Great place to the have a drink as long as you can remember how to get there! The first bar you have to beware the height as the beams are very low but as you move towards the back of the pub it gets a lot better. We went there as a group and those that had not been before really enjoyed the atmosphere and the history of the place.
Phil Didcote
So quirky, loads of history. Staff are lovely, food was great. Awsome pub.
Healings shorts
Full of frames and paintings dated from 18th centuryCozy, Classy place to enjoy festive meal with your family.Parking: cycle onlyWe went by walk so can’t suggest the nearest paid one either.Restrooms: cleanSeating available on ground and 1st floor.Wheelchair accessibility: Couldn’t spot lift for first floor; should check before arrival with the staff.
Daniel Neuhaus
Visiting the Turf Tavern was an extraordinary highlight of my time in England. Tucked away in the alleyways, just outside the old city walls of Oxford, this pub is not just a place to enjoy a drink; it’s a journey through history. Dating back to 1381, the Turf Tavern has served as a cultural cornerstone, frequented by students and numerous famous personalities like Richard Burton, Elizabeth Taylor, Tony Blair, and even future Prime Ministers and Presidents.As I stepped through the narrow St Helen’s Passage, the ambiance of the pub immediately transported me back in time. The low ceilings and cozy nooks created an intimate atmosphere, perfect for savoring their famed mulled wine or a pint of Old Rosie. It was surreal to be in a place that has been a part of history far beyond what one can imagine, a place that has hosted legendary figures and been part of tales from setting cats alight during the plague to the former Australian Prime Minister Bob Hawke setting a Guinness World Record for beer drinking.The Turf Tavern is more than a pub; it’s a living tapestry of Oxford’s history. For anyone wanting to feel like they’re a part of this historical fabric, a visit to this hidden gem is an absolute must.Vegetarian options: The Turf Tavern seems to cater well to vegetarian preferences. Their menu includes options suitable for vegetarians, ensuring that guests following a plant-based diet have ample choices.Dietary restrictions: Pubs like the Turf Tavern often have options to cater to various dietary needs, including gluten-free choices. It’s always recommended to inquire directly with the staff about specific dietary restrictions.Parking: The Turf Tavern is located in a historic part of Oxford with limited access for vehicles. Parking options might be scarce nearby, especially considering its central location. Visitors are likely better off using public transportation or finding parking elsewhere in the city and walking to the pub.Kid-friendliness: Traditional pubs in the UK, like the Turf Tavern, typically welcome families. The historic nature of the pub might also be appealing to older children interested in history.Wheelchair accessibility: Given its historic nature and location in a narrow alley, accessibility might be limited. It is advisable to contact the pub directly for specific accessibility information.
Paolo Caciagli
Beautiful experience.Went to visit my son in Oxford, and he brought me in these pub, not just the fact that is full of history, but the team the service was amazing.We received a nice and warm welcome when we got in, they told us to choose our seat, after that a waitress came to explain that we can order by the app or at the bar.We ordered 1 fish and chips and one festive burger, food came very fast and the waitress was really nice.Tired one of their ales the 1381 really nice.One of the best pubs I went in you definitely need to visit it.
Alice X
Great atmosphere to hang out with friends for a drink. Love the hot apple gin and mulled wines! Hidden in the alleyway to blend in with locals ?
Johann Go
Great historic pub in Oxford. Many student memories made in this place, and I'm glad to see that it has not lost its Oxford charm since Greene King took over its ownership. A group of us revisited recently and had a nice meal. My steak and chips were decently priced and cooked nicely.
McKay Richardson
Fish and chips were pretty good but seemed a little over priced. Ambiance was great and I would come back for a beer! Would recommend even in the winter as they have heaters outside.
Billy Bean
Doesn’t get any more Oxford than this! What a legendary tavern, an institution of history, a delicious food and drink menu.
Will Hsia
Quaint and cozy, this pub is tucked away behind a narrow alley between two buildings. The alley is dimly lit, creating a secretive and inviting atmosphere, leading to the hidden gem of a pub. The mulled wine here is nice.
Turf Tavern has a nice charm to it. Burger was decent. A bit on the pricier side but still alright. Would come again any time.
pilotdane
Enough can't be said about how this pub organically fits the space. Character oozes from every corner. Dark inside with low ceilings it's history is undeniable. It's busy but bigger than you think if you explore all the corners. Unfortunately, expect tour groups to be led right through but think of it as fresh meat for people watching.They have a broad selection of beers on tap. There is the usual selection of what I call "training" beers, the usual low alcohol, English tax avoiding stuff. But the selection is decently broad. Even in an off peak time the line at the bar can be long so don't wait to be empty before getting in line for another.The fish and chips were really delicious. Unfortunately, chasing down a server to get some vinegar was difficult enough at 3pm. I hate to think of it during a busy time.Still, a wonderful place to visit and a must see if you want to experience a truly old school pub with all it's charm and warmth.
Ignacio Cabeza
Amazing place, full of history. The beers are good, although some were not cold at all (and who likes that?). The service was great though, and the toilets super clean.
Odlaw
A real part of Oxford history. Love the coziness in the older section. Mind your head. Low beams. More rooms in the back and several outdoor patios. Therevare at least two ways to get there. The fun part is finding the entrance. A few years ago a more accessible and visible entrance was created. Will do again.
A I
The ultimate hipster experience... It's located in a hard to find, old building. You're act as your own waiter (but still cough up the 12.5%). You go the bathroom in a dark, tiny room in the back. You enjoy overpriced above average food.
Great place to the have a drink as long as you can remember how to get there! The first bar you have to beware the height as the beams are very low but as you move towards the back of the pub it gets a lot better. We went there as a group and those that had not been before really enjoyed the atmosphere and the history of the place.
So quirky, loads of history. Staff are lovely, food was great. Awsome pub.
Full of frames and paintings dated from 18th centuryCozy, Classy place to enjoy festive meal with your family.Parking: cycle onlyWe went by walk so can’t suggest the nearest paid one either.Restrooms: cleanSeating available on ground and 1st floor.Wheelchair accessibility: Couldn’t spot lift for first floor; should check before arrival with the staff.
Visiting the Turf Tavern was an extraordinary highlight of my time in England. Tucked away in the alleyways, just outside the old city walls of Oxford, this pub is not just a place to enjoy a drink; it’s a journey through history. Dating back to 1381, the Turf Tavern has served as a cultural cornerstone, frequented by students and numerous famous personalities like Richard Burton, Elizabeth Taylor, Tony Blair, and even future Prime Ministers and Presidents.As I stepped through the narrow St Helen’s Passage, the ambiance of the pub immediately transported me back in time. The low ceilings and cozy nooks created an intimate atmosphere, perfect for savoring their famed mulled wine or a pint of Old Rosie. It was surreal to be in a place that has been a part of history far beyond what one can imagine, a place that has hosted legendary figures and been part of tales from setting cats alight during the plague to the former Australian Prime Minister Bob Hawke setting a Guinness World Record for beer drinking.The Turf Tavern is more than a pub; it’s a living tapestry of Oxford’s history. For anyone wanting to feel like they’re a part of this historical fabric, a visit to this hidden gem is an absolute must.Vegetarian options: The Turf Tavern seems to cater well to vegetarian preferences. Their menu includes options suitable for vegetarians, ensuring that guests following a plant-based diet have ample choices.Dietary restrictions: Pubs like the Turf Tavern often have options to cater to various dietary needs, including gluten-free choices. It’s always recommended to inquire directly with the staff about specific dietary restrictions.Parking: The Turf Tavern is located in a historic part of Oxford with limited access for vehicles. Parking options might be scarce nearby, especially considering its central location. Visitors are likely better off using public transportation or finding parking elsewhere in the city and walking to the pub.Kid-friendliness: Traditional pubs in the UK, like the Turf Tavern, typically welcome families. The historic nature of the pub might also be appealing to older children interested in history.Wheelchair accessibility: Given its historic nature and location in a narrow alley, accessibility might be limited. It is advisable to contact the pub directly for specific accessibility information.
Beautiful experience.Went to visit my son in Oxford, and he brought me in these pub, not just the fact that is full of history, but the team the service was amazing.We received a nice and warm welcome when we got in, they told us to choose our seat, after that a waitress came to explain that we can order by the app or at the bar.We ordered 1 fish and chips and one festive burger, food came very fast and the waitress was really nice.Tired one of their ales the 1381 really nice.One of the best pubs I went in you definitely need to visit it.
Great atmosphere to hang out with friends for a drink. Love the hot apple gin and mulled wines! Hidden in the alleyway to blend in with locals ?
Great historic pub in Oxford. Many student memories made in this place, and I'm glad to see that it has not lost its Oxford charm since Greene King took over its ownership. A group of us revisited recently and had a nice meal. My steak and chips were decently priced and cooked nicely.
Fish and chips were pretty good but seemed a little over priced. Ambiance was great and I would come back for a beer! Would recommend even in the winter as they have heaters outside.
Doesn’t get any more Oxford than this! What a legendary tavern, an institution of history, a delicious food and drink menu.
Quaint and cozy, this pub is tucked away behind a narrow alley between two buildings. The alley is dimly lit, creating a secretive and inviting atmosphere, leading to the hidden gem of a pub. The mulled wine here is nice.
Restaurantji Recommends
Turf Tavern has a nice charm to it. Burger was decent. A bit on the pricier side but still alright. Would come again any time.
Enough can't be said about how this pub organically fits the space. Character oozes from every corner. Dark inside with low ceilings it's history is undeniable. It's busy but bigger than you think if you explore all the corners. Unfortunately, expect tour groups to be led right through but think of it as fresh meat for people watching.They have a broad selection of beers on tap. There is the usual selection of what I call "training" beers, the usual low alcohol, English tax avoiding stuff. But the selection is decently broad. Even in an off peak time the line at the bar can be long so don't wait to be empty before getting in line for another.The fish and chips were really delicious. Unfortunately, chasing down a server to get some vinegar was difficult enough at 3pm. I hate to think of it during a busy time.Still, a wonderful place to visit and a must see if you want to experience a truly old school pub with all it's charm and warmth.
Amazing place, full of history. The beers are good, although some were not cold at all (and who likes that?). The service was great though, and the toilets super clean.
A real part of Oxford history. Love the coziness in the older section. Mind your head. Low beams. More rooms in the back and several outdoor patios. Therevare at least two ways to get there. The fun part is finding the entrance. A few years ago a more accessible and visible entrance was created. Will do again.
The ultimate hipster experience... It's located in a hard to find, old building. You're act as your own waiter (but still cough up the 12.5%). You go the bathroom in a dark, tiny room in the back. You enjoy overpriced above average food.