A hidden gem in Oxford's history. Truly, a hidden gem. I almost don't want to write this because I want it kept hidden for as long as possible! Service was great in a bustling dining room. This 19th-century tavern is nothing short of charming and cozy, serving some fantastic meals. You can't go wrong with their Steak & Ale Pie and Fish & Chips. read more

See all

The Turf Tavern is Oxford's second oldest pub, as it was founded in 1381! It's a hidden spot down a meandering alleyway located against the mediaeval remains of Oxford's city walls. The interior is downright medieval with low ceilings (watch your head!), low lights, and plenty of seating. They also have an open and airy beer garden for better weather days. You can either order at the bar, or use their QR code at the tables to order online which was helpful. The pub food was great, the pints kept pouring, and we made some new friends in a very old pub. Come for the history and stay for a proper pub experience. It's definitely worth the trouble of seeking this one out. read more

The Turf Tavern - Pubs Near Me - Oxford, OXF

See all

We took a walking tour of Oxford and our guide pointed us to The Turf Tavern as a great spot to get a pint. "An education in intoxication" is their motto, and the place had quite a few college students within giving that a try. Placards proclaim this as the pub where Bill Clinton infamously smoked but "didn't inhale" (it's near his old dorm nearby in the alley) and a list of famous guests from history who've lifted an elbow here. I had an ale and a "butterbeer", my wife a rum and coke. Prices moderate, service friendly, good place to rest your feet for a bit while walking around Oxford. It's a welcoming, cozy overall vibe. read more

Beer and atmosphere were excellent, truly top tier. Food was just fine, but I don't really care. Tried the Mac and cheese and it was excellent though. Service app works well read more

The Turf Tavern - 1381 Ale - Pubs Near Me - Oxford, OXF

FIRST SUNDAY ROAST EVERRRR!! the roasted meat was good, kinda plain, tbh everything was kinda plain, but the gravy makes up for it!! yorkshire pudding was pretty good, i liked the texture (it's the bread thing, i was expecting pudding lol). the roasted veggies was crunchy and the potato's were okay. star of the show was def the gravy, pretty flavorful and very rich. i wish they gave me more of the gravy though. yummy rating: 6.5/10 read more

The Turf Tavern - Pubs Near Me - Oxford, OXF

Food: Sunday Roast (chicken), impossible burger, and sticky toffee with custard. Disappointed that they were out of roast so hubby had to get chicken and also out of ice cream so had to get custard. The chicken was moist and it was fun to experience a Sunday Roast at a pub. Service: grab any table and there is a QR code on the table to order and pay and they will bring you your food. Ambiance: quite a bit of flies and bees but you're outside so what do you expect? read more

See all

Stopped in for lunch while exploring Oxford. We'd just come from the Hertford Bridge and were looking for a place to eat. My wife had spoken of a pub she'd heard about so we went looking. Thanks to the help of a gps, we found it! Hidden down a narrow alley was the Turf Tavern. Fun little pub, with great beer and pub grub. The ambiance was nice and airy in the upstairs area and the downstairs was so cool, almost dungeon-like! Staff members were friendly and the food was really good. We were able to order through their website, pay, and a short time later, our food arrived at our table. So convenient! We ordered burgers, mac and cheese and a Korean style chicken sandwich. All were delicious and no one left hungry! Cool place to stop in for lunch and have a pint and definitely worth the search! read more

See all

An education in intoxication...The Turf Tavern should be a "must" on your Oxford places to have a drink or bite to eat. I'm also adding it to my "must return" to places as I just did not get to experience enough of it. As you enter you are immediately struck by the low ceilings and traditional pub vibe. Dating back to 1831, you can't go wrong staying inside or heading outside to enjoy the beer garden. It is also famous for being the pub where Bill Clinton famously said he smoked marijuana but didn't inhale. The low beams in the bar area will keep you ducking if you are tall! This front bar is cozy but oh so cool. Don't miss The Turf Tavern as any Oxford student would recommend it to you! read more

The Turf Tavern - Pubs Near Me - Oxford, OXF

See all

The Oxford experience isn't complete without visiting one of the oldest watering holes in town. This establishment has been there educating countless students about intoxication. Plenty of choices for cask ale and others in keg or bottle. The bar is in a really old house so low ceilings. There is also garden seating. But in winter, best to cozy up inside. Seating is limited so when there is a lot of tourists, can imagine they there will be a long wait. Not your typical pub food. I had a soft crab burger but should probably ask for fish and chip instead to get the full pub experience. read more

See all

Very GOOD food. Good taste. The Fish and Chips are one of the Best. The Scotch Egg was FANTASTIC!!!! Service was very Friendly and Helpful. read more

Places like The Turf Tavern are the reason I travel. On a walking tour of Oxford my guide told great stories of The Turf (which dates back to 1381) without ever walking to it. Our tour group was nearby but getting to The Turf involves a narrow, winding alley path not conducive to tour groups. This only made a return visit to this historic spot mandatory. The Turf might be the only place in Oxford that you'll sit beside the ancient city wall that once surrounded the town. Inside, you'll line up to order drinks, chuckling over the too tall bartender who has to spend all night craning his neck to fit under the very low eaves. Outside and inside, there's all sorts of seating areas but finding one that will accommodate you may be a challenge. The Turf does a booming business and, with such a lengthy history, has all sorts of claims to fame (it's said that The Turf is where Bill Clinton, while a student at Oxford, "smoked, but did not inhale"). Let your tour guide tell you all about The Turf then return there to enjoy it firsthand. No introduction to this charmingly funky place is required for you to enjoy a drink here which is exactly what I did (note: they also serve food; it's a pub). read more

The Turf Tavern - Best tagline ever - Pubs Near Me - Oxford, OXF

As an American visiting Oxford, you just can't turn down lunch at a 700-year-old pub. I'm not a huge fan of fish and chips in general, but when you're in England and it's on the menu you just gotta go with it. Fireplace built to the 13th century it's a little bit strange that you order yourself in an app, but those are modern times. We talked about 15 minutes to arrive and aside from some old cooked chips which they were happy to replace everything was great. So much history in this pub. It's difficult to find, but if you're in Oxford, I would recommend seeking it out. read more

See all

Located near University of Oxford, seating is super limited. Our group probably would have to wait for a long time hadn't we came in right when a group was leaving. There's no waiting spot and the workers don't really do a good job of facilitating an environment to do so. Duck hash (4/5): the duck was tender. I really like the potatoes. They were crispy and soft inside. The color was offsetting though as it looked a little burnt. Overall, Turf Tavern is one hectic of a spot. Food is alright but I really don't think it's worth the loud and crowded atmosphere. read more

The Turf Tavern - Duck hash - Pubs Near Me - Oxford, OXF

Blink and you'll miss this quirky & historic spot down a cobblestone alley in Oxford. Steeped in history & a location for the beloved Inspector Morse, this place is worth a stop. You might need to mind your footing & duck if you're tall. The seating is quite tight & cozy. Like with most pubs, you order at the bar. That's fine! When we were there, there was a bit of slow turn over for clearing glasses from previous patrons as tables filled with up fast when someone leaves! For dinner, I decided to try the Christmas turkey plate that had Brussel sprouts, carrots, cauliflower, stuffing, potatoes, gravy & 3 Turkey slices (similar looking to a slice of spiral ham). Everything was lovely. My aunt had the soft shell crab sandwich which was well battered and came with a spicy sauce. Chips were coated. read more

See all

The fact that the Harry Potter crew had drinks here while filming, was enough to warrant a visit. It is tucked away in a tiny alley. Just ask around if you are lost, and you will be directed to to a small door. Be advised, you have to order up front after you grab a table. The nachos weren't epic. Don't order them thinking you are going to get any Mexican vibes. The cheddar cheese is scant, as is the (not-very-fresh guacamole) and sour cream. They no longer have a menu for kids (though their website states they do), so when we ordered fish and chips for our little we should have expected an adult portion . . . the fish chip (yes, one giant chip) was larger than the plate it was served on, and not super kid-friendly. Our kiddo picked at it, but didn't eat most of it. I loved the steak fries. I would recommend dropping in for a big order of steak fries, and a basic cocktail. Soak in the vibes and history behind this pub, and leave it at that. That, I believe, is 4 stars. read more

Well, my statement about this place is that if institutions had institutions then this place would be it. I first discovered it when my cousin and her partner caught up with me when we were in Oxford. Personally, I had never heard of it, but upon turning up I discovered how famous the place it happened to be. Like, an Australian prime minister broke the world record for skulling a yard glass of ale, and an ex-president definitely didn't enhale here as well. Look, yeah, I have to say that it is a pretty awesome, and pretty old, tavern, and it can be pretty tricky to get to as well. Still, as a pub, I have to admit that it certainly meets its reputation. read more

See all

Went here on our tour of Oxford A place would recommend for ambiance alone! The burger & Mac n cheese were good although we were ravenous The cider in draft - yum! The Turf draft also great!!! read more

Very cute restaurant. The ambiance made me feel like I was in the hobbit. Perfect for brunch read more

The Turf Tavern - Chicken salad - Pubs Near Me - Oxford, OXF

Great fish and chips!! The ambiance is super cool. Makes you feel like you're very "in the know" read more

The Turf Tavern - Fish and chips - Pubs Near Me - Oxford, OXF

Their delicious drinks are making my butt spread like rumors! The regularly have new specials which I am forced to try, staying here for 9 days, pushing me further away from my goal of being a swimsuit model. I was hoping to lose weight on this trip. I guess not. They are tapped out on their butter beer. The service is A plus. And the ambiance is super nice and they helped us try new beers. They really need to do flights, beer flights!!! read more

The Turf Tavern - Banana old fashion Good drink - Pubs Near Me - Oxford, OXF

The staff are overwhelmed and the ordering system of queuing 'round the bar is inefficient, but that is no excuse for being unkind or unwilling to address questions about medical food restrictions. We asked questions at the bar after queuing - the only place staff were available to speak about the food - and the employee just shoved an allergy guide at us. We explained it didn't address our issue and that we needed to know about specific oils being used. She was dismissive and replied that she would have to go and read ingredients and didn't have the time. We should have left right then, but we had pre-paid the required reservation fee and were finally seated, so we ordered based on her limited input. Six hours later our 83 year old guest with the food restrictions is quite ill from the reaction to the food. read more

Incredible historic tavern in Oxford. An absolute must-drink-there spot in the heart of Oxford's "gothic quarter". You can go wrong with the medieval pub setting. The beer is broad and varied, keep exceptionally well and the menu is gorgeous British traditional pub grub at very reasonable prices. Go for the wild boar sausages and mash, the onion gravy will restore your faith in British cuisine. Great spot to spend a winter's day. read more

Quick pub stop at this hidden gem. It's tucked away on Bath Place but worth the find. Supposedly CS Lewis, Margaret Thatcher and Tony ther known persons have come to this hideout! Ordered the Lilly Still Cider and 1381! Get your table and number in the courtyard, Line up at the curved bar, put in your food and drink order and walk out with your drinks and food gets delivered to your table. Did not try the meals but heard that the Mead is good here! read more

The Turf Tavern - Signage - Pubs Near Me - Oxford, OXF

A lovely pub. Hidden away but still very popular. Staff were helpful and very friendly and food and drink both really good

Tucked away behind New College this is one of Oxford's oldest and most historic pubs. Service is quick at inside and outside bars. Extremely popular in summer, and if you can snag a table the food is good and comes out fairly quickly. A place to bring friends and family visiting Oxford. read more

Start here: get the Greene King app. Register yourself, then go look for the pub. Apologies this is not a directional app; you are on your own to find the pub. The app is better than trying to queue up for the bar. Second, it's a proper pub. If you want a waiter hovering over you quill in hand, there are lovely cafes across the channel. Enjoy a cold tap and decent food. Truth be told, I didn't eat but others seem to enjoy it. Outside seating is lovely but personally the dank dark insides with low ceilings are much more my cup of tea. Cheers! read more

First off, this place is SO cool. It's the oldest tavern in Oxford apparently, from the 12th century. The food was decent, my dad loved his shepard's pie though. A really cozy and nice place, def worth to stop by even just for the atmosphere. read more

The Turf Tavern - Hake and Romesco Ragout - Pubs Near Me - Oxford, OXF

I spent a summer in Oxford back in 2015 for study abroad. Feeling super nostalgic for the place, I thought I'd go back and review some old haunts -- this was right before I started Yelping, haha. The Turf is probably the most famous restaurant in Oxford, at least by my estimation. Lots of famous folk have visited here, which draws lots of tourists. Rhodes Scholar and future President Bill Clinton famously "did not inhale" marijuana here, which is commemorated on a couple boards around the place. Also a favorite spot for the cast of the Harry Potter movies while filming, apparently. Pub grub is standard, solid, and filling. The outdoor seating area is lovely and has plenty of space for fairly large parties. Service can be a little slow, but that's understandable for how busy they usually are. It's easy to have a fun and comfortable evening here. read more

The food and ambiance is great. Liked the local tavern atmosphere. It's literally tucked away within Oxford therefore need to look for the tavern but when found it's worth it. Service is good and liked that it's order from table or at the bar and they will bring the food to your table. Couple of things that I didn't like or didn't work well for my visit... there is no restaurant WiFi and my cellular connection was not good, therefore ordering online not efficient. Went to the bar to place order and due to being busy there was a delay with food delivery... which is equivalent to wait time to be seated at the table. It was hot and not every table had a shade or umbrella so it was really hot waiting. But as a visitor, great experience. read more

This is a delightful alleyway "hidden gem" tavern with a ton of history. Be prepared to squeeze through tight corridors and duck under low ceiling bars as you come visit this aged and storied establishment! It has hosted famous patrons including Bill Clinton, Richard Burton, Elizabeth Taylor, Tony Blair, CS Lewis, Stephen Hawking, Margaret Thatcher, and the cast and crew of the Harry Potter films while they were shooting in Oxford. You can get a variety of brews on tap, plus classic English fare to eat. We enjoyed the big fish and chips, the sausage roll, and the scotch egg -- all hit the spot. They have quite a lot of space for the unassuming location, with both indoor and outdoor tables. Though if you come on an unseasonably nice day, expect big crowds and potentially some wait time. When we came on a beautiful April day, we were told 90 minutes for food(!) -- but then it was actually only 10 (unexpected but great!). Overall a fun visit for tourists and locals alike! read more

The Turf Tavern - The big fish and chips was tasty, and the sausage roll was good -- but the best was the scotch egg! - Pubs Near Me - Oxford, OXF

We made a reservation a day ahead of time. When we got there, we noticed there wasn't a lot of direction and we didn't know where to go to speak to someone or if we should just go and look for our table. We eventually found our table. Service wasn't overly accommodating even when they could see us looking around, unsure of what to do. Food overall was amazing! My husband got the regular size fish & chips and I got the steak pie with chips. Both had an amazing flavor and we both loved what we got. I got the butter beer to drink and was very under impressed. I didn't end up drinking half of it. Overall, food was great, service and beer could have been better, but would definitely come back! read more

The Turf Tavern - Regular size fish and chips - Pubs Near Me - Oxford, OXF

See all

Great tavern. Lots of menu options and the portions of the meat and salad options were huge. Party of 4, we had a great time. At the table we had the Beyond Burger, Cheese Burger, Chicken Kyiv, and House Salad with Chicken. Mostly self-serve/ordering via QR Scan and a wick trip to the bar for drinks, but they did "check" on us and our food was delivered quickly, though it was packed. read more

A must visit. Have a pint or a yard. Beautiful garden area, picturesque bar and great ales and beers. Former US president Bill Clinton and many other luminaries have been here, shared a beer and wouldn't you have wished to be a barfly on the wall to listen in on some of those conversations! read more

See all

My family had beers and I had a seltzer water. Order at the bar; bartender was friendly and helpful. The ceiling at the bar is very low; my 6'5" husband couldn't stand up all the way very cozy and fun. We sat outside in the garden and had a great time! If you can find it, it's worth it! read more

We loved this quaint tavern in an alley in Oxford. They had a great beer selection and the food was very good. We had their hamburgers. read more

The Turf Tavern - Bacon cheeseburger - Pubs Near Me - Oxford, OXF

See all

I wound my way down the narrow passageway and entered into what appears as you enter, to be a dinky dank tiny tavern that is warm and charming and that you can barely stand full height in. They said I needed a grab a table to order food and I was confused because there was like 4 table in this tiny one room overflowing with people. Bu I soon discovered that the places opens up into other rooms and cozy heated patios. The service was pretty quick friendly service and the beer was good. The burger I ordered was decent, nothing special. But I would still order it again. And they have lots of other pub food that looked good. This is definitely a must visit place when you are in Oxford. read more

Delicious!!! Take the time, find the right alleys, eat the pie of the day, and have the sticky toffee pudding both ways, with ice cream AND with hot custard! read more

A fun and historic location for a pint and a pub meal. The tavern might be a bit tricky to locate, through an alley, but it is worth the effort. The setting is quite comfortable and inviting. The pub food is a little better than typical pub fare. Be prepared to order and your bill with an app on your phone. read more

i took my family here to experience their first british pub and we really enjoyed the vibe and ambiance! there were tasteful decorations and we could tell the establishment had lots of character and history. i thought the food was just ok and a bit on the pricey side. i ordered the quintessential fish and chips here which unfortunately gave me tummy issues :( but service was lovely and overall was worth the visit! read more

The Turf Tavern - fish and chips - Pubs Near Me - Oxford, OXF

This is a convenient large tavern with indoor and outdoor seating. I had fish cakes which were overcooked - seems they might have been reheated - the salad with them was fresh. English wine was enjoyable. The cheeseboard had interesting cheeses with 2 different types of crackers - both kinds were soggy as if they'd been kept in a fridge instead of a tin. The celery pieces that came with the cheese had been cut in advance so the ends were brown. The beef pie my husband had was good, as were the chips. I think this pub needs to know how to present food fresh rather than stored in advance - hard for such a large establishment - but surely you can serve crisp biscuits to go with an excellent selection of cheeses. read more