288 Cowley Rd, Oxford OX4 1UR

About This Pub

Ah, The City Arms in Oxford – it's one of those places that really hits the spot for a good night out, but like any spot, it's not perfect. From what I've gathered, the atmosphere is just lovely; it's got that traditional pub feel with a warm glow that makes you want to settle in for the evening. The staff are often brilliant, chipping in with a smile and making things fun, especially if you're there for brunch or watching the rugby – I hear Archie's service is spot on! And the drinks? Well, they've got a fantastic range, from craft beers to rum cocktails, plus the food is spot-on with classics like flaky pies that hit the mark. It's also great for events and live sport, so if you're up for some excitement, this could be your go-to. On the flip side, though, there have been a few off days where service fell flat, with some folks mentioning rude encounters that really put a damper on things, like during a birthday bash or a casual joke that went south. Still, with such a strong overall rating, it's clear most folks have a whale of a time, but I'd say keep an eye out for those inconsistencies to make sure your visit lives up to the hype. All in all, it's a solid choice if you're popping down Cowley Road – just go with the flow and you'll likely have a cracking time.

Pros and Cons

Pros
  • The atmosphere is warm and traditional, making it a cosy spot for a pint and a chat with mates.
  • Staff are generally friendly and welcoming, with some standout service that really makes your visit memorable.
  • They've got a cracking selection of drinks, including craft beers and cocktails, plus tasty food like hearty pies and brilliant brunches.
  • It's buzzing with live sport and events, ideal for catching the footy or enjoying a bottomless brunch with friends.
Cons
  • Service can be hit or miss, with a few reports of rude or inappropriate behaviour from staff that might spoil the evening.
  • Some visits have been disappointing, like on special occasions where things didn't go as planned, leaving a bit of a bad taste.
  • Based on recent feedback, it's not always consistent, so you might have a top night or one that's a bit underwhelming.

Contact Information

288 Cowley Rd, Oxford OX4 1UR
+441865725299
Pub
Closed

Opening Hours

Monday12:00 - 00:00
Tuesday12:00 - 00:00
Wednesday (Today)12:00 - 00:00
Thursday12:00 - 00:00
Friday12:00 - 00:00
Saturday12:00 - 00:00
Sunday12:00 - 00:00

Location

Recent Reviews

I visited The City Arms in Oxford, and it’s one of the best pub experiences I've had. Situated in the heart of the city, it offers a warm, traditional atmosphere with friendly staff. The menu features hearty classics and modern dishes, especially their flaky, savory pies. The drinks selection includes craft beers, local ales, and cocktails. Its cozy interior with wooden beams and vintage decor creates a relaxing vibe. The lively yet relaxed atmosphere makes it perfect for casual drinks or intimate dinners. If you're in Oxford, The City Arms is a must-visit for great food, drinks, and ambiance.
DC
Danny Cameron
Absolutely amazing! Went for brunch with my friends and couldn’t have asked for a batter brunch! Was served top quality service from Archie who made it such a fun day! Best brunch in oxford!
JM
jodie meeson
What a great night we have just had. The Staff were fantastic and a really good range of drinks which out do most of the other pubs in the area. We will definitely return.
CM
Chris Meeson
I’ve been a loyal customer at City Arms for 17 years. I live nearby, and this pub has always been one of my favorite local spots — until last night, when I had one of the most uncomfortable and disappointing experiences ever. It was my boyfriend’s birthday, and we stopped by City Arms for a quick drink before heading home. My cousin wanted to surprise him with a cake, which she brought to the pub — in a closed box. We had absolutely no intention of opening the cake, singing happy birthday, or causing any disturbance. The plan was always to take the cake back home and celebrate there. However, the security guard — who, by the way, is new and clearly lacks proper training — approached us in an extremely rude and aggressive manner. He demanded that we leave, claiming we needed permission to bring the cake in, even though we weren’t doing anything with it at the venue. His attitude was unacceptable: hostile, disrespectful, and unnecessarily confrontational. We asked to speak with the manager, expecting someone with more experience and common sense. Unfortunately, the manager also failed to handle the situation professionally. Instead of listening to a customer who has supported this pub for nearly two decades, he sided with the aggressive security guard and asked us to finish our drinks and leave. This is not how long-time, respectful patrons should be treated. I’ve never had a problem at City Arms before, but this incident has completely changed my view. The new security staff is rude to everyone, and the management clearly lacks customer service skills and sound judgment. Very disappointed. I won’t be returning.
NM
nirslei miranda da silva Miranda
From my experience, your staff member 'Anna' behaved very inappropriately . She was in respectful and created a bad atmosphere. Even when we were joking around, she kept things light and friendly
JS
JAY SHAH

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