Whether you have kids to entertain, a hangover to cure, or just a craving to bask in the – dare I say it – sunshine, there’s a perfect pub garden for you. To help you decide, here is our roundup of the best pub gardens and restaurant terraces in Oxford.
The best pub gardens in Oxford, in no particular order:
The Marsh Harrier
40 Marsh Road, Oxford OX4 2HH, 01865 718225
Grab a picnic table with friends and family, order some tasty bar snacks to share, plus a glass of Pimm’s each, then sit back and relax. A small’ish but perfectly formed pub garden, with a chilled out vibe – perfect for a spot of sun worshipping or hangover healing. With regular live music there’s a little something for everyone.
The Fishes
North Hinksey Village, Oxford OX2 0NA, 01865 249796
HUGE garden, with lots of tables, so you will only struggle to find somewhere to sit if it’s a boiling hot day and you get there really late. Great food, good service, parking, plus plenty of room for little monsters to run around.
The Trout Inn
195 Godstow Rd, Oxford OX2 8PN, 01865 510930
Here at Bitten HQ, we may not be massive fans of the food at The Trout, but we simply cannot knock the setting. A beautiful riverside pub… next to a rushing mini waterfall… with peacocks?! It sounds almost absurdly picturesque, which it kinda’ is.
Turf Tavern
4-5 Bath Pl, Oxford OX1 3SU, 01865 243235
Hidden away, behind part of the old city wall and down a long winding passageway, sits The Turf. With foundations dating back to the 13th Century, this historic old pub has seen it’s fair share of interesting punters, including Bill Clinton and former Australian Prime Minister Bob Hawke, along with a barrage of Oxford University students. A large, mostly paved, garden with plenty of seating means this is a hot spot for catching a few rays whilst enjoying a good selection of real ales. As far as food goes, it’s not quite gastro-pub, but it does serve up a decent choice of pub classics along with a few interesting additions.
The Perch
Binsey Ln, Oxford OX2, 01865 728891
Previously well known for being somewhat pretentious, The Perch has been taken over by new management and recently refurbished. While we haven’t had a chance to test the new water, we can highly recommend the garden. Pretty as a picture, made somewhat whimsical by big weeping willows, the Perch is a delightful place to daydream the day away.
The Isis Farmhouse
The Towing Path, Oxford OX4 4EL, 01865 243854
Don your wellies, your walking shoes or your boating hat, because there ain’t no reaching The Isis by car. It’s well worth the effort though to be transported to an idyllic countryside setting on the banks of the River Thames. Serving up a daily changing short selection of hearty dishes and cake, the kitchen opens limited hours and doesn’t accept credit cards, so check before you visit and don’t forget to take cash!
The White Hart, Headington
12 St Andrews Road, Headington, Oxford OX3 9DL, 01865 761737
I haven’t been here but Becca has, so I will take her word for it that the garden is lovely, a proper hidden little gem as I’m told. If you like your real ale, it’s worth noting that The White Hart was crowned Oxford CAMRA (Campaign for Real Ale) Pub of the Year 2013. Expect proper pub grub plus Sunday roasts. On my list to investigate soon – the sooner the better as far as my real-ale-drinking husband is concerned!
Rose & Crown, North Parade
14 N Parade Ave, Oxford OX2 6LX, 01865 510551
Another one that I’m yet to try, but comes very highly recommended. The menu mixes British with Mediterranean, plus roasts on a Sunday – all very reasonably priced. More of a courtyard than a garden, the outside dining area is small but cosy, decorated with bunting, vintage signs and lanterns. Situated in one of Oxford’s ‘foodie’ streets, The Rose & Crown shares North Parade with coffee shop Brew, produce store 2 North Parade, curry house Jee Saheb, plus a monthly farmers’ market.
The Victoria Arms
Mill Ln, Old Marston, Oxford OX3 0QA 01865 241382
Turn up by car, foot or punt, then laze away a hazy afternoon on the banks of The River Cherwell, with a chilled glass of something nice. With views over the river and fields, this is one of the most picturesque and relaxing places to spend a sunny day – you might even doze off with the sounds of wildlife filling your ears.
Head of the River
St Aldate’s, Oxford OX1 4LB, 01865 721600
headoftheriveroxford.co.uk
Less garden, more patio – but with a pretty riverside setting. Pull up a chair literally inches from The River Thames and order yourself a drink or three and tuck into the mostly British menu.
Jacobs Inn
130 Godstow Rd, Oxford OX2 8PG, 01865 514333
jacobs-inn.com
Deli-cum-pub-cum-cafe Jacobs Inn replaced the more traditional Red Lion in Wolvercote. Recently renovated and refurbished, Jacobs Inn not only has a lovely large garden with plenty of seating, it also has livestock to keep you company. Pop in for fresh bread, coffee or a meal, there’s wifi throughout so you can even pretend to be working!
We’d love to hear your thoughts – what do you think are the best pub gardens in Oxford?
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