The Anchor Inn Oxford in Oxford

Excellent food in a well decorated pub with attentive service. I highly recommend!

Delicious bavette steak and crispy squid and whipped feta

Good food, friendly staff, very nice atmosphere!

A great place for a few drinks and a relaxed lunch or dinner.

We booked a reservation for dinner for 8:30pm. Upon arriving, we were told that the kitchen closed at 5pm. Not the first time this has happened. The restaurant is very inconsistent and unpredictable with opening hours, kitchen hours, etc.

Absolute joke. We booked an outside table for 14:30 on a Saturday weeks in advance. We arrived on time, the service was awfully slow to be seated, given menus, and have our order taken. I eventually went inside to find the waiter to ask to order, for him to come outside at 14:55 to say the kitchen was shutting in 5 minutes and they weren’t taking any more orders. How this business is functioning is beyond me. Would not recommend.

Poor service, no outdoor table service at all. None attentive staff. Limited menu choice with very slim pickings and what came out was disappointing in presentation and taste and was tepid. This pub used to be first rate and was in the Michelin guide. It is far from that now, I am assuming a change in ownership? The pub itself is in a great location and has great outdoor space. We won’t be going back for food, that is for sure.

Very nice decor and staff. It was very quiet at 5:30pm on a Friday.

Used to be the best place to get a steak in town, it’s ok now.

kitchen closed despite reservation confirmation. no message received. otherwise a bare intention. we just started looking for something else.

Not a great experience. Food was ridiculously slow coming. My risotto was undergone and not really an asparagus risotto as it had tomato and some kind of odd spice, with not enough asparagus! A service charge if 12.5%was added.

We had a perfect time! Delicious food, great service, great outside area. We visited on Friday and enjoyed steaks and live music. Highly recommend!

This review is limited to our experience on a Sunday. The Anchor website says that they serve Sunday roast menu all day, so we made a reservation at 5pm. Showed up on time only to be told that they don’t serve the Sunday menu after 3pm, and the rest of the day is “just tacos.” The (friendly) barman said that there is a pop-up notice on their web page with the Sunday roast hours. Well, it didn’t pop up on my computer, or my wife’s computer, and as noted, the Sunday menu on line clearly says that it is served all day. We weren’t mad, because these things happen, but we were disappointed. It’s not terribly hard to clearly post your hours on-line.

Very nice pub, attentive staff.

poor service in that the side plate of fries arrived about 10 minutes before any other dishes appeared. The roast chicken was so dry that i left hallf of it . I had to stand by the till for 5 minutes waiting for someone to appear before i could pay to leave. Service really has gone downhill in the last couple of years.

We had a very nice Sunday lunch at the Anchor who accommodated us arriving an hour early due the rain. They were also very accommodating and tolerant of 2 exploring toddlers. Food was good quality and reasonably priced.

We had a very nice Sunday lunch at the Anchor who accommodated us arriving an hour early due the rain. They were also very accommodating and tolerant of 2 exploring toddlers. Food was good quality and reasonably priced.

Lovely pub with an open fire, food was great and service excellent.

Fairly souless.But it was a Sunday evening i guess.Outdoor kitchen had sold out of a lot of things.

Use to be a great spot to go, but this place has gone down the pan. Unfortunately, they certainly haven't gone down any kitchen pans with a recent visit where my party was informed that they had ran out of nearly everything already before the dinner rush on a Saturday. How does that happen? They also apparently only had one portion of kids pasta left. There is a Coop close by, the pub has a full kitchen, you'd have thought there must be something that might have clicked. No, we're out that's it. Considering they were out of food, there were hardly any tables in the early evening, why did it take an hour to get the food served?

Beautifully decorated pub, the risotto was ok, service fee not included

Great service from Zara. Lovely vegetable Wellington roast dinner .the bar lady also put the football on for me Man United v Liverpool lovely experience ambient music great dinner great cocktails and was able to watch the football in front of the fire thank you zara for making my Sunday afternoon a pleasant one ☮️🌞🤍

Very unfortunate roast dinner - vegetarian lunch came with tomato sauce instead of gravy but this wasn't mentioned on the menu. Roast potatoes were poor and veg were a mix of under and over cooked. The crumble was overly tart, textureless and quite unpleasant. We were also left waiting for absolutely ages for our order to be taken and plates to be cleared. A simple roast dinner ended up taking 3 hours!!! Overpriced and substandard.

Great pub and great food just a few things that really let down our experience. We attended for a family get together for a Sunday roast. Location and decor is lovely but the staff really lacked attention. No salt and pepper on the table and when I asked I got two peppers. We didn’t get one of the drinks we ordered, no asking of the food was ok, we got served by 3 different people. We waited ages before getting plates cleared and sauces we asked for. One of the serves never smiled and looked like he didn’t want to be there and they all just seemed very unorganised and lazy. The food was good, a few potatoes were hard and under cooked and the lamb was just strings of fat. All other meals were delicious. Sadly the service did dampen our experience and view of the anchor. Of course they added 12.5% service charge.

It is our local pub, we live couple of minutes from it. We showed up yesterday just a bit before 7pm to grab some food. The restaurant looked busy but had quite few tables empty. We asked if we can have a table for two. The waiter (short black hair/middle eastern/balkan look) greeted us very unpleasantly and said that they don’t have any tables and we can have drinks outside only. No info when table would be available or advice when to come back 🤷🏼‍♀️ We then stepped outside to see that outside bit seem closed and no heaters are on. We then remembered that they had quite few times free on their online booking system (which was odd), so we booked online and came back 10min later to find out that this is “a system glitch”. Again no suggestion to wait certain time or come back later, they just clearly wanted us out, extremely frustrating.

It is our local pub, we live couple of minutes from it. We showed up yesterday just a bit before 7pm to grab some food. The restaurant looked busy but had quite few tables empty. We asked if we can have a table for two. The waiter (short black hair/middle eastern/balkan look) greeted us very unpleasantly and said that they don’t have any tables and we can have drinks outside only. No info when table would be available or advice when to come back 🤷🏼‍♀️ We then stepped outside to see that outside bit seem closed and no heaters are on. We then remembered that they had quite few times free on their online booking system (which was odd), so we booked online and came back 10min later to find out that this is “a system glitch”. Again no suggestion to wait certain time or come back later, they just clearly wanted us out, extremely frustrating.

Chaos. They refused to honour our booking and we were turned away. OpenTable showed multiple available booking slots but rude and unapologetic manager insisted they were full. Need to urgently sort out their booking system

Went on a Saturday evening around 6pm and the place had run out of half the menu already. Staff were confused with each other on what they had and didn't have also. The menu was already limited. They had one child's portion of tomato pasta left. There's a Co-op down the street. Couldn't they have gotten some jar of tomato sauce and dry pasta? An hour it took to get the food out without any starters and the place was half empty . Maybe was an off night for them, but really didn't expect the shambolic dinner when the Anchor has a high priced menu for a pub.

Excellent food. Good vibes. Nice staff but slow service. Would book again!

Cold veg Reheated meat tough as leather Incorrect menu descriptions Shoddy service Doors that can’t close

Slow service Food cold returned it Then wrong meals brought back out Gravy spilled on my daughters phone But staff nice and they refunded sweets and wine

Was expecting good things however, was lacklustre and disappointing. Came for Sunday lunch. Service was poor, roast potato’s cold. Food took a very long time to arrive. Menu was outdated ‘cauliflower cheese’ no longer being served and hasn’t been removed from menu. Bread and balsamic, no balsamic felt should have been mentioned before ordering. Unfortunately wouldn’t recommend.

Delicious vegan tofu and chips ! Outstanding . Lovely pub with great friendly staff Highly recommend

The serving staff were marvellous despite being short handed. My beef was superb.

Quite let down by this. Came to celebrate a 40th birthday. Waiters took ages to take our order and the food was over an hour to arrive while we have children with us. We even asked for the food to be brought as it is ready as the kids wee hungry. The decor is nice inside but for some reason they had two windows open and everyone is sitting in the pub wearing their jackets.. not the cosy experience you’d expect from a pub.

Very well looked after and Sunday roast was excellent

Last minute decision to eat at The Anchor, but well worth it. Nice atmosphere, and good food. The service was good and would visit again. You definitely need to book though.

its our local so we love it. We are in our 60s so like the music a bit lower than the kids. Great staff great service.

Good food. Hopeless service - only way to get served is to go to the bar.

Too bad they didn't have the Tofu and Chips at that time. But the other vegetarian options were also good: plant-burger and eggplant parmigiana. Make sure to order their dessert! Also, I love the interior of the restaurant!

Such a disappointment! Lovely decor and potential but on a Wednesday evening, we waited almost 20min to order (there were only two other tables with guests in the restaurant section). They didn’t have much of the menu available because of some delivery issues during the holidays, this even included beer (really, at a pub?!?) I ordered the baked Camembert (a whole ten pounds) and some focaccia. The former was just a low rate cheese heated in the microwave, while the latter was stale, drenched in oil, somewhat burnt, and crumbly… inedible. The server seemed friendly but after serving that dismal meal, I feel I was taken for a fool… in other words, never again. Probably much better place to go just for a drink.

It was a brilliant Sunday roast menu on served with due care and attention. Our family really enjoyed the meal and I will be coming back here for more occasions to celebrate.

The service and the Sunday roast was amazing, the ambience warm, friendly and calm. I will be returning and recommending The Anchor to others.

It was just ok. I enjoyed my food, my partner less so of his meal. The waitress was also just ok.

A cozy place for a pint, snack or meal. There was a nice fire going and service was very friendly. I haven't been for a proper meal yet but the beer, nibbles and puddings I've tried thus far have been good. FYI - the chocolate tart is dense.

The ambience was nice, roaring fire etc and the waitress did her best and was very friendly but the food was not great. Mine was pretty bad and my husband and our friends' was passable.

Alex is a great waiter, and makes solid suggestions from the menu! Very kind, and social to us, and we had great food and felt very welcome.

I’m a local and have been visiting for the last ten years. Just strolled in with my family and they immediately said “we’re not taking any walk-ins”. I replied we didn’t want to eat and could I have a drink and the girl behind the bar said “sorry no we’re really busy”. Absolute cobblers. The stools at the bar were empty, as were half the seats in the restaurant. SINCE WHEN CANT YOU POP I TO A PUB FOR A PINT? Get over yourselves, Anchor. Absolutely pathetic.

We had a disappointing Sunday lunch in the Anchor. Unfortunately the service was slow and the food was of poor quality. It was over-cooked and tepid.

Nice backstreet food pub with a relaxing atmosphere. As a party of 6 we had 6 roast lunches last Sunday. For £18 - £20 a head (just for the roast) you would think that the potatoes might actually resemble the crispy, fluffy roast potatoes we all know and love. The must have in a British roast dinner. But not one ROAST potato on any of our plates - they were all hard boiled chunks of potato that might have seen the inside of an oven for 15 minutes.Crispy - no. Fluffy - no. Hard - yes. Very poor really, but being English we didnt complain of course... Perhaps who's ever in charge of the kitchen could look into this one and do better. Even I can make roast potatoes that are heavenly, so a professional should find it very easy.

Lovely place, friendly staff and we had a great time. Our only disappointment was a lack of crispy roast potatoes!

Deliciouscand plentiful food. I requested a non-alcoholic cocktail and the barman made one up for me. It was delicious, so I had 2.

Unfortunately when we went several of the meals were out of stock due to unexpected numbers. We had two roasts. The chicken roast was just a leg with very little meat, and the spuds weren’t really what I’d expect from a roast. A bit disappointing for the price. Generally though the atmosphere was nice, and the service was very friendly (even if a bit slow).

Great place to drink, an even better place to eat. Even though it was very busy the staff still found time to be polite and attentive :)

Two of the dishes were lukewarm and tough to cut. We waited almost half an hour for the mains to come, and it wasn’t even crowded. Won’t go back again.

Lovely Sunday lunch with visiting friend and doggie. We ended up sitting outside as the weather was so good. Great quality Sunday lunch and friend was v impressed by doggie bowl and biscuit for Daphne the dog.

Very nice upscale pub with very warm and inviting service. Our cocktails and food were fantastic. Maybe a little pricey but wouldn’t keep us from coming back.

We shared a selection of starters and sides and they were all very tasty. The pub had a nice, relaxed atmosphere and the staff were helpful and friendly.

Went here for a Wedding (private function) and was very impressed.

Lovely indoors and outdoors. Food and drinks were great, staff very friendly.

Hardly any food left on the menu. Very small Portions. And quite expensive.

Love this pub! We were there on a Sunday evening, when the usual menu was replaced by a Mexican grill menu - simple but tasty.

The Anchor is our local gastropub and never fails to please. Last night was no exception. There's good inside space as well as a large outdoor area. Very relaxed

found 3 hairs in 3 seperate dishes. food quality here is really poor. could not finish my meal.

Had house burger. It was dry and seemed like it was cooked several times. Was about to send back but too hungry. Inside needs updating. And it was overpriced food as well. Won’t go back

Recommended by a local friend to try the Anchor. Super meal at lunch on a Saturday. Late lunch and very quiet. Great burger for me and my daughter had the lamb kofta. We shared the crispy squid with lemon aioli which was delicious. Staff were very attentive and helpful. Would thoroughly recommend.

Small portions, not that delicious, but pricey. Nice atmosphere though.

We sat outside which was nice and quiet as it was early in the evening. It has become a lot more expensive for a fairly basic grilled chicken meal. Service was fine but no need to call older guests “ you guys” please.

We booked the Anchor a week in advance because we were travelling to Oxford from West Yorkshire and liked the look of the menu and location. We confirmed the booking via the app the day before and actually arrived two hours early due to the weather and confirmed we were happy to sit in the bar and wait until 7.00 PM before ordering. When we did order we were informed that it was a Sunday menu only and not all options were now available and we couldn't order what we all wanted. What is the point of booking in advance and confirming the booking only to be told they had run out of some of the options when it appeared other "walk ins" had the full choice. Also £12.50 for a large wine appears excessive.

Stopped off here whilst walking along the Oxford Canal on a Thursday afternoon. The pub was very quiet and service was prompt and friendly. If you order tea, it’s really lovely: hot, in a an individual pot with loose leaf tea and your own tea strainer. However, when I moved on to wine it was more than three times the cost of the tea for a 175ml glass (£8.50) and we were told that a large 250ml glass would be £12.50. Now I do think that £37.50 a bottle is a ridiculous price for house white! We didn’t eat but the food options looked interesting and fairly priced. It was nice to see gluten free options clearly marked.

Super average steak for £20. Would advise against it. Cheap cut and fatty.

We visited this favourite of ours today with friends. The quality of food is always good. The staff are always friendly, polite, and helpful. Today I ate seared tuna with a dressed warm potato salad. The tuna was over cooked but delicious nonetheless.

Came for a Sunday lunch. The service and atmosphere was fine. Nicely decorated. However as roasts go this was not it. I had the chicken roast. The chicken breast portion was cooked well, but it wasn’t the nicest piece of chicken, the white tenderloin was left in, which is hard not pleasant, it was also rather fatty in parts. The gravy was nice I will give credit. The roast potatoes being the part that makes me the most unhappy. More anaemic than an Irish man in Barbados. I feel so strongly about roasties getting the justice they deserve that I’m a bit annoyed😂 They were steamed more than roasted. The rest of the veg was cooked ok… a bit soggy and could have done with more time in the oven. Also could do with some god dam seasoning. This is the reason we get bantered by other countries about our cuisine. I get the fact you get gravy but flooding a plate with gravy isn’t tasteful. To summarise food was alright, but not great. Gravy was nice. Well presented but under cooked and under seasoned. The other meals purchased were cooked fine aswell but nothing great. The vegan burger apparently was good, didn’t taste so can’t say.

We visited The Anchor because it is close to our hotel. The ambience is very pleasant and the volume is high, but I think this belongs in an English pub. The welcome was friendly, the service was very good and above all the food was very good. The price/performance ratio is absolutely right and we would definitely come back.

We visited The Anchor because of its proximity to our hotel. The ambience is very pleasant and the volume is high, but I think that is part of an English pub. The reception was friendly, the service was very good and most importantly, the food was very good. The price/performance ratio is absolutely right and we would definitely come again.

Excellent accueil ; plats abondants et délicieux ; l'espace extérieur est très agréable.

We visited The Anchor because of its proximity to our hotel. The ambience is very pleasant and the volume is high, but I think that is part of an English pub. The reception was friendly, the service was very good and most importantly, the food was very good. The price/performance ratio is absolutely right and we would definitely come again.

A perfect summer's evening venue with good food, friendly staff and a welcoming and relaxing atmosphere

We enjoyed a drink at the Anchor after a walk on a hot sunny day. Sandra Bates

Great rustic pub.. Moved on a long way since I first went there 40 years ago! £3.75 for half a pint of lager seemed a bit pricey though!!

Lovely food and decor but poor service that evening.

The outdoor patio area is a bit crowded, with not entirely comfortable bench seating. But it is pleasant enough, and the servers were very nice. The food was good, but I was a bit disappointed by the beer selections.

We go to the Anchor for our monthly book group meeting. A lovely place and we had a very good evening as usual. We generally just have drinks but the food has always been good when we've had it.

Enjoyable and friendly atmosphere all around. The outside space is family and dog-friendly too.

The food was excellent, especially the starters. The service was friendly.

Service was slow, friendly enough but inexperienced. Food choices have reduced and quality mediocre at best.

The Anchor, sadly has gone very downhill. We went for a roast and it was really poor. Mushy veg, hard potatoes and beef that had clearly been pan fried. The gravy was also pretty bland. Order was wrong initially and they replated it with the correct meat…we know this as there were bits of chicken in our greens. Not great if you are paying £20 + service. 100% won’t be returning which is a shame as used to be one of my favourite pubs.

Fantastic service staff, great setting and very tasty food.

Stopped off for a quick drink on the way into Oxford late Sunday afternoon. Some good beers and G&Ts on offer. Sat outside in the garden, which although next to the road was quite and welcoming. Worth popping in for a drink. Food looked good, although we didn’t eat there.

Limited menu but everything we ordered was very good. The wine we ordered, without checking the price was very expensive, OK our fault. But then it was overcharged on the bill, they immediately put it right when I pointed out. Food itself very reasonable price. Overall good experience.

Overall just a bit disappointed by how plain the menu was and how quiet it all was for a Thursday.

I booked a table on open table for a Sunday evening only to discover when I got there that the kitchen is closed from five. There was a Mexican food street vendor in the garden so we stayed for that but an hour after paying for food we still hadn’t received it and were told they’d run out! Went home hungry

Absolutely an A++ for an evening of conversation over whiskey & dessert.

Unfortunately, we were on the table for two quite near the open side door, and it was rather cold and people were constantly brushing past. The food was was a bit too slow in arriving. Our waitress was very nice. The best part of the evening was the sticky toffee pudding which was delicious but the rest of the food was fairly standard.

We very much enjoyed our meal for four. It was a shame that the soup and two other items on the menu were unavailable.

Another lovely evening at the Anchor. Really like the menu and the halloumi fires are inspired!

Nice atmosphere, with quiet BGM so that we could talk to (instead of shout at) each other. Good food, reasonably priced wine, and good cocktail. My friends who ordered steak were happy that it was properly 'rare'. One thing that could be better is the sofa-like seats. They were too low relative to the height of the table. The service was excellent--thank you very much for your attention. We had a lovely evening!

Sunday only day a visitor can park outside in the street during the day but pub only has Sunday roast menu which we didn’t want. Had a selection of all the starters, chips, merguez sausages, squid, chicken wings and slaw. Decent meal and good beer selection - under £25 a head good value.

A nice pub with excellent Wadworth ales

Lovely pub, but rather expensive for the food - it was just ok, not really worth £20 for a roast, and £4 for a single scoop of ice cream for dessert seemed excessive!