Pubs of Oxfordshire

Pubs of Oxfordshire Exploring the nooks and crannies of Oxfordshire for the best pubs the county has to offer.

Perched in the heart of the charming Cotswold market town of Charlbury, The Bell at Charlbury is a beautiful 17th-centur...
22/01/2026

Perched in the heart of the charming Cotswold market town of Charlbury, The Bell at Charlbury is a beautiful 17th-century inn that effortlessly balances timeless character with modern comfort. As part of the Daylesford Stays ( ) family, it offers a warm and welcoming retreat infused with the same spirit as its sister farm, Daylesford Organic ().

Step inside, and you’ll be greeted by rich wooden beams, original flagstone flooring and glowing inglenook fireplaces - all lovingly preserved during a carefully considered, sustainable restoration. The bar itself is crafted from Ash grown on the Daylesford Estate, tying the inn back to its agricultural roots.

The food here is thoughtfully British - hearty pub classics and creative, seasonal dishes many made using produce from Daylesford Organic. If you’re in the mood for something more communal, head through to The Barn, a laid-back dining space centred around a wood-fired grill.

Outside, the magic continues: a sprawling orchard garden, planted with apple trees and cooled by a gentle stream, provides the perfect spot to unwind with a drink or a long, lazy afternoon in the sunshine.

With its mix of historic charm, refined but relaxed dining and peaceful lodging, The Bell is more than just a pub - it’s a genuine country escape, deeply rooted in the Daylesford ethos of sustainability, quality and connection.

Set in the picture-perfect village of North Moreton, just a short hop from Didcot, The Bear at North Moreton is a classi...
15/01/2026

Set in the picture-perfect village of North Moreton, just a short hop from Didcot, The Bear at North Moreton is a classic Oxfordshire country pub with a wonderfully lived-in feel. Dating back centuries, this village favourite is full of charm from its low beams and crackling fires to its cosy nooks and welcoming bar. Outside, a generous garden provides the perfect spot for sun-soaked afternoons, while inside it’s all warmth and character year-round.

The menu champions well-executed pub classics made with quality, seasonal ingredients, best enjoyed alongside a carefully kept pint or a glass from the thoughtfully chosen wine list. Popular with locals and visitors alike, The Bear is the kind of place that feels instantly familiar — ideal for a relaxed lunch after a countryside walk or a long, unhurried evening with friends.

Tucked away, yet easily reached from Oxford and the surrounding villages, it’s a true village pub that rewards the journey.

On the eastern border between Oxfordshire and Buckinghamshire, lies the quiet village of Worminghall (or “Wornall” among...
15/08/2025

On the eastern border between Oxfordshire and Buckinghamshire, lies the quiet village of Worminghall (or “Wornall” amongst locals). Tucked away here, the Clifden Arms is the sort of pub that feels like it’s been around forever - and in a way, it has. Parts of the building date back to medieval times. Nowadays, it is strikingly tall and large and is surrounded by a sprawling garden. This is a pub with plenty of space, and the garden really comes into its own during these warm summer months, complete with plenty of seating for long, lazy afternoons. The menu celebrates some hearty pub classics coupled with some Italian favourites, and the beer selection has a loyal following among locals.
Just a short nip out from Oxford, and also within easy reach of Waterstock and Studley Wood Golf Clubs, it makes for a perfect stop-off after a day exploring the city, or after sinking that final putt on the 18th.

Just past the village green, in the storybook setting of Southrop, sits The Swan — a 17th-century pub that once served b...
04/05/2025

Just past the village green, in the storybook setting of Southrop, sits The Swan — a 17th-century pub that once served bread and ale to local farmworkers and now welcomes families, walkers and wagging tails alike. This place is the definition of timeless charm.

From the moment you step inside, it’s all low-slung ceilings and crackling fires evoke the kind of warmth you only get from a quintessential countryside pub.

Serving lovely seasonal British cuisine, with ingredients fresh from the Southrop Manor Estate. Braised rabbit ragu, homemade bread, and a ‘Cygnets’ menu for the little ones — every detail is thoughtful.

Whether you’re here to warm up post-walk, gather with friends, or just slow down and enjoy the view — The Swan has that rare mix of old soul and modern comfort. A true village treasure.

Charlbury, like several other Oxfordshire towns, sits on the edge of the Cotswolds. While Charlbury boasts a number of p...
18/04/2025

Charlbury, like several other Oxfordshire towns, sits on the edge of the Cotswolds. While Charlbury boasts a number of pubs, there is no doubt that the Bull should be near the top of your list if you are passing through.
Describing itself as a “primarily local pub serving good beer” is a very humble statement as, while true, the pub offers a great deal more. It presents itself with beautiful, old world charm. And where the pub particularly stands out for us is in its local approach to sourcing ingredients and inspiration for its menu. The Bull follows a fork-to-farm principle, and has built close ties to farms such as Bruern (which by the way host a wonderful farmers/Christmas market), in order to grow their local footprint and help create strong local networks. And it’s a philosophy that naturally allows for more seasonal, varied, healthy and tasty food. We can’t fault it, and we don’t think you will either!

We love seeking out the perfect pub setting, and the Swan Inn in Swinbrook is right up there. Situated idyllically by th...
27/10/2024

We love seeking out the perfect pub setting, and the Swan Inn in Swinbrook is right up there. Situated idyllically by the side of a bending country lane, overlooking the flowing River Windrush, this Wisteria-clad, Cotswolds-stone pub is fit for a postcard.
Inside, the pub dates from the 16th century, and the two parlours capture the cozy atmosphere with wonderful fireplaces and tasteful decorations. At the rear, a sympathetic modern conservatory floods the rooms with light and leads invitingly out to the garden at the back.
The location is great too, with plenty of nearby attractions including Daylesford Farm (), Blenheim Palace (), Diddly Squat Farm Shop (.farmshop) and fortnightly classic car meetups at Petroyle Restorations (). So if you are going for a country walk, trying out the farm shop or getting your petrol-head fix, make sure to combine your day with a visit here.

Autumn is setting in, and drizzly and grey days call for warm afternoons spent by glowing fires, accompanied by comfort ...
18/10/2024

Autumn is setting in, and drizzly and grey days call for warm afternoons spent by glowing fires, accompanied by comfort food. We recently had the great pleasure of visiting the wonderful and unique Killingworth Castle, where we met owner Jim, and staff-member and part-time artist, Nick (). The Killingworth Castle has a special history - taking its name from the 17th century parisher, Thomas Killlingworth, who established his “castle” on the old Aberystwyth to London trading route back in 1637.
Owners Jim and Claire continue to write a new story for the pub, taking it over in a derelict state in 2012, and embarking on a journey of refurbishment and much-needed TLC. Former kitchen storages and barn buildings have been brought back to life and the pub is now a wonderful, warm and inviting space that offers a range of different dining spaces, as well as an original bar and lounging area.
The food at the Killingworth is exquisite - their set lunch consisted of British comfort-food classics, elevated to a level that justifies their 3-AA Rosettes.
* Artichoke, pine nut and truffle oil hors d’oeuvres
* Parsley root soup with hazelnut and parsley pesto
* Roast chicken and tarragon pie with mashed potatoes and gravy
* Apple crumble & custard

The Magdalen ArmsOxford locals, students and pub enthusiasts will no doubt be familiar with the Magdalen Arms, a pub tha...
05/09/2024

The Magdalen Arms

Oxford locals, students and pub enthusiasts will no doubt be familiar with the Magdalen Arms, a pub that offers a soothing blend of community and tasty food.

As you drive in or out of Oxford along the Iffley Road your eyes may be drawn to the Magdalen Arms’ entrance, with its soft blue facade and pub name proudly on display. The interior is just as inviting with its low ceilings, long wooden bar, and a homely mish-mash of chairs and tables of different shapes and sizes.

The Magdalen Arms also stands out on the gastronomical side of things, with a varied yet well-balanced menu. Our favourites include the succulent steak, the focaccia and many more!

Dogs are absolutely welcome at this floof-friendly pub. In fact, the floofier the better!

All ‘ale the local

The Pointer, BrillAs you drive along Oxfordshire’s eastern border, you might find yourself wandering slightly toward the...
27/08/2024

The Pointer, Brill

As you drive along Oxfordshire’s eastern border, you might find yourself wandering slightly toward the charming Buckinghamshire village of Brill, adorned with its iconic windmill. Keep driving and you’ll reach the beautiful Pointer pub.

Pubs like The Pointer are what makes British pubs so special. Looking for delicious food as you to escape to the countryside? It has you covered. Comforting local beers by the fireplace? Check. Floof friendly? Of course 🐶

The Pointer’s business goes hand in hand with the local community. Its seasonally-inspired menu uses fresh, local produce. It even has a butcher shop, The Pointer Butchers, which supplies two local schools with daily school lunches!

Standout starters 🌟
• Buttermilk Fried Calamari
• Brie Bites

Delicious Mains 😋
• Slow-Roasted Pork Belly
• Fish & Chips

Yeastfully Yours.

The Headington Shark, the cityscape view atop the hill in South Park, the beer garden at the Star - these are all exampl...
07/08/2024

The Headington Shark, the cityscape view atop the hill in South Park, the beer garden at the Star - these are all examples of classic locations and institutions in east Oxford that can’t be missed when visiting the area. And we would argue that trying the steak platter at The Chester Arms is a worthy addition to that list!

The Chester Arms is a cozy backstreet pub, off the westside of Iffley Road, complete with a beer garden surrounding a majestic beech tree. This is not a place you would likely stumble across by chance, and when you observe others in the area, they all seem to be strolling with purpose towards this very location. It is well-known that residents of east Oxford will often bring their visitors to the Chester Arms for a showstopper meal that can be shared like a family meal at home. At this pub, a very special wow-factor meal awaits: the famed and revered steak platter. Slice upon slice of pink, juicy and tender meat, is heaped on a platter of scrumptious chips and side salads. For vegetarians, the platter is also available as a Meditteranean style mezze with houmous, dips and garnishes. It’s a combination of flavours that doesn’t disappoint, and will live long in the memory!

Address

75 Clifden Road
Worminghall
HP18 9JR

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