The Turf Tavern in Oxford

The Ales are good. Spotted Cow and House bitter very good. The butter beer wasn't to my taste.

Lovely little pub, steeped with abundance of history. Great character with low beam ceilings (watch your head) and good choice of beer. More of a tourist atmosphere than a local one but great place overall.

Amazing Pub! Best location in Oxford! A hidden gem and excellent NGC food :) Thank you!

lovely menu and great, speedy service !

great food, friendly and attentive staff. would definitely recommend!!

Absolutely stunning pub in the summer. Racclete pie is to die for.

Delicious specials, would highly recommend the boar bangers and mash they are to die for.

What A fantastic pub steeped in history. An extremely busy and well run establishment. Great food and drinks.would definitely return

A very historical pub with amazing food and drink on offer!

As always, the most consistent, comforting, generous portioned, traditional English food served with wife choice of ales. Served many generations of students, faculty and visitors to Oxford including Presidents and Royalty. Sitting in the shadow of the old town wall, long may it last

Can be hard to get a table and it's not cheap for Green King, but it is in a lovely spot with a great atmosphere.

Food is ok and also the service. It doesn’t have a changing table in the bathroom, had to change my baby in the pram. For such a popular spot I think it could have been more kid-friendly.

Excellent place well hidden in the city of Oxford

Yummy food, good beer, cozy atmosphere!!

Very tasty, special atmosphere, highly recommended

Liked the atmosphere here. Good to use toilet too. Recommend to find the table by your own. I didn’t have no idea so just stood i. The queue then ordered in my turn, but I was able to order only drinks because we didn’t have a table reserved. Later, we occupied the table then scan to order for food separately. During my visit, fish and chips was out of stock. Personally, recommend stake and ale.

One of the best Sunday roasts we've ever had.

Beautiful little pub tucked away in the heart of Oxford. Lovely food, especially my pear frangipane, and a great atmosphere.

Very good traditional food Well worth it if you find yourself in Oxford

Looks much better in person than photos online. Great atmosphere with very good food. Must recommend!

Very busy with a great atmosphere for good reason. Excellent choice of beer and good food. Service was excellent.

Great time here with my family! Unbelievable food, great ambience. Send our regards to the Callux lookalike on bar who was so kind ! Will be coming back for sure ! Fish and chips were unbelievable !

Came in for a Sunday roast and was really good. Straight from the beginning we felt welcomed member of staff explains us how it works for get a seat and how we can order. Take in the bar very friendly and very helpful when it comes help you choose beers. The food was lovely, we didn’t wait too long. Lovely atmosphere ,and a pub full of history. Definitely recommended

Great ‘not so secret’ space that friends & I have haunted for many years. Lovely walled garden, but rather low ceilings for the careless…

Local restaurant near Oxford University! It is very convenient if you make a reservation first, but we leave a method of ordering for people who will visit on the same day like us. 1. Grab a table and memorize the table number. 2. After choosing the menu you want to order, go to the bar and order. 3. When ordering, give your table number first, then tell the menu and pay. Most people order food and alcohol together, but since you don't know the type and taste of alcohol before ordering, you can ask the staff to let you taste a small amount with a tasting cup, just like Baskin Robbins 31 in Korea provides a tasting spoon. Most of the food was delicious and good, especially the pork tonkatsu.

We were initially hesitant, fearing the place might be just another tourist trap – but we were pleasantly surprised! The food exceeded our expectations, with everything from the hearty pies to the creamy mac and cheese tasting absolutely delightful. The interior exudes charm and history, with low ceilings that transport you back hundreds of years, preserving the essence of the building’s past. The atmosphere feels authentic and cozy, adding to the overall experience. Despite ordering enough food for party of nine, the bill was surprisingly reasonable. To top it off, the person at the cash register/bar was incredibly friendly and welcoming – not to mention charming! It’s safe to say this spot left a lasting impression, and we’ll definitely be back.

Lovely old bar with a lot of atmosphere in the front but somewhat soulless in the more modern extension.

Amazing food, amazing staff. Merry Christmas!

One guest in our group has a medical food restriction and we described it as we ordered in person at the bar. The employee was unhelpful and only willing to hand us a list of standard allergy options, which didn’t cover information as to specific oils being used. When we explained that list was not helpful she said she could not discuss details of the food ingredients or go ask the kitchen about any preparation of specific dishes. “I’d have to go read the labels and can’t go do that.” We were dismissed and honestly the whole interaction with the staff was poor. We should have left, but we had paid a reservation fee and were seated, so we ordered. Six hours later that 83 year old guest is quite ill.

Great atmosphere but the food is not that great. The steak ciabbata had a piece of ligament the size of metal lighter. Chicken Kiev is just fried chicken. Fish n chips not bad.

Very friendly staff, great every time we visit. Love the Fish and Chips

Lovely pub, amazing atmosphere and great staff!! Would definitely recommend going there if you’re in Oxford :))

Ordered a "traditional turkey dinner" here for a pre-Christmas treat with my partner, and was very disappointed. The potatoes felt like they'd been deep-fried and then re-heated. The carrots were barely cooked and some of the meat was cold. When I raised this issue with a member of staff who asked the routine "is everything all right?" - as politely as I could and without making any demands - they retorted "and what would you like me to do about that?" as if challenging me to make a scene. I obviously didn't, and joked about having some new potatoes which weren't crap, and he said "afraid I can't do that" and walked off. I won't be eating here again and I'll be warning my friends against it, because - even if the staff can't do anything about bad food - they shouldn't be so dismissive. I'm not a tourist, I live here, and I think the Turf Tavern is a good place to grab a drink and chat with friends. But don't bother with the food.

Great pub with good atmosphere. Beer good. Food in general good- however steak ciabattas not great - quality of meat poor

Lovely tavern hidden away Great atmosphere, nearly magical

We are excited to eat at the oldest Tavern in Oxford and  it has been operating since 1381. There is no parking lot and it is located down one of the narrowest alleys I’ve ever walked.  My first course came as a result of cravings for wings . What I do find strange is the inability to order from your table. Part two of that is you need to go to the bar, order your food, then pay for it. So if you want to make an evening of it in this restaurant be prepared for a lot of up-and-down back-and-forth and by the time you’re finished maybe four or five receipts. The simple little things that we have come to expect in North America as a normal course of ordering your meal through a waiter or waitress coming to your table is something that is not done in some of the restaurants I’ve dined in so far. I decided to go with the garden salad and it came with warmed up chicken with the red sauce. I think it was marinara. Victoria went with mac & cheese. And Margaret had a sandwich. I think they all enjoyed their selection. It was good.

This pub was a recommendation to us from our Oxford born and raised friend and it did not disappoint! We popped in for dinner and drinks and the vibe was super chill, and the food was on point! The staff was friendly and made sure we had everything we needed. even though it was chilly we sat out back and were able to order drinks, notably Bailey’s coffee & mulled wine, from our phones to be delivered to the tables! Really great night out with friends!!

Lovley pub! Steak and ale pie was delicious. all the staff were so friendly! Would definitely recommend going to turf

I love the turf tavern, beautiful garden. 10/10

I was invited to lunch. We expected table service but discovered it was bar or app. The bar was awkward as neither of us was particularly 'athletic'.. so App. Disjointed, and as the slightly more tech savvy, and I already had the app. It fell to me to sort. Meant I paid!! I earn a 1/6 the income of my host... So will I rush back? For Beer and food 20% higher than my normal haunts... Slightly unlikely.

The place is still amazing, however, the food is not at the same level it used to be, and the staff taking a nap on a couch next to us was a little strange.

Turf Tavern in Oxford is an absolute must-visit! Tucked away down a narrow alley, the location and historic building create a one-of-a-kind atmosphere you won’t find anywhere else. The fish and chips were out of this world—crispy, flavorful, and perfectly cooked. What made the experience even better was the convenience of ordering food and drinks straight from an app, letting us relax and enjoy the ambiance without interruption. If you’re in Oxford, a stop at Turf Tavern is non-negotiable!

Drinks and atmosphere were good. But my meal was dreadful. Steak and ale pie. Five very small pieces of meat - three of which were so tough I couldn’t eat them. So really a gravy pie - with thick stodgy pastry. Three of us actually wanted the turkey dinner but it was unavailable. Shame we weren’t made aware before going up to the bar. One friend had the chicken Kiev but she said there was no garlic butter oozing out as you’d expect. So really a chicken schnitzel. Would not recommend for food.

Very cool atmosphere. Definitely worth a stop here!

A very cozy pub, I had a very delicious duck leg

The food was tasty and the servers were friendly. I enjoyed the cauliflower soup, maple pigs in a blanket and mulled wine And a Guinness. Everything was great, including the atmosphere.

Definitely worth a stop while in Oxford! Super cool atmosphere and probably the best sticky toffee pudding I have ever had.

Great experience, delicious food excellent variety of beers

Typical, cosy space, good meals (great fish n chips!). Great beer. Not to miss while in Oxford. Go early to get a good spot. We had a great time!

Enjoyed the visit had lunch fantastic place will be back soon 😀

Great pub with so much history behind it in central Oxford! Great tourist location! The management and team are fantastic

Must visit for Oxford - best beer in the city 🍺🍷

The assistant manager Reece gave me a great service. Will visit again

Crispy light batter and flaky meat inside. Best with malt vinegar. Perfect for a cold and slow Sunday lunch in Oxford.

Just had drinks, very cute little pub that opens up to multiple dining rooms and plenty of beer gardens. Possibly the best Greene King I've been to and had a range of non-GK pints, including a Scottish Heavy which was tasty

Loved the secrecy experience to go to the restaurant

great experience tonight at the turf. Food and drinks were great, and pub looks amazing. Definitely worth a visit when in Oxford

Paul the landlord couldn't of done more to make us feel welcome. Thank you

Beautiful hidden gem in Oxford. Don't miss this place! Staff and food absolutely 5 star!

Great atmosphere & lovely pub. It's quite tight and cozy but that adds to the charm. Food was good and they had enough vegetarian/ vegan options.

I do like the idea of being in the same pub as many of the famous and infamous before me. The staff are, I expect, students. All polite, well spoken, and great workers. The prices are what you'd expect in an affluent city. We enjoyed our food and drink.

A very charming and unique old pub with a cosy and lively atmosphere and good food including vegan options

Superb place, atypical. Very helpful staff.

Once wonderful pub with huge outdoor yard, now decimated for the gastro pub Market by Greedy King...

Grace was great thought the whole evening. Nothing was too much of a hassle and she really made me and my partners week night out even better

It was a good experience. I had the fish and chips, it was okay.

Amazing mulled wine and brought our dog out a water bowl and biscuits!! Amazing little pub!

Surprisingly good gluten free burger. The meat was delicious and the bread was really good. My only “but” was that the bread was cold. Regardless, it was really nice burger with a jacked potato. They have a special gluten free menu available (although it may be cross contamination in the kitchen)

Very quaint, delicious food, delicious beer, nice service.

Great atmosphere and cosy environment! Unfortunately, it was disappointing to witness the male manager being quite rude. There was an instance where a lovely waitress was being friendly and welcoming while collecting glasses, and he came over and snapped at her to 'get back to work.' I've noticed similar behaviour towards other staff members as well, which was disheartening. Otherwise, it’s a fantastic place, and I’d still recommend it!

Great place for a meal and a good variety of beverages.....

Amazing atmosphere and great choice of beers.

Lovely food here, staff were very helpful 😁

A charming place to say the least, kind and attentive staff, excellent traditional food. Absolutely worth trying

I think the most interesting thing about this famous/old bar in Oxford is the space. Although it is only walking distance from several landmarks in Oxford, you have to go through small and winding alleys before you reach this place, which is located in a bunch of relatively tall buildings. The old bar in a small circle in the middle seems to be a little secret place in Oxford. The sharp contrast with the surrounding buildings also makes the Turf Tavern venue feel a bit "enclave", and this feeling is consistent with the name of the store and the Some of the legends about its past history are echoed. The dining space of Turf Tavern is no less charming. From the outside, it does not seem to occupy a large area, but when you move inside or between them, it feels quite big. This is mainly due to the differences in the structural styles of the several dining areas. There are outdoor garden seats, and the inner area also has rooms surrounded by stone walls and rooms with walls made of other materials, etc. And there are even basements, making some corners inside feel like a secret realm within a secret realm, which is a kind of adventure for people. Or a place to explore. However, although the structural styles of the several dining areas inside are different, they all have antique, textured, or stylish objects, especially some of the hanging paintings that are quite admirable. Overall, I quite like Turf Tavern's stylish but comfortable and friendly dining environment. For the meal, I casually ordered the hack & ragout from the less "heavy" classic pub dish. The fish itself was very fresh and the stewed white kidney beans mixed with romesco was not overly seasoned. The overall taste was refreshing and small. Beyond my original expectations, I believe Turf Tavern’s other classics will also be delicious. recommend

Great service and amazing food, we really liked the specials. The one as very busy but we had a seat outside with heaters and that was perfect. The atmosphere was great too. Would definitely come back.

Been here for drinks on quite a few occasions and love the venue. First time we have eaten here though and sadly, not great....maybe just a bad day?

A hidden gem in the heart of Oxford! Stepping into Turf Tavern feels like stepping back in time, with walls dating back to the 13th century. The atmosphere is both warm and welcoming, and at sunset, the lighting creates an amazing ambiance. I highly recommend trying one of their local beer Flint Eye. It’s a special spot for both tourists and locals. Even if you have to navigate a bit to find it, it’s absolutely worth it!

From my perspective the place is okay. I'm not a big pub person but also I haven't seen anything that would really differentiate from other pubs.

Turf Tavern has such a charming vibe, perfect for a hang out with friends! We ordered fries, and while the portion was smaller than expected, they make up for it with their special local beer, Flint Eye—absolutely worth trying if you’re a beer enthusiast. The atmosphere is fantastic, with a cozy medieval-style interior and a lovely backyard that’s perfect for relaxing. Prices are quite reasonable too, which is a plus. Overall, it’s a great spot to hang out, enjoy some unique drinks, and soak in the unique ambiance. Highly recommend Turf Tavern!

Food was great, arrived quickly despite being busy. Staff were efficient.

Very busy Sunday lunchtime food good but very cramped tables Sold out of roast dinners

It’s ok. Great Enviroment., OK food ( but not great), good beer. Very touristy with an online order system that does not allow you to order their cask ales - you have to go to the bar as the waitstaff can’t take orders.

Very very busy and no bookings are available on Saturdays so it's just hit and hope. Food was far from great - Pea and mint soup however was fantastic. Quick table service for drinks when using the QR code and app. Gents toilets are very small so expect to wait and it is very... Intimate

One of the best Sunday roasts I've ever had.

1000 times yes. It feels like going back a few centuries with a very good food and beer offering. Certainly recommended

Amazing place, atmosphere and service was fantastic and the food was exquisite I had the Sunday Roast (Beef) and it was nothing short of perfect. Definitely recommend 10/10

Came down to Oxford for a weekend and heard this place is good, so I went and it really exceeded my expectations. The gardens are beautiful, the staff and quality of service is amazing, the food was really good too and the overall atmosphere is just what I was looking for. Would really recommend and looking forward to visiting again.

Well the place. is historical and cozy. Unfortunately the food leaves a lot to be desired. The steak was modest, the onion rings were fatty and “salad” had passed its peak days ago. For a beer or two, this is the place to be

Cracking pints, big up Gemma for excellent service, will be back on my next visit. Liam's looking forward to the festive feast burger

Gemma is the best barmaid ever - would come here just to see her smile :)

Spiffing marvellous service, particularly from Gemma who was pleasant and very accommodating to our large group. Will be back when supporting the boys in the boat race.

Quaint tavern, well organized service Everything was good but for the price that steak and ale pie has it could have more meat in the filling, Otherwise very good

It is emblematic of Oxford. There is very good weather!

food tasted good and so many people where ordering. very nice atmosphere

Very characteristic place, I recommend going there if you are in Ofxord. They didn't have much choice of dishes but it was still all good, I recommend making a reservation.

Great pub! An Oxford institution that has atmosphere, a friendly but busy vibe, good drinks and great food.

My favorite pub for a pint in Oxford. This historic pub is supposedly where former US president Bill Clinton “did not inhale” while smoking marijuana during his times as a Rhodes Scholar at historic Oxford University. The bar has a chalk board commemorating the famous occurrence. This centuries old pub is popular with both locals and tourists alike. It was pretty packed during my visit, but I was able to find seating. I didn’t eat, but enjoyed a tasty IPA among their nice selection of draft beers.

What a stunning establishment tucked away down winding alleys off the road next to the Bridge of Sighs. I've never seen such a unique pub. I'm 5" 8' and almost had to duck to come through the door. Great selection of ales on offer and although we didn't eat here, the food looked tremendous. I would highly recommend coming here even if it's only for a quick beer. There's a wonderful beer garden/terrace too.

Recently moved to oxford and was recommended to come here. Absolutely loved it. Have to travel down a funny little corridor but the vide and the place is absolutely amazing.