182 Cowley Rd, Oxford OX4 1UE

About This Pub

Ah, The Library – it's one of those pubs that just feels like a proper local gem in Oxford, you know? From what I've gathered from the buzz around it, the staff really stand out; they're warm and on point, whether it's serving up those peanut butter whiskey shots or stepping in to sort out any nonsense without making a fuss. The prices are fair too, which is always a relief in a place like this, and the food? Well, that pizza with nduja and aubergine sounds like a winner, paired with pints in a snug beer garden that's just right for a chinwag. It's got that quirky edge with live bands and odd decorations that could make for a memorable evening. But let's be straight, it's not all roses – there might be the occasional run-in with some less than savoury types, though the team handles it admirably, and the current closed status means you should check ahead to avoid disappointment. Overall, it's a solid spot for a good time, with more highs than lows, and I'd say it's worth a visit if you're after a welcoming vibe without the pretence.

Pros and Cons

Pros
  • The staff are absolutely lovely and really go the extra mile, like handling tricky situations with such class and making everyone feel welcome
  • Prices are spot on for Oxford – you get good value without breaking the bank, which is a win in my book
  • The food hits the spot, with things like that nduja and aubergine pizza being a real treat and the garlic mayo being surprisingly mind-blowing
  • It's got a cosy, quirky vibe with live bands, low ceilings, and even fun pictures on the walls that add to the charm
  • The beer garden is tidy and inviting, perfect for a chat and a pint on a nice evening
Cons
  • There can be the odd disruptive incident, like some unpleasant behaviour from a few folks, even if the team deals with it well
  • The place might feel a bit too quirky for some, with things like unexplained rat pictures that aren't everyone's cup of tea
  • It's listed as currently closed, so you'd want to double-check before heading out, which is a bit of a shame

Contact Information

182 Cowley Rd, Oxford OX4 1UE
+441865241776
Pub
Opens at 16:00

Opening Hours

Monday16:00 - 00:00
Tuesday16:00 - 00:00
Wednesday (Today)16:00 - 00:00
Thursday16:00 - 00:00
Friday16:00 - 00:00
Saturday14:00 - 00:00
Sunday16:00 - 00:00

Location

Recent Reviews

Came in on a night out and all the staff were really lovely! Shout out to Dylan who offered some lovelyyy peantue butter whiskey shots 10/10
CE
Chess Edwards
The bar staff tonight were absolutely lovely and the prices were really reasonable for Oxford. But the main thing that motivated me to write this review was the staff. There were some rude guys being homophobic and the staff shut them down without being confrontational. Handled the situation so professionally. Brilliant.
ZC
Zachary Coleman
If you like live bands. If you like low ceilings and unexplained pictures of rats on the walls, this place is for you and your thoughts about the world around you, the sky, and ... Thing.
JB
Jonathan Baker-Bates
Nduja and aubergine pizza slapped. Garlic mayo was like? Mindblowing? Why? I don’t know.
BC
Bri Cheese
Your ol’ regular pub, but a bit more decent because of the ambiance. Had pizza and a pint. A nice and really TIDY beer garden/smokers corner out back. It’s cozy out back that you might actually be able to strike up a conversation with a random person. (Lost all decent pictures I had, sadly.)
AO
Adanna O.

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