A tour of Oxford (punctuated by pubs)

So technically, a pub crawl, although I don’t want to label it such.

I’ve been in Oxford for about 6 months and one of the city’s most endearing features is it’s abundance of good watering holes. In terms of nightlife after 11pm, it’s slightly lacking, but for an after work beer or a lazy afternoon’s drinking, it’s perfect.

A few weeks ago, together with my trusted drinking companion Martina, we decided to test out the latter.

The Jericho Tavern, Walton Street

Our first point of call, and we eased ourselves into the afternoon with a diet coke. Very rock and roll. I’d only been to the JT in the evening and thought it was quite a good place. Lively, nice (if a little overpriced) grub and some very attractive clientele. However in the mid-afternoon it was a little lacking. The clientele was still attractive (it was really only myself and Martina in there) but there was no atmosphere. To replace the lack of atmosphere they decided to blast us with music. It didn’t work, so we drank up our pop and left.

In its defence, it is a music venue by night, so maybe we just didn’t start in the best place.  (**)

Jude the Obscure, Walton Street

Much better. Comfy armchairs, a good table, the low hubbub of civilised conversation and our first beer of the voyage. I really like this pub and in future will completely bypass the JT in favour of its next door neighbour. I’m a big fan of the pop art and poster bills on the way to the toilet.

I’ve just realised that all sounded a bit pretentious. Sorry. But I think the pub is going for a bit of an arty vibe.  (****)

 

Eagle and Child, St Giles

It is a bit touristy (what with its Tolkein and C.S Lewis connections) but nice. It seems small and cosy as you walk in, but extends on and on as you go in. I think we had a nice half of something, but can’t really remember. It does do a good selection of guest ales. I was after a cider and they only had some very strong bottled stuff.

I’ve eaten here a couple of times and it is an ok menu, but if it’s busy, the quality is variable.

But in terms of atmosphere, it’s a good spot and feels very Oxford.  (***)  

Lamb and Flag, St Giles

A cracking pub. Great selection of beers, and normally a lot quieter than the E&C across the road. It also goes back and back, but has the bonus of a roaring fire and more space. A great place to chat and drink, would happily have stayed for more than the one pint.  (****)

Far From the Madding Crowd, Friar’s Entry

Can’t quite work this place out. It seems student-y, but there’s a real mix of people in there. It’s very central, and is another good place where you sit and chat. Although it lacks the cosy feel of other Oxford establishments. Good beer and an interesting selection of bottled ciders too. It’s website says it’s the ‘quintessentially Oxford pub’. Not so sure about that. If I was onl going to go to one Oxford pub it wouldn’t be FFTMC.

We grabbed a bite to eat in here, can’t really remember it. Probably had a burger and it was probably ok.

By this point, the plan was going a bit awry. This was meant to be pub 5 of 11, but we were taking too long. The plan needed to be adapted… (***)

The Turf Tavern

One of my favourite pubs, and judging by the crowd this place packs, probably lots of other people’s favourite too. (Inspector Morse loved it apparently) I go to the Turf regularly and thought Martina would enjoy it, but we couldn’t get a seat anywhere, so we left.  (usually *****)

 

The Kings Arms, Holywell St

We could get a spot in here so made this our 6^th stop. It turned out to be our last. Obviously a day of walking and drinking had made us lazy. So we just stuck with the Kings Arms and sunk a few pints.

It’s always got a decent, if a little student-y atmosphere. It’s quite big, and I think it’s pink exterior lures people in. Perhaps a little pricey, but it is very central. The Addlestone’s cider is delightfully giddy-making and the bar staff are really friendly. Also has the bonus of being open until 12, so has an extra hour of drinking time over the Turf (who ferociously stick to their drinking up times).

I’ve also discovered this is a great pub to meet randoms. Spent 6 hours in here on a return visit and met a group of blokes from Manchester who were dressed as if they were going on a hunt. We ended up playing drinking games and being asked to leave after upsetting an irate, obese Australian lady.  (****)  

On the stumble home back to Cowley, we played games with the moon and giggled lots. A successful conclusion to an afternoon of beer.