Discover Oxford's Oldest Pub: The Bear
When it comes to vying for the title of Oxford’s oldest pub, The Bear stands as a compelling contender. With a rich history dating back to 1242 and a charming 17th-century building, The Bear has been a beloved gathering spot for both students and locals.
Nestled just off the bustling High Street, The Bear is a beacon for those seeking an exceptional pint of real ale paired with delicious, home-cooked, traditional pub cuisine. Its central location makes it a go-to destination for those in search of a quintessential pub experience in Oxford.
Beyond its remarkable longevity, The Bear is renowned for its unique displays. Back in 1952, the pub’s landlord, Alan Course, initiated a collection of tie ends. Legend has it that patrons could exchange their tie ends for half a pint of beer, with the ties originally pinned to the walls and now showcased in glass-fronted cases on the walls and even the ceiling. These ties serve as tokens of membership in various Oxford societies and institutions, boasting a remarkable collection of over 4,500 ties!
For history enthusiasts and pub aficionados alike, The Bear is the ultimate destination. Join us on a journey through time at Oxford’s cherished and time-honoured establishment, The Bear.
The Turf Tavern: a Rich History
Nestled in Oxford, the Turf Tavern rivals even the oldest claims in town. Located at the end of St. Helens Passage, this hidden gem between Holywell Street and New College Lane boasts a captivating history.
The Turf Tavern’s exact origin remains a mystery, but it was a favorite haunt by the 16th century, attracting a colorful crowd, including wrongdoers and rogues. Positioned just outside the old city wall, it evaded college authorities. A fragment of the old city wall in the beer garden serves as a reminder. It was even rumored that the Roundheads convened here during the English Civil War!
This historic pub drew political figures like Australian Prime Minister Bob Hawke, who set a Guinness World Record in 1954. It’s also where Bill Clinton, as a Rhodes Scholar, famously declared that he “did not inhale.”
Notable personalities, including Richard Burton, Elizabeth Taylor, Tony Blair, CS Lewis, Stephen Hawking, and Margaret Thatcher, have graced its doors.
Fun Fact: While filming took place at the nearby New College, the cast and crew of the Harry Potter films used to visit the nearby Turf Tavern in between takes!
The King's Arms
Originally established in 1607 on land once occupied by Augustinian friars dating back to 1268, this establishment has deep historical roots. Following the Dissolution of the Monasteries in 1540, the property came under the ownership of the City of Oxford, eventually becoming a beloved gathering place for students and locals alike.
Today, The King’s Arms is proudly owned by Wadham College, situated just north of the pub. An interesting historical note is that until 1973, The Don’s Bar, located at the back of the pub, was exclusive to men, making it the last of its kind in Oxford. This historical tidbit is unrelated to the fire that occurred that year, attributed to an electrical fault rather than any radical feminist actions.
Legend has it that The King’s Arms boasts the highest IQ per square foot of any pub or bar globally. Throughout its history, students have congregated here to engage in academic discussions, and some even claim that dons held tutorials in the back bar as late as the 1970s. Today, the outdoor seating in front of the pub offers picturesque views of the Weston Library and the Sheldonian Theatre, creating the perfect setting for people-watching.
The White Horse: Oxford's Cosiest Pub
Nestled inconspicuously between Blackwell’s bookshop and a music store, The White Horse is the quaintest pub you’ll find in Oxford. This charming Grade II listed establishment, often overlooked due to its size, was once under the ownership of Exeter College, just across the way on Broad Street, until 1980.
Before adopting the moniker ‘The White Horse,’ this establishment was known as the ‘Jolly Volunteer.’ The name harks back to its historical role as a recruiting centre for King Charles I’s army during the English Civil War.
Noteworthy figures such as Winston Churchill and Bill Clinton have graced The White Horse with their presence, and it has also played a starring role as a filming location for Inspector Morse.
For those seeking refuge from Oxford’s drizzly weather, The White Horse offers solace in its cozy snug room at the rear—a perfect spot to enjoy a pint and warm up on rainy days.
A tradition has it that if an Exeter College student noticed that the doors of the College had inadvertently been left open, he could run across to the White Horse and claim a free pint!
The Chequers
Now onto the quirkiest pub in Oxford…
Before the Chequers was a Grade II listed pub, it was an exhibition hall for animals and inventors, and then a base for money lenders!
In the 1500s, Alderman Richard Kent oversaw the reconstruction of this historic building, converting it from a moneylender’s tenement into the beloved tavern you see today. While the semi-permanent zoo on Oxford High Street with exotic animals like camels, opossums, and even sharks may be long gone, Chequers still retains remarkable features, including its timeless stained glass windows and intricate bar carvings, serving as reminders of its intriguing and wild history.
Legend has it that Chequers hides a secret tunnel leading to another pub on High Street, rumored to have been used as an escape route for Catholic priests during the clandestine masses of King Henry VII’s reign. Uncover the hidden stories and mysteries of Chequers Pub – the more you learn, the more you’ll be captivated by its fascinating history!
The Perch
The Perch undoubtedly has Oxford’s most beautiful beer garden. This historic thatched inn lies ten minutes out of Oxford city centre, near Port Meadow. Take a boat tour down the River Thames through leafy pastures and enjoy a brief interlude at the Perch.
The Perch is close to an avenue of poplars made famous by Gerard Manley Hopkins in his poem ‘Binsey Poplars’, written when he found the riverside trees felled.
The pub was frequented by author Lewis Carroll and is noted as one of the first places that he gave public readings of Alice in Wonderland. It was also a favourite of The Chronicles of Narnia author C. S. Lewis.
The Perch hosts a great beer and cider festival every summer, which is a must see for anyone into their craft beer. You couldn’t ask for a more picturesque location to enjoy a nice cold pint of lager on an English summer’s day!T
Whether you’re seeking a cozy nook to sip a local ale or a spot to unwind with friends, Oxford’s pubs will deliver. Each establishment is steeped in history, from centuries-old taverns to modern craft beer havens.
So, gather your friends, explore the cobbled streets, and make some memories at these remarkable pubs. Cheers to good company, great drinks, and the timeless charm of Oxford!
Don’t forget to share your favorites and experiences in the comments below. Happy pub hopping!