Isis Farmhouse Pub in Oxford

Haystacks Corner, The Towing Path, Iffley, Iffley Lock, Oxford OX4 4EL

About This Pub

Ah, Isis Farmhouse—it's one of those hidden gems in Oxford that I've grown quite fond of, tucked away by the river where you can really unwind. I love how it's got this magical, unspoiled feel with picnic tables in the garden overlooking the water, making it ideal for a sunny afternoon pint or even a family gathering. The live music events, especially that Gipsy Jazz on Sundays, add a lovely touch that keeps things lively without being overwhelming. And let's not forget, it's brilliant for bringing the dog along or popping in with the little ones; it's all about that welcoming, community vibe. On the flip side, though, I've heard a few mates mention that the service can drag on, which is a shame when you're eager for another round. The food's alright but nothing to write home about—portions are a tad skimpy and it's not always the tastiest, so I'd probably stick to the drinks if I'm honest. Still, if you're up for a bit of an adventure to get there, perhaps a nice walk along the towpath, it's worth it for the atmosphere alone. All in all, it's a solid spot for us pub enthusiasts, as long as you go in with realistic expectations and focus on what it does best.

Pros and Cons

Pros

The riverside location is absolutely stunning—picture yourself sipping a pint with views of the Isis River and boats gliding by, it's pure bliss on a sunny day.
It's super family-friendly and dog-friendly, making it a great spot for a relaxed outing with the kids or your furry mate.
They've got a cracking selection of locally crafted beers and ales, and the live music, like that free Gipsy Jazz on Sundays, really adds to the charm.
The outdoor seating in the garden is spot on for gatherings, whether it's a casual meet-up or something like a wedding reception.
The atmosphere is warm and welcoming, with open fires in winter and a real sense of history that makes you feel right at home.

Cons

Service can be a bit slow, even when it's not too busy, which might leave you waiting longer than you'd like for your drinks or food.
The food is a mixed bag—portions are on the small side and the quality isn't always up to scratch, so it might not be the best value for a full meal.
Some areas, like parts of the outdoor space, could do with a bit more maintenance to keep everything in tip-top shape.
Indoor seating is limited, so on rainy days or busier evenings, you might find yourself a bit squashed or having to brave the weather.
It's not always the easiest place to get to, being a bit out of the way, which could be a faff if you're not up for a walk or cycle.

Contact Information

Haystacks Corner, The Towing Path, Iffley, Iffley Lock, Oxford OX4 4EL

+441865243854

Pub

Closed

Opening Hours

Monday	Closed
Tuesday	Closed
Wednesday	Closed
Thursday	16:00 - 22:00
Friday	16:00 - 00:00
Saturday (Today)	12:00 - 20:00
Sunday	12:00 - 22:00

Location

Recent Reviews

This is a brilliant spot, and a multi-purpose venue. We were here for a wedding reception and it had everything you'd want: good food and drinks selections, a great space, indoor and out, and a cool place to have music for playing and dancing. Fantastic.

Guy Hornsby

Right on the river and plenty of huge trees. This is an awesome pub. No complaints. Had a few pints here while on our trip and it's a great vibe. Plenty of outdoor seating. Room for kids to play during the day. A few seats inside. Sometimes the owners play music there late into the night. Sometimes they're open outside of their posted hours, so it's worth a call if you want a late drink.

Bryce

The location was perfect, beautiful outdoor area (although some maintenance needed) I would give it 5 stars for location. The service and food do let it down though with is a shame. Service to order was slow, even before it got busy, and the service when eventually served was minimal. Food, again slow to come, but wasn’t all just microwaved so that was a small bonus. But for pub food it was slow and slightly overpriced. I would go again for the outdoor location.

Conor

Nice location, dog-friendly, good beer. Bar-staff were friendly, but there is no food "service": you have to collect your food, cutlery, condiments, etc. yourself. Food was so-so in quality and rather meagre portions, so not good value. I'd recommend coming here to drink, not eat.

Peter Kidd

We visit every year when we are on holiday. Today we visited and were greeted on arrival by all the staff we passed in the garden on the way in. I didn't need to wait at the bar to be served. They have a cool system for food outside and give you a buzzer to collect your food from a hatch in the garden. Great idea and saves the staff extra work on a hot day. Food was lovely and the garden is looking great. It was nice to watch families come and go and see boats stop off the river. Lovely to see it looking so well with different function areas and live music this Sunday!

Lorraine Stewart