The Castle Pub in Oxford

24 Paradise St, Oxford OX1 1LD

About This Pub

Ah, The Castle in Oxford – it's one of those places that just hits the spot for a proper pub experience. From what I've gathered from the buzz around it, the food is a real winner; think mouthwatering fish and chips, the best sticky toffee pudding in town, and hearty options like hunters chicken that leave you satisfied without breaking the bank. The staff are an absolute delight, always on hand with a smile and quick to sort you out, which makes the whole visit feel effortless and enjoyable. It's got that classic English pub charm, all cosy and inviting, ideal for nipping in after a wander around the city. On the flip side, it's not perfect – one person mentioned their fish and chips were tasty but not quite the top tier compared to elsewhere, and the space can feel a tad tight if it gets busy, so you might want to time your visit right to avoid the rush. All in all, it's a welcoming spot that's worth checking out for good times and great value, but keep expectations realistic for a traditional boozer rather than something fancy.

Pros and Cons

Pros

The food is absolutely delicious, with standout dishes like the fish and chips, sticky toffee pudding, and hunters chicken that keep you coming back for more.
Service is top-notch – the staff are friendly, helpful, and make you feel right at home from the moment you walk in.
It's got that cosy, traditional English pub atmosphere, perfect for a relaxed meal or a pint in a compact, welcoming space.
Generous portions and an extensive menu mean there's something for everyone, and it's easy to grab a table, especially if you pop in early.

Cons

One downside is that while the food's great, it might not be the absolute best in Oxford for certain dishes, like fish and chips, based on a few comparisons.
The pub can feel a bit snug and compact, so it might get crowded at peak times, making it trickier for larger groups.

Contact Information

24 Paradise St, Oxford OX1 1LD

+441865745836

Pub

Closed today

Opening Hours

Monday	12:00 - 22:00
Tuesday	12:00 - 22:00
Wednesday	12:00 - 22:00
Thursday	12:00 - 22:00
Friday	12:00 - 23:00
Saturday	12:00 - 23:00
Sunday (Today)	12:00 - 20:00

Location

Recent Reviews

Loved it. We visited early afternoon, so we probably missed the lunchtime crowd. No difficulty getting a table. Extensive menu and generous portions. Service was excellent, and staff were very helpful. Highly recommended.

Bob Burch

This is the PERFECT spot to stop for a bite to eat. The food is delicious and the hosts ( Ben and Gee ) were amazing! Their Sticky Toffee Pudding is the best in Oxford so go and try it for yourself!

Chris Hickman

The best chips I've ever had and the fish was perfect too. Will definitely come back and recommend it highly

Mary Clifford-Hunt

Stopped in for fish and chips and they were excellent. The only reason I'm giving four stars is because I had better fish and chips at a different place, but I am not knocking the ones they served here, they were delicious. The tavern is in an older building and has a lovely English feel to it. I heard this place has live music sometimes and I think it would be rather magical then.

Thomas Moore

Had a fabulous meal and pint here for my birthday. Came quite late for a bite to eat after shopping. The bar itself is well stocked and has plenty of choice, plenty of seating available both up and downstairs. It is a more compact, cozy pub which I loved. Ordered a hunters chicken and 2 sides which were all spectacular and great portions, for not bad prices either! Perhaps it was due to a quieter Wednesday night, but food was made and delivered quickly. The Guinness is great also, coming from an Irish fella too! I was served by Ben and Meg who were closing that night, they were both professional and delivered perfect service all the while I was there. Great chat from them both and they were quick with clearing tables and delivering food and drinks. Both are a credit to the pub. Will definitely be coming back for service like this.

Sean Meagher (Ravenhar)