About This Pub
Ah, The Black Boy in Headington – it's one of those places that really pulls you in with its charming, cosy vibe, like popping round to a mate's house for a catch-up. From what I've gathered from folks' experiences, it's brilliant for a relaxed stay with comfortable rooms that come with nice little extras like tea and coffee, and the breakfast is something to rave about – fresh, tasty, and just the ticket to start your day in Oxford. The staff are proper helpful too, always up for a chat or dishing out tips on where to head next, and it's spot-on for Sunday lunch or even bringing your furry friend along. Prices seem fair for what you get, which is a win in my book. But, to keep it real, there was that one story about the management not being as understanding as you'd hope in a sticky situation, which is a bit of a downer. Plus, some have mentioned the food portions don't quite match up to the cost, making you ponder if it's trying to be a bit too posh for a pub. Overall, it's a solid choice for a good night out or a comfy overnight, as long as you go in with realistic expectations – I'd say give it a go if you're in the area, but maybe check the menu first to see if it suits your fancy.
Pros and Cons
Pros
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The atmosphere is absolutely cosy and charming, making you feel right at home as soon as you walk in.
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The rooms are comfortable with thoughtful touches like tea, coffee, and daily cookies – perfect for a relaxing stay after exploring Oxford.
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Breakfast is a real highlight, with delicious and plentiful options that feel freshly made with care.
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Service is spot on, with friendly staff who go out of their way to help, like offering tips on local spots or accommodating requests.
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It's welcoming and dog-friendly, plus the Sunday lunch is tasty and reasonably priced for the quality.
Cons
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One downside is that the management can come across as lacking compassion in certain situations, based on a tough experience shared by a visitor.
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Food portions can feel a bit small compared to the prices, leaving you wondering if it's more of a fancy dining spot than a traditional pub.
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There might be some confusion about what the place is aiming for – it's got great vibes, but it doesn't always hit the mark as a straightforward pub grub haven.
Contact Information
91 Old High St, Headington, Oxford OX3 9HT
+441865741137
Pub
Hours not available
Opening Hours
Opening hours not available
Recent Reviews
A good experience at Black Boy Pub!
From the moment we arrived, we loved the cozy atmosphere and the charming style of the place. The room we were given was comfortable after a day of sightseeing.
Breakfast was simply amazing – delicious, plentiful, and clearly made with care.
What truly made the difference was the staff, especially Johnny, who was incredibly kind. We told him about the places we wanted to visit, and he gave us excellent recommendations that made our trip even more special.
We highly recommend Black Boy.
Heartless management that lack compassion
I booked the Black Boy Pub at 7.30pm on Friday 4th April as my 6 month old baby boy had pneumonia and had been referred to the John Radcliffe hospital for potential surgery. I assumed that we would be admitted for the night, however, to our surprise we were sent back to another hospital (where my son spent the weekend recovering). I sent a cancellation request and phoned/asked the pub to waive the refund charge. Despite agreeing to, they never did and have refused to return my calls or provide a refund. Completely heartless profiteering off a baby’s poor health showing a total lack of compassion.
Nice interior and nice service. However food portions are quite small comparing to the prices - I reckon owners can't decide if it's a pub or a bit of finest dining.
This is a very nice pub with rooms above and the room we had was comfortable with plenty of space. There was tea and coffee in the room and cookies each day. The breakfast was very nice and they do have granola if you ask. We spoke with the staff about places we want to visit and they offered some extra suggestions which we really enjoyed.
Really lovely pub. Went there for Sunday lunch which was delicious. Service was excellent and I loved the decor of the pub. Very welcoming amd dog friendly. Prices reasonable too for the excellent quality and I was able to park right outside. Hope to return
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