The Victoria Arms in Oxford

It's a little hard to get to, but it's a very refreshing place along the river and the food is delicious. It's worth the trip.

Cracking place. Postcard pub and hotel stopped off on a bike ride. Nice view up the river charwell.

Went in for a drink on hot sunny afternoon and sat out on the grass area. Went to order for the table and the barman said that they don't serve food down there - very surprised to hear that considering there was a table of 3 guys down there all eating. The guy who had a grump on told is that there is signs to say so. ( there are no signs ) and that's what was said to him. We then actually managed to order a plate of chips & when the food came we asked the lady the reasoning, she never had one. Then the manager who was realy rude and made us not want to go back, turned around and said "they are allowed, they are my friends and they can do what they want, it's my pub, smoke marowana or do what they want, it doesn't matter". We replied back saying one rule for one & one for all. Very arrogant manager.

Popped in for a drink and a lite bite this evening. Was busy but we didn’t wait too long. Ordered some chips and calamari-the manager was great and helped us sort out a high chair. Still one of our favourite spots, especially on sunny days!

We had Sunday Lunch at 5:30. I have always enjoyed the food here but this time it was awful. The roast potatoes and the Yorkshire pudding were hard and the veg overcooked. The roast beef lukewarm was and thin. Overpriced for this poor quality. Obviously they had been left in the oven for too long and not checked before serving. I told the waitress who was very pleasant and just apologised. I then told the young guy on the bar when paying & he again just apologised. I We won't be going again to eat. Such a pity as it is a great location which they are depending too much on.

Came for a Sunday roast, definetely not lacking in portion sizes, food was outstanding and the service from the staff was incredible.

We visited on a warm and sunny Friday evening in May and the terrace and garden was very busy. Service at the bar was calm, efficient and friendly. Fries and battered onion rings to accompany our drinks were hot, golden and crunchy. We sat on the terrace and watched the sun go down and all was well in the world!

Great food and atmosphere with a cracking view of people punting on the river. Definitely coming back!

Great place with a lovely view.

The evening we had here was lovely, food amazing and staff were very friendly & helpful. The location was really beautiful.

We visited for a family occasion. Catering for a table of 14 is not easy but all went very well. We'd have lived to have been able to book an outside table but this is not offered but we were very happy to be given the long side room to ourselves and it actually meant the baby could snooze close to us. The service was great and we were well looked after. The Yorkshire puddings were dry and overcooked but everything else was great. A very Happy visit on a beautiful day and in great surroundings. We visit often and always enjoy our visits.

Lovely food, and a wonderful garden right on the river

Travelled from Berkshire as my partner had stated he had been here before and the food was amazing. Called up to book, and was told it was first come first serve which was stated in a rude manner. Upon arrival, we realised they were taking table bookings. Waited 10 minutes to be seated. We both had roast beef. One came without a Yorkshire pudding. Beef was nice, but cold, cold veg and burnt and hard roast potatoes. My partner is extremely disappointed as he previously rated the food quite highly. The waitress also did not ask how we found the food. Prices are very high for the standard of food we were served. The only positive thing is the sun shining and the scenery

Everything about this place is unreal. Great food, beer and a lovely garden. Special mention to Dylan and Dimitri, great to have a chat with!

A very enjoyable afternoon at this pleasant hostelry.

We had Sunday lunch with my Sister who had travelled from Hampshire. Although the service was good, the food was disappointing. My husband's roast beef was a bit chewy and my sister seemed disappointed with the pork.  The lemon posset desserts were like liquid. Sad as it left us leaving without a good impression despite eating there in the past.

Fantastic food, friendly staff and great location. Would definitely recommend

Just had half a pint, good place to stay for a while..

We are a group of retired teachers who meet regularly to walk together and reminisce. We were able to use the loos before we started our walk and then had a wonderful meal...your menu had just chamged after our walk. Your staff could not have been more welcoming or helpful.

From the moment we walked in, the staff were friendly, polite and helpful. Nothing was a problem and even though we’d made a last minute booking, we were seated straight away and made to feel very welcome. Food was gorgeous and so were the drinks - attention to detail perfect! We’ll definitely be returning. Thank you for a wonderful dining experience.

Good food, good service, lovely setting with river views.

Beautiful location with great food. Its location makes it ideal for a pub walk with plenty of surrounding footpaths.

The celeriac soup was excellent, and the service delightful and very accommodating, allowing us to bring in a celebratory cake and producing it with lit candle at the right moment

Characteristic pub, excellent fish and chips..very friendly staff

Loved this pub. Scenery is great, inside decor is very authentic and such a relaxed atmosphere. Enjoyed the burgers!

It's a Butcombe Pub, say no more👍

The food was lovely and the staff looked after us well. The pub’s position is lovely overlooking the River Cherwell.

One of my favourite pub restaurant very calm and friendly atmosphere .

Rude staff…. waited to order like 15 minutes while the guy behind the bar was taking orders from people that came after me and they were completely ignoring me…after a member of the staff asked me if I want anything at last she just turned her back to me while I was still talking to her….

Most dishes were available gluten free suitable for coeliacs including the fish and chips. Very good. Will return. Great place!

Crispy, lightly battered fish and chips, bubble and squeak benedict, and chocolate rice pudding to die for. Great beer, service and dreamy river view.,

As always, great British food, traditional pub classics and also some interesting alternatives on the menu, nice British Ales, and very friendly staff. The environment is always very warm and has a very nice traditional vibe Probably the best pub in Oxford

Food seemed very pre-prepared ... bunged in the oven to be heated up. Staff were well-intentioned, but not very structured/professional. When served, my dinner was not what I ordered. (It wasn't a complicated order. "Chips or mash". I ordered mash, and got chips. This was corrected quickly once I informed staff. Atmosphere was good. It was a poor-quality meal considering the price.

Top service, great food, very nice location, cozy interiors, fantastic view on river and countryside

We came for a Sunday lunch plus it was a family members birthday. Our table was ready on arrival and we had lovely friendly service. The food was all delicious and we were all looked after very well. I hadn’t been here for a long time and had seen a few changes. It was a busy lunch service but all the staff worked so well as a team. Thank you, will definitely be back.

A wonderful lunch in the sunshine with our two dogs. Looking forward to coming back.

Lovely riverside setting, a patio with plenty of seating, a riverside beer garden, punts to hire & nice food. 2025 update; held wake here for family member; good buffet laid on.

Brilliant food, great service and lovley atmosphere

We went for Sunday lunch, unfortunately the trio of meat was cold and the chicken was wings and hardly any meat, which I’ve not known before for a roast chicken. Very expensive for what we got and then they have the cheek to add service on top. No one asked if we enjoyed our food, despite us leaving half of it,

Lunchtime midweek. Sausages tasteless, gravy had one very large lump in it. Mash and side order of green veggies good. Had the pear for afters. It tasted okay, had to ask for a fork as I was chasing the pear around the bowl with my spoon. Restaurant was cold. I would not recommend this pub for a meal. Car park large. Wheelchair accessible.

Lovely birthday meal for my husband. Food delicious, service great and nice setting.

Great pub to relax and have a great pint of beer with a superb view overlooking and scenic countryside and the lovely river Cherwell with the added benefit of extremely nice, helpful, friendly staff.

Great place to enjoy the river near Oxford. Lovely views over river and fields while eating superb food. Also good as a base for a river walk down to the Wolfson nature reserve.

Service was great but the roast was disappointing. Seemed like the kind of food you would get in a weatherspoons.

Great Sunday roast in the sunshine outside looking over the river. Great service and value too.

As a sufferer of coeliac disease eating out is always a challenge but tonight it was made so easy. Our waitress brought a menu which was clearly marked with what I could have and she also explained everything & reassured me that they had a separate gluten free fryer. I was concerned that the beer battered fish couldn't be gf but again the waiter explained that the beer they used was gf. The food was lovely, really tasty & filling! The staff were all very helpful & friendly.

Lovely food and very friendly and helpful staff

Very good Sunday lunch with two visiting friends. Pleased to get 20% discount on the food. Great service from Jess and colleagues.

I don’t often take the time to leave reviews but after my visit here I felt I had to mention the excellent staff here at the Victoria Arms. It was first visit but certainly won’t be my last! Fabulous picturesque location overlooking the river, surrounding fields perfect for post lunch dog walk. Brilliant staff coped so well with our table of two adults, two dogs and a very active toddler! Really enjoyed the fish stew and the service was amazing - such efficient, professional and very friendly staff. Thank you Victoria Arms, we are really looking forward to returning

Quality food in a lovely setting. Nice traditional pub

great service, quality food, lovely atmosphere. would recommend to anyone in the area

Lovely service and great gluten free options

Good value set menu. Nice atmospheric side room and very friendly service

Staff are always very friendly and helpful at the Victoria Arms

This was a special occasion for us and the staff made the evening extra special with their superb service. A night we won't forget in a long time!

Dog friendly, lovely staff, food was good but portions a bit small.

Absolutely amazing experience. The staff could amazing definitely wow factor. Nothing could not be more helpful and accomodating. The food is just incredible everytime. Definitely recommend 👌

Family Sunday lunch. Booked for 2pm, which in hindsight was a mistake. It’s a nice friendly pub, set down a country lane beside the River Cherwell. But a disappointing lunch offering. Clearly understaffed, for which the team apologised. Not their fault. Ordering was slow and the Sunday roast offering was well off the mark. Meats cold, no crackling with pork, veggies over cooked. To be fair they took a bit of the bill. But would rather have had a better meal! Staff 😊 Location 🥰 Food 🥴

Very nice staff. Quiet enough for chats. Warm in February.

Nice ambience and pretty good food.

The food was tasty and service was friendly and quick. Booking needed as it is a popular venue.

Lovely spot and friendly staff. Good kids menu and Butcombe's beer!

The food was beautiful, and so was the service we went especially for the fish and chips 🍟 the chips was spot on point 👉

I expect that if you don't know this pub exists, you never will. It's quite well hidden down a dedicated road, when you arrive the scenery is lovely. The pub itself is cosy, well furnished and well maintained. Both indoor and outdoor seating offers a view. Drinks and food are of a high standard and service is friendly and professional.

Server went over and above expectations and brought an extra plate of delicious rare beef when requested . So good!

We joined the Victoria Arms for Sunday lunch. Whitebait and calamari to share, followed by their three meat roast. Whitebait was nicely cooked, though the accompanying aioli seemed more like mayonnaise. All three meats tasted great. Beef was cut beautifully and the belly pork was thick and juicy. The vegetables were nice, however the cooking of the roast potatoes were somewhat inconsistent. Children being permitted to run circles around the dining area was unwanted and disturbing and be aware it can get chilly in winter.

We went for an early evening meal to celebrate our sons birthday. Excellent service and friendly staff. Food was delicious.

Long overdue family get together yesterday at The Victoria Arms. Perfect venue! Perfect service! Perfect food! Thank you all for our special day x

Booked a table on Friday for Saturday lunch. Got an email "declining" our reservation at 11.30am Saturday. That's no way to do business. We had to hastily rearrange with the other half of our group. Dismal. Can't comment on food as we didn't eat. Never book online, make a phone call.

An exceptional experience from start to finish. A stunning quintessential English setting, a warm welcome, delicious food and beverages and warm, authentic service. A rare find these days! Thank you!

Visited the Victoria Arms many times, mostly over the summer. Started new year by visiting for a quick lunch - a new menu, I Think - and it was great! Tried whitebait and calamari-good price for such quality! Really enjoyed it and will aim to come more over In 2025 ! Great pub !

A fantastic pub that is full of history and interesting stories. Look out for the fireplace where Oliver Cromwell is said to have sat during the Siege of Oxford. The staff are friendly and it is very spacious inside with plenty of seating. I did not eat here, so I am unable to comment on the food. As a pub though, I highly recommend it! ☆☆☆☆☆

Unfortunately there were several items n the menu and drink that were not available, rather poor!

Always love this place. Whenever we meet up with friends/family, this is where we come. As well as great food, friendly service and lovely atmosphere, it’s easy access and has parking. Lovely pub 👏

Atmosphere and service were excellent but food was below average. The only nice dish was the crumble which was very nice. The fish fingers were oily, the chicken burger was not great and the fish and chips was not great. We have been coming to the pub for many years (more than 30, since we were students at Oxford ) and Ford recently has gone downhill. It is a pub so we don’t expect anything extraordinary but this visit made us think that we should brunch out next time we come to Oxford. Crumble is not an option below so I chose the only pudding.

great service. food came quickly and was delicious. Joe and Jess really did look after us well

Jess and Joe were great. Food was lovely.

Was such a lovely dinner. Food was great and service was perfect - Joe and Jess were amazing! Would definitely come back for a any occasion.

Food was really good and the staff are really attentive and helpful, many thanks to Jess for accommodating me and my family on such short notice

We visited pub on a busy Friday afternoon, welcoming and service from team Victoria was great, they were 12 off us in the group. Fish and chips , Fish stew , Calamari and homemade pie highly recommended . Lots of food and drinks and we enjoyed very much our day . Thank you for looking us . Highly recommended pub . Great job done by management in the last 2-3 years.

Lovely pub with excellent food and friendly efficient service. Had the chicken, ham hock, and leek pie with proper gravy. Well made and tasty food. Beer well looked after. Staff friendly and efficient. Thoroughly recommended.

Great atmosphere and beer. Friendly helpful staff. Food good.

Great visit after long country walk . Delicious lunch with pint Butcombe beer , service and food was spot on . Great traditional pub in beautiful spot overlooking river. Always busy winter or summer. Definitely pub to recommend 👌

Jess was extremely helpful & food was excellent. Would fully recommend ⭐️

We had a lovely time, the waiter was so nice and the food amazing!

Meal out with friends, lovely staff, good food at reasonable prices, pleasant atmosphere. Loads of parking.

Had the work Christmas Party here and it was great fun! Lovely venue, great service and Dimitri and James were particularly helpful in the planning/ organising so thank you 🙏

Good enjoyable, evening with friends.

Just stopped by for a drink on the way out of Oxford. We saw it from the main road but it was a long way around the block to the long drive to get in.. the place was heaving at the end of the Sunday lunch rush but had cleared in the half hour we were there such that car park was almost empty. The setting will be great in summer, by the river but was not so inviting in storm Bertie. Great beer and we agreed that next time we will book for food.

Lovely food and vibe on a Thursday night. Best pie ever. Thank you

The pub food and service improved a lot since I last visited there. Hopefully it will keep it for the summer so we can enjoy the beautiful river Cherwell with good food

Yes another incredible Sunday lunch yesterday , delicious ! Christmas decorations made is so warm And cozy on a bleak November Sunday afternoon , looked after by Chris and made welcome by all the incredible team at the Victoria arms 👍

Best pub in Oxford. Great food, basically gourmet. Nice twist on traditional dishes. Great staff, great drinks selection. Nice, quiet atmosphere.

This is the second family gathering in 8 months at The Victoria Arms and it was just as good as the first. Lovely location, great atmosphere, delicious food and exceptional service 😊

The food was good and the service first class!

Team were fantastic food was unreal I will Be back 100% can’t recommend enough.

Fantastic food, great choice on menus and special menu. Just a massive shout out to james. You was absolutely fantastic from the minute we walked in until we left. You are a massive credit to here and it was great meeting you. You definitely kept our daughter (lexi) entertained.

Fantastic place lovely atmosphere. Gluten-free options are available. Great history dating back to 1279.

Good food. Great staff. Lovely setting. Well done guys 👍

Our friend invited us to dinner at this restaurant and we enjoyed a wonderful evening with delicious food in a relaxed atmosphere. The service was friendly. There is also a selection for vegetarians, such as a good veggie burger.