The Half Moon in Oxford

The bartender was rude and made me feel very unwelcome. He even mocked me for being too energetic as I was ordering?! A very unpleasant experience which put a damper on my spirits for what was supposed to be a nice reunion with friends. I will not be coming again.

An authentic pub. Good ales, good prices, nice bartender, amazing atmosphere (irish session sundays are the best!) and opened til late. A must go.

Enjoyed a musical night in a busy city pub.

great pub nice vibes and live music. tasty beer on tap. also the men's toilet is very clean big up the half moon!

Great place, relaxed atmosphere, friendly staff. 👍👏👏👏

16 people jamming Irish folk music. Nice experience.

Thanks for a lovely evening. Music brilliant. So many people just coming to play. Everyone just enjoying themselves xx

Went on a Sunday night where musicians could join in as long as you had an instrument. What a magical night. Thanks to all who played, my soul was very merry! To the people who came in later in the evening and decided to block the views of the musicians whom they weren’t even looking at or paying attention to MOVE to the other room where there was plenty of space to chit chat. You ruined it for all who were there to see them play. Musicians bravo!!! Warning it does get fairly warm in there. Please check this place out and they are open till late.

It was an amazing experience, the atmosphere reflected the real old good pubs, good ales and the fact that closes 2 am it’s a differential

Amazing bartender and great beer deals,lovely live music and great atmosphere, fun staff. Evana and Joe were awesome

It’s really lovely cosy pub. Great atmosphere and Evana the bartender was extra lovely and welcoming, diffidently i will revisit it again and again

Joe and Dave provided a lovely experience the other day at the half moon. Lots of love and white wine! I am thinking of holding my engagement party here, it's the best! Xx

If I could leave zero stars I would! Unacceptably rude staff. The live music was excellent but the atmosphere was spoilt by the attitude of the staff. We were told to go to another bar if we wanted wine! Thanks for the tip, that’s exactly what we’ll do next time 👍🏻 Avoid if you want a pleasant evening out!

Rude staff, made to feel very unwelcome. So disappointing (live music was fab tho)

honesty the worst pub I’ve ever been too. Staff were unbearably rude So sad :(

Me and the wife went in to have a meal and get seated the lady at the front was talking to her colleague and totally ignored us, did not make eye contact and did not make any hand gestures towards us after about a min we turned around and walked out I refuse to spend money where I'm obviously not wanted. The time was about 18:15

Live music and great atmosphere—it was a lovely way cap my days in Oxford

Decent beer open late local booze

Possibly the worst bar staff I've ever experienced, rude and aggressive, seems a common theme looking at other reviews. Wont be going back 👎

love it in here, super convenient and popular! love that it stays open so late

Never in my life have I seen a person rejected from a pub based on the colour of their skin. On Friday night, the bouncer rejected one person, of Indian descent, out of our four person group for no reason other than his ethnicity. Upon complaining, the owner confirmed "we would not be allowed in tonight" before he lets a subsequent all-white group behind us in the queue. To be rejected both by an employee and the owner shocked us and showed that discrimination within the Half Moon is widespread. We have reported this to the police but urge all potential customers to spend their money in oter places, where individuals are not rejected based on the colour of their skin.

This place hasn't changed at all. Same decor and playlist of what I remember from 12 yrs ago, but what's not broke, don't fix it! Love it. Mixed crowd, busy but room to sit. Little bar stools, benches and all round wood and no faff. Swift friendly service and open till late.

This place, (the half moon) is the best place to be in oxford, I’ll give a shout out to all the bartenders, but David is the man of this place. Thank you for making me and everyone feel at home.

Unfortunately gone severely downhill and not worth going to. 7 year regular and treated like it's bloody Berghain on the door gtfo

The staff were incredibly rude. They raised their voice, and were extremely provocative. We came to the pub, thinking we would have a good night, but the staff told us not to play the piano. They have certainly lost our service

Staff are completely rude and disrespectful. Have just shouted slurs at my friend who was simply asking for a straw. Used to think the place was nice but will never return after that. Completely rude. Would call management it I could.

Unfortunately the guys that run this place are very dysfunctional and I have honestly never been so sober and made to feel so unwelcome. Would have spent quite a lot more money between us and to be refused custom because we didn't fit their social economic demographic model was hideous.

EDIT: Apologies, it's open. I just turned up too early. See below. Currently closed. Scaffolding on the building

This is my favorite pub in Oxford! They have live gaelic music every Sunday night, a fantastic Guinness tap, and super friendly staff. Great atmosphere overall, cozy and somewhat tiny.

Not sure if they serve food. Drinks Good price , usually busy. Small pub so small bar. Proper Irish pub. Free live music. Good folks here

What a gem you feel like your in your own boozer at home because the guys behind the bar are so welcoming. Not stupidly expensive and a great atmosphere

Uncomfortable pub to be in, drunk people outside pretending to be bouncers, it was too hot and smelled inside. Not coming back again.

A wretched hive of scum and villainy

We didn't eat in this lovely little find. Staff lovely and friendly.

Great staff great atmosphere. Great Guinness .Could do with some air conditioning. Had to leave because the heat made my friend feel woozy. Some air con wouldn’t go a miss. Otherwise I highly recommend.

Great space! Incredibly friendly staff. Amazing atmosphere. One of the best pubs in Oxford for sure!

Friendly staff and good beers . Busy even in early evening.

Good friendly atmosphere, good music, good beer.

If you want to come to a pub and be threatened with physical violence by the manager, for asking the bar If last orders are still on, don’t get me wrong I know everyone wants to go home but being approached by the manager and threatened isn’t the definition of professionalism.

Great late night venue a regular haunt of mine great staff

I have never posted on google before and never reviewed a pub anywhere but the poor review from H Cooper below has been brought to my attention. Just to be clear - it was not me. I think the Half Moon is a great little pub with good music and a lovely atmosphere for all ages. It also feels really safe for women and is an asset to the community at night as it has plenty of staff who keep an eye on what's going on both inside and outside.

Bouncer didn’t let our friend and after we left to check on him he blocked us from getting back in.

Awesome place, great folk songs on every Sunday night

Came in after Glourious tonight, you guys were so amazing, great security. All bar staff looking after women and really thoughtful, it was exceptionally respectful and caring, I've never seen such kindness. Wonderful live music, so glad I moved to half moon after experiencing the worst nonsense from the appauling security next door. You guys have got a great thing going! Never change! Beers tasted clean and crisp. Love you x

Honestly can't get enough of those low ceilings man it creams me

Pleasant experience. It was not too crowded. Bartender was really cool. Definitely check this one out.

Fantastic place that the locals go to - I was the only tourist 😅 a good vibes place. Amazing treasure

Lovely little pub, Amstel spot on as well and live music. Not far from the city centre either. 👍🏻😀🎼

What a shame is all I can say. We were recommended this pub as a busy and typical English pub. So; where do I begin...? We were allowed in the door by a 'bouncer'. We asked at the bar if they have Oxford Gin, to which the very young man stated, "Well we are in Oxford and we have gin". It turns out he hasn't heard of it. His miserable looking and acting boss confirmed they don't stock it. Ah well, he doesn't know what he is missing. I settled for a red wine, he said it was Melbec. He couldn't open the new bottle, so his boss pointed out an opened bottle. He poured me a glass of what tasted exactly like vinegar. I had to take it back to the bar and advised this young lad that he would need the pour it all away due to it tasting just like vinegar. He didn't apologise, offer to get a fresh wine or offer a refund. Instead he whispered to his boss, who sniffed the wine, then poured himself a glass and pretended he knew how to swill it and sip it, what an absolute joke... He told the lad to pour it away, didn't offer an apology, refund or another drink! I cannot believe this appalling lack of customer service. Shame on them.

What a great find , we came across this Gem on Saturday and what a great experience it was . Live music and great friendly welcome. Will definitely visit again .

Super authentic and cheap place. There are all kinds of people and all ages. Very British to be honest and sometimes there are people playing live music 😃

Half Moon is a wonderful pub, with a fantastic atmosphere (full of many regulars) and reasonably priced drinks. Plus, the staff are fantastic and really responsive to any issues.

Best pub for late night good value beer 👌🏽

What an establishment. Busy, crowded, friendly.

Like a scene from the Cantina bar in Star Wars although very good humoured and some great friendly characters

The best pub in the city - decent value, great pints, and excellent vibes

Miserable little dump with rude bar staff.

Good vibe and excellent staff! Ben the manager is top notch! Allowed me in with two huge Scottish Deerhounds!! Good folk music most Sundays!!

Jens talked about the complications with his eye operation

Genuine pub, don't expect anymore

Surprisingly small and cosy pub, nice staff and great selection of beers.

Surprisingly cosy pub - interesting to visit if you're hanging around St Clement's.

The nicest people! Great Irish music if you are lucky.

Love this pub! An amazing find in the heart of Oxford. Faboulous crowd, great staff and reasonable prices. We had a fantastic time listening to wonderful live music with one artist better than the other. Thank you for a fun night. Shall be back!!! It's a must for anyone coming to Oxford who wants to experience an authentic Irish pub.

Very down the middle pub. Open late which is great. Music variable. Drinks are very decent and reasonable. Toilets need a clean.... and a fix. Desperately. No seat on gents. Warning of broken seat on ladies.

Half Moon init, most inclusive pub in Oxford

Very good pub, the staff is very friendly, the beer is good and you can meet great people there!

Good atmosphere, friendly crowd, live music several nights per week. It's best to come late.

Excellent small pub with real ale/cider and food offerings with a range of clientele, very friendly knowledgeable bar staff, regular live events, recommended for a weary travellers

Long time live music session on Sunday. Nice one*

Best pub in Oxford, great atmosphere and open later than anywhere else

I used to love the ramshackle and chaotic aspect of this pub (none of the chairs matched, random jazz playing, no fruit machines etc) but now it's a Greene King and the rundown look simply owes itself to the fact that that they're probably just not spending money on it. Cheap beer mind you, so I'll still go back.

Lovely atmosphere and you'll always find someone to talk to. Fun safe late night drinking place and the picture is of a half pint of Old Rosie cider. Keep up the good work and thank you for being so friendly. Clyde x

This used to be a great place but it has changed, like everywhere. It still has live music and the beer is reasonably priced. It just doesn't have the vibe of when Joe Ryan had the place. Then the air was thick with poetry and music, the great Irish writers portraits hung on the walls - all gone now.

Great irish pub. Very entertaining folk music and shanty singing

Thank you SO much for the experience!! Good selection of beer accompanied with awesome live music in a great atmosphere. After nearly five years of running our Celtic & Folk Music radio station "CeltCast" we finally witnessed our first ever live session, thanks to you all! Please keep hosting and holding these. Next time we're in the neighbourhood, we will surely drop by. Thanks again, Alex (Sealgaire) van der Jagt.

Great for last orders, and for seeing which impromptu band is playing.

Cant pay with credit card less than 8 pounds

Very especial place.awesome for life music!!

Went here with my third wife to celebrate our divorce. Company was lousy and she didn't look me in the eye once. The pint, though, was delicious. Will be back here next year for my 25th birthday 🍻

Always a staple venue and part of the Oxford scene, live music was cool but can get a it hectic later in into evenings due to its size.

The best late night pub in Oxford

Live Irish music last night was great and the beer selection is perfect, particularly the Landlord.

One of my favourite pubs in Oxford. Great for live music in an intimate setting

A rare gem of real pub close to the city centre with a fantastic music culture. Great place to visit and play.

Had a great time here was a surprise. There was live music and Fantastic Staff I recommend.

One of my favourites music pubs in Oxford

Interesting place, come here on a Sunday for Irish music night, and it only starts to liven up quite late. The actual music is a bit hit and miss as it's just made up from volunteers on the night it seems, but they make a good effort. The crowd is what makes the place, always full of friendly and interesting characters.

Nice Irish pub in Oxford with piano. Open later than other pubs!

Not too impressed, bit of a rough crowd but nice to see there is an attempt to turn the place into something quirky with the ping pong table. Needs work

Lovely little pub with live music

I used to regularly attend Sparky's flying Circus on Thursday and come to play the piano whenever I felt like, I had all my birthdays between 2005 and 2010 there, but still follow Sparky's night ( which is usually us musicians, some really great poets, and whoever wants to jam) pon fb, have very fond memories of Joe Ryan and the next owners of that place, really good pub ;)

Good late night pub. Owners very friendly

Bit crowded. Ultimately not a bad place to go if u like students

Nice pub with cheap prices. Every Sunday there is a folk live music event.

Longest to welcome. Sometimes with good music

Absolutely packed on a jazz night but very good value beer and friendly staff

Quaint tiny pub. Stays open much later than others. Customers can play live music, but you will get "shushed" if you talk too loud while that's going on.

Friendly, lively pub often with live music.

The undisputed Gem of East Oxford's proper boozers! Expect lovingly selected Ale and perfectly poured Guiness, warm friendly staff; and all the wit charm and colour you'd expect of a 300+ year old Irish pub. Live music happens throughout the week, sometimes planned, often locals grabbing guitars and playing piano with the rest of the pub joining in. Beer, music and good times flow until 2am every night! This is the best of underground Oxford drinking holes.