The Bear & Ragged Staff Bar in Oxford

28 Appleton Rd, Cumnor, Oxford OX2 9QH

About This Pub

You know, when I think about The Bear & Ragged Staff, it's one of those pubs that just warms your heart from the moment you step inside. The food is spot on – imagine tucking into a proper Eggs Benedict or those phenomenal prawn starters that folks rave about; it's all fresh, seasonal, and perfect for a laid-back afternoon. The staff are an absolute delight, always on hand with a smile and that personal touch, like surprising you on your birthday with something special – it really makes you feel looked after. And the place itself? It's got this gorgeous Tudor charm with ancient fireplaces and a sunny terrace that's ideal for whiling away the hours. But, to be fair, it's not all perfect; a few people have mentioned the menu doesn't have the widest range, so if you're in the mood for something a bit more adventurous, you might find it underwhelming. Plus, sorting out when it's open can be a bit of a headache without clear hours. All in all, though, I'd say it's a gem for a relaxed meal or a quick getaway, and worth checking out if you're in the area – just go in with realistic expectations and you're in for a treat!

Pros and Cons

Pros

The food is absolutely brilliant, with standout dishes like Eggs Benedict and prawn starters that leave you wanting more – it's got that gastropub magic!
Service is top-notch and really warm; the staff go the extra mile, like surprising someone with a birthday treat, making every visit feel special.
The atmosphere is charming and historic, with Tudor features, flagstone floors, and a lovely South-facing terrace perfect for alfresco dining on a sunny day.
It's versatile for different occasions, whether you're popping in for a relaxed lunch, a stay in their cosy bedrooms, or even hosting a party.
With a solid 4.5 rating from plenty of happy visitors, it's clear this place knows how to deliver a memorable experience overall.

Cons

The menu can feel a bit limited in variety for some tastes, especially if you're after more than just the beef-based options – it might not excite everyone.
There have been occasional hiccups, like with larger bookings, which could put a dampener on things if you're planning a big gathering.
Without clear operating hours listed, it might be a faff to plan a visit, leaving you guessing when it's open or closed.

Contact Information

28 Appleton Rd, Cumnor, Oxford OX2 9QH

+441865862329

Bar

Hours not available

Opening Hours

Opening hours not available

Location

Recent Reviews

We needed to find a nice breakfast after staying at a local camp-site nearby. The Bear and Ragged Staff came up on Google maps and we took a chance. So glad we did! We had Eggs Benedict, poached eggs and mushrooms and pancakes plus coffees and hit chocolate. Service was excellent.

Kristin Devlin

The food was astoundingly good and Alice our server was fantastic. Very friendly and prompt. Advice to perspectives customers: Try the prawn start if they have it. Phenomenal!

Tyler Frankland

Attended for my birthday lunch. The staff didn't know it was my birthday but must have heard my partner saying happy birthday to me. At the end of our excellent meal the wonderful staff brought out the most fantastic brownies on a plate saying happy birthday. I was so touched. How thoughtful. I'm vegetarian and I was delighted with the multiple choices available. Opted for the vegan cottage pie. Honestly one of the most delicious meals I have ever eaten. Highly recommend.

Aundrey Patterson

After a couple of hiccups at the start, we had an amazing time, we booked for a large party with small kids for a birthday celebration. The food was absolutely delicious, the staff was great with the adults and extremely patient with the small ones running around. The space was very cozy and it was lovely to have a wood burner close by on such a cold day. We were really looked after and taken care of. Would absolutely recommend, maybe just give a call to iron out details at the start!

Kristine West

Self described gastropub. Very pleasant, comfortable layout with a good selection of drinks on offer and pleasant attentive staff. Sadly, apart from some decent quality beef based dishes the menu was underwhelming in variety and of mediocre quality. Happily, we were with great people so that didn't matter too much but we would have been disappointed if we were looking for a decent feed.

Ken Matthews