The Best Pint

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Oxford pub guide · By Tom Hart · Updated 26 Oct 2026

The best pubs in Oxford

The pub Oxford's guides agree on most is The Lamb & Flag, 12 St Giles'. It's on 3 of the 6 lists we read, and Reddit recommends it too. Best for a historic St Giles pub, reopened by the Inklings community group (checked 26 Oct 2026).

Ranked on how many of 6 published lists and awards name each pub, plus what locals recommend on Reddit. Every card says what the pub is best for and who said so.

Showing all 18 pubs, best first
#1 Photo to come

The Lamb & Flag

★ 4.4 (1,315)

12 St Giles', OX1 3JS

Best for a historic St Giles pub, reopened by the Inklings community group.

Old pubReal ale
Pint£ ?not checked yet
Hours —from Google
Crowd —typical times

Food

Why it's here

“…it reopened in October 2022 following a takeover by the Inklings community group and has been busy ever since…”The Telegraph's best pubs 2026

  • On 3 of 6 lists (The Telegraph's best pubs 2026, Morris Oxford, Oxford Mail (#3))
  • Recommended 8 times on Reddit
  • Google 4.4★ from 1,315 reviews
  • Score 10 = 2 × 3 lists + 4 Reddit
Full details Directions ↗
#2 Photo to come

The Royal Blenheim

★ 4.5 (896)

13 Saint Ebbe's St, OX1 1PT

Best for Titanic ales like Plum Porter in a small pub full of nooks.

Real aleTraditional
Pint£ ?not checked yet
Hours —from Google
Crowd —typical times

Live music · Sport on · Food · Dogs welcome

Why it's here

“The staff provide a very warm welcome and there is some comfortable bench seating where you can enjoy a pint and watch the rugby or a game of football.”Oxford Mail

  • On 2 of 6 lists (Oxford CAMRA Pubs of the Year 2026 (#1) winner, Oxford Mail (#2))
  • Recommended 5 times on Reddit
  • Google 4.5★ from 896 reviews
  • Score 8 = 2 × 2 lists + 4 Reddit
Full details Directions ↗
#3 Photo to come

The Rose & Crown

★ 4.5 (785)

14 N Parade Ave, OX2 6LX

Best for real ale and Belgian beer, run by the same family for 43 years.

Traditional
Pint£ ?not checked yet
Hours —from Google
Crowd —typical times

Live music · Outside seats · Food

Why it's here

“For 43 years the Hall family has been in charge, and they have been praised for their efforts by real ale drinkers in the city.”The Telegraph's best pubs 2026

  • On 2 of 6 lists (The Telegraph's best pubs 2026, Morris Oxford)
  • Recommended 10 times on Reddit
  • Google 4.5★ from 785 reviews
  • Score 8 = 2 × 2 lists + 4 Reddit
Full details Directions ↗
#4 Photo to come

The Grapes

★ 4.3 (800)

7 George St, OX1 2AT

Best for around 40 beers on tap at Oxford CAMRA's City Pub of the Year 2025.

Pint£ ?not checked yet
Hours —from Google
Crowd —typical times

Food · Dogs welcome

Why it's here

“The Grapes pub in George Street was named City Pub of the Year for 2025 by the Oxford branch of CAMRA (Campaign for Real Ale).”Oxford Mail

  • On 2 of 6 lists (Oxford CAMRA Pubs of the Year 2026 (#2), Oxford Mail)
  • Recommended 4 times on Reddit, 1 against
  • Google 4.3★ from 800 reviews
  • Score 7 = 2 × 2 lists + 4 Reddit − 1
Full details Directions ↗
#5 Photo to come

The Old Bookbinders

★ 4.7 (1,377)

17-18 Victor St, OX2 6BT

Best for a lived-in Jericho local with crêpes and free monkey nuts.

Quirky
Pint£ ?not checked yet
Hours —from Google
Crowd —typical times

Live music · Outside seats · Food · Dogs welcome

Why it's here

“The Old Bookbinders in Jericho has the feel I'm talking about.”r/oxford

  • On 1 of 6 lists (Morris Oxford)
  • Recommended 8 times on Reddit
  • Google 4.7★ from 1,377 reviews
  • Score 6 = 2 × 1 lists + 4 Reddit
Full details Directions ↗
#6 Photo to come

The Harcourt Arms

★ 4.7 (366)

Cranham Terrace, OX2 6DG

Best for two open fires and a weekend open mic in Jericho.

Live musicCosy
Pint£ ?not checked yet
Hours —from Google
Crowd —typical times

Live music · Outside seats · Food · Dogs welcome

Why it's here

“It’s the locals’ Local, with a big-hearted landlord, two glowing fires, and an exuberant open-mic session most week-ends.”Morris Oxford

  • On 1 of 6 lists (Morris Oxford)
  • Recommended 5 times on Reddit
  • Google 4.7★ from 366 reviews
  • Score 6 = 2 × 1 lists + 4 Reddit
Full details Directions ↗
#7 Photo to come

The Star

★ 4.6 (609)

21 Rectory Rd, OX4 1BU

Best for a big beer garden with pizza just off Cowley Road.

Pint£ ?not checked yet
Hours —from Google
Crowd —typical times

Live music · Outside seats · Food · Dogs welcome

Why it's here

“Calls itself the best beer garden in Oxford you can see why, and as it’s just off the main drag, and boasts Moonie’s Pizza incredible offering, it’s a hard one to beat!”Oxinabox

  • On 1 of 6 lists (Oxinabox)
  • Recommended 5 times on Reddit
  • Google 4.6★ from 609 reviews
  • Score 6 = 2 × 1 lists + 4 Reddit
Full details Directions ↗
#8 Photo to come

The Victoria

★ 4.5 (995)

90 Walton St, OX2 6EB

Best for a big back garden and more rooms than you'd expect on Walton Street.

Pint£ ?not checked yet
Hours —from Google
Crowd —typical times

Outside seats · Food · Dogs welcome

Why it's here

“…boasts a summery poop deck, and more rooms, staircases and stuffed animals than all the other pubs put together.”Morris Oxford

  • On 1 of 6 lists (Morris Oxford)
  • Recommended 4 times on Reddit
  • Google 4.5★ from 995 reviews
  • Score 6 = 2 × 1 lists + 4 Reddit
Full details Directions ↗
#9 Photo to come

The Mason's Arms

★ 4.6 (275)

2 Quarry School Pl, OX3 8LH

Best for real ale and cider in Headington Quarry, with 20 years of CAMRA awards.

Real ale
Pint£ ?not checked yet
Hours —from Google
Crowd —typical times

Live music · Sport on · Outside seats · Food · Dogs welcome

Why it's here

“The Masons Arms in Quarry is a fantastic independent pub, not quite that cosy vibe but it has lovely people and great beer (and some good cider too)…”r/oxford

  • On 2 of 6 lists (Morris Oxford, Oxford CAMRA Pubs of the Year 2026 (#3))
  • Recommended 2 times on Reddit
  • Google 4.6★ from 275 reviews
  • Score 6 = 2 × 2 lists + 2 Reddit
Full details Directions ↗
#10 Photo to come

The White Rabbit

★ 4.5 (2,388)

21 Friars Entry, OX1 2BY

Best for rotating beers and pizza in a heated outdoor area.

Real aleBeer garden
Pint£ ?not checked yet
Hours —from Google
Crowd —typical times

Outside seats · Food · Dogs welcome

Why it's here

“Heated seats, pints, legendary pizzas and a charming outdoor area means this is one of Oxford’s favourite and busiest pubs come rain or shine.”Oxinabox

  • On 1 of 6 lists (Oxinabox)
  • Recommended 3 times on Reddit
  • Google 4.5★ from 2,388 reviews
  • Score 5 = 2 × 1 lists + 3 Reddit
Full details Directions ↗
#11 Photo to come

Jude The Obscure

★ 4.5 (1,301)

54 Walton St, OX2 6AE

Best for big screens for sport and booths in the yard.

Fish and chipsFootball onPub quizBeer garden
Pint£ ?not checked yet
Hours —from Google
Crowd —typical times

Sport on · Outside seats · Food · Dogs welcome

Why it's here

“What he’d have made of its three giant Sports TV screens is uncertain.”Morris Oxford

  • On 1 of 6 lists (Morris Oxford)
  • Recommended 3 times on Reddit
  • Google 4.5★ from 1,301 reviews
  • Score 5 = 2 × 1 lists + 3 Reddit
Full details Directions ↗
#12 Photo to come

The Punter

★ 4.5 (1,246)

7 South St, OX2 0BE

Best for a riverside courtyard on Osney Island.

Pint£ ?not checked yet
Hours —from Google
Crowd —typical times

Outside seats · Food · Dogs welcome

Why it's here

“…this stalwart Oxford pub not only boasts a riverside view but a beautiful dining courtyard much loved by locals and visitors alike.”Oxinabox

  • On 1 of 6 lists (Oxinabox)
  • Recommended 3 times on Reddit
  • Google 4.5★ from 1,246 reviews
  • Score 5 = 2 × 1 lists + 3 Reddit
Full details Directions ↗
#13 Photo to come

The Slow & Steady

★ 4.6 (219)

38 Abingdon Rd, OX1 4PD

Best for a big outdoor space with pizza and burgers on Abingdon Road.

Pint£ ?not checked yet
Hours —from Google
Crowd —typical times

Live music · Sport on · Outside seats · Food · Dogs welcome

Why it's here

“Such a great outdoor space for the huge pizza and burger offering provided by Dodo.”Oxinabox

  • On 2 of 6 lists (Oxford Mail (#5), Oxinabox)
  • Recommended 1 time on Reddit
  • Google 4.6★ from 219 reviews
  • Score 5 = 2 × 2 lists + 1 Reddit
Full details Directions ↗
#14 Photo to come

The Bear Inn

★ 4.4 (2,341)

6 Alfred St, OX1 4EH

Best for a tiny pub in a building from 1606.

Old pubSmall
Pint£ ?not checked yet
Hours —from Google
Crowd —typical times

Live music · Outside seats · Food · Dogs welcome

Why it's here

“It’s recommended by punters as a place to relax after a summer walk and to cosy up and escape the cold during the winter months.”The Telegraph's best pubs 2026

  • On 1 of 6 lists (The Telegraph's best pubs 2026)
  • Recommended 3 times on Reddit
  • Google 4.4★ from 2,341 reviews
  • Score 5 = 2 × 1 lists + 3 Reddit
Full details Directions ↗
#15 Photo to come

The Perch

★ 4.6 (3,537)

Binsey Ln, OX2 0NG

Best for a long lunch on a lawn leading down to the river at Binsey.

Sunday roastFish and chipsBeer garden
Pint£ ?not checked yet
Hours —from Google
Crowd —typical times

Outside seats · Dogs welcome

Why it's here

“…has lots of dining options thanks to its extensive lawn leading down to the river beyond, with outdoor tables and a marquee.”Oxinabox

  • On 1 of 6 lists (Oxinabox)
  • Recommended 2 times on Reddit
  • Google 4.6★ from 3,537 reviews
  • Score 4 = 2 × 1 lists + 2 Reddit
Full details Directions ↗
#16 Photo to come

The Rickety Press

★ 4.5 (503)

67 Cranham St, OX2 6DE

Best for a modern revamp of the old Radcliffe Arms in Jericho.

Sunday roast
Pint£ ?not checked yet
Hours —from Google
Crowd —typical times

Sport on · Outside seats · Food · Dogs welcome

Why it's here
  • On 1 of 6 lists (Morris Oxford)
  • Recommended 2 times on Reddit
  • Google 4.5★ from 503 reviews
  • Score 4 = 2 × 1 lists + 2 Reddit
Full details Directions ↗
#17 Photo to come

The Jolly Farmers

★ 4.4 (611)

20 Paradise St, OX1 1LD

Best for real ale and a secluded city-centre garden.

Beer garden
Pint£ ?not checked yet
Hours —from Google
Crowd —typical times

Live music · Outside seats · Dogs welcome

Why it's here

“A joyously secluded spot, right in the heart of the city offering a sun trap when you want one, shady spots when you don’t and a wooden beamed covering for the rest of the year!”Oxinabox

  • On 2 of 6 lists (Morris Oxford, Oxinabox)
  • Google 4.4★ from 611 reviews
  • Score 4 = 2 × 2 lists + 0 Reddit
Full details Directions ↗
#18 Photo to come

St Aldates Tavern

★ 4.2 (1,395)

108 St Aldate's, OX1 1BU

Best for a Good Beer Guide 2026 pub on St Aldates.

Real aleSunday roastTraditional
Pint£ ?not checked yet
Hours —from Google
Crowd —typical times

Live music · Sport on · Outside seats · Food · Dogs welcome

Why it's here

“CAMRA has included 15 different pubs solely from Oxford, with St Aldates Tavern on St Aldates among these.”Good Beer Guide 2026

  • On 1 of 6 lists (Good Beer Guide 2026)
  • Recommended 2 times on Reddit
  • Google 4.2★ from 1,395 reviews
  • Score 4 = 2 × 1 lists + 2 Reddit
Full details Directions ↗

More ways to pick a pub in Oxford

Where this comes from

Each pub scores 2 for every published list or award that names it and 1 for every Reddit recommendation (up to 4), minus any Reddit comments against it. To get on the page a pub needs two lists, or one list and two Reddit recommendations, so one writer's favourite can't top it. Google rating only breaks ties. Every card shows its score and the sources behind it, and quotes are checked word for word against the page they came from.

We read Google's business data for 188 Oxford pubs on 26 Oct 2026, covering review topics, rating, hours, busy times and listed features. Nobody paid to be here. How we rank has the detail.

Hours, busy times and features come from Google and can change. Check with the pub before a special trip.