.00

Phone: 01865 243235

Website: http://www.theturftavern.co.uk

Tags: relaxed, friendly, students

The Turf Tavern is simply the most magical pub in the whole of Oxford, perhaps even the world. As you head through the sunken passageways to find it, I always feel slightly excited, as if travelling to some far off world.

As you enter the Tavern, don't be thrown by the various seating areas... simply head to the bar (either side of it) and choose from one of the many varieties of traditional ales and ciders (Old Rosie is a particular favourite).

If you time your visit right, especially during summer, there may be a BBQ outside serving exceptional burgers at reasonable prices. If not, there is always the food served from the bar (although they stop serving quite early). Prices are very fair, drinks are a little steeper but you really don't mind as it truly is a wonderful pub.

Staff are always fantastic!The Turf Tavern is simply the most magical pub in the whole of Oxford, perhaps even the world. As you head through the sunken passageways to find it, I always feel slightly excited, as if travelling to some far off world.

As you enter the Tavern, don't be thrown by the various seating areas... simply head to the bar (either side of it) and choose from one of the many varieties of traditional ales and ciders (Old Rosie is a particular favourite).

If you time your visit right, especially during summer, there may be a BBQ outside serving exceptional burgers at reasonable prices. If not, there is always the food served from the bar (although they stop serving quite early). Prices are very fair, drinks are a little steeper but you really don't mind as it truly is a wonderful pub.

Staff are always fantastic!

The Fishes - Best place to eat out in the Botley area by Oaktree

Oaktree — Mon, 25 Aug 2008 22:41:31 +0000

Review by Oaktree

Rating: 5.00

Tags: posh, relaxed, friendly

When I lived in Botley, one of the highlights was an occasional walk down the road to the Fishes. While it's possible to sit there all evening relaxing with friends over a drink or two, the thing that sets this place apart is the quality of the food. It really is excellent!

Although I always walked there (and if you're on the bus you'll have to walk the last bit), car owners needn't feel left out, though the road is narrow and windy in places! There's also the opportunity of a post-lunch stroll into town taking the scenic route of the nearby (well-signposted) footpath.
When I lived in Botley, one of the highlights was an occasional walk down the road to the Fishes. While it's possible to sit there all evening relaxing with friends over a drink or two, the thing that sets this place apart is the quality of the food. It really is excellent!

Although I always walked there (and if you're on the bus you'll have to walk the last bit), car owners needn't feel left out, though the road is narrow and windy in places! There's also the opportunity of a post-lunch stroll into town taking the scenic route of the nearby (well-signposted) footpath.