About This Pub
Ah, the Turf Tavern – it's one of those places that just warms your heart the moment you step in, with its rich history dating back to 1381 and tales of famous visitors like C.S. Lewis. I love how it captures that classic pub feel, all tucked away in a winding alley, making it feel like a proper hidden treasure. The food's a real highlight; think delicious, freshly cooked dishes that hit the spot, with options for everyone, including vegan and veggie choices. Pair that with a great drinks menu and the bonus of a sunny beer garden for outdoor chilling, and you've got a winner for a relaxed afternoon or evening out. It's dog-friendly too, which is always a nice touch if you're out with your pooch. On the flip side, though, it's not perfect – you might find that some favourites like fish and chips aren't available on the day, and things can get a bit chaotic with seating if it's packed, so planning ahead could save a few headaches. All in all, it's a fantastic spot for a pint and a chat, but go in with realistic expectations, and you'll have a brilliant time soaking up the atmosphere and enjoying what Oxford's pubs do best.
Pros and Cons
Pros
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The historic atmosphere is absolutely charming, making you feel like you're stepping back in time to 1381 with its winding alleys and cosy vibes.
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They serve up some cracking traditional pub food, like those mouth-watering pies and chips that folks are raving about – perfect for a hearty meal.
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Plenty of outdoor seating in the beer garden, ideal for soaking up the sun or enjoying a pint in the fresh air.
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It's dog-friendly, so you can bring your four-legged mate along for the fun.
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Ordering's a breeze with QR codes at the tables, and the service is generally spot-on, making for a relaxed visit.
Cons
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Sometimes popular dishes like fish and chips might be out of stock, which can be a bit disappointing if that's what you're after.
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There can be a touch of confusion with seating and ordering, especially if it's busy – you might end up queuing or figuring things out on the fly.
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Being tucked away off the beaten track is quaint, but it could be a tad tricky to find if you're not familiar with Oxford's hidden spots.
Contact Information
4 Bath Pl, Oxford OX1 3SU
+441865243235
Pub
Open Now
Opening Hours
| Monday (Today) | 11:00 - 23:00 |
| Tuesday | 11:00 - 23:00 |
| Wednesday | 11:00 - 23:00 |
| Thursday | 11:00 - 23:00 |
| Friday | 11:00 - 23:00 |
| Saturday | 11:00 - 23:00 |
| Sunday | 11:00 - 23:00 |
Recent Reviews
Lovely tavern off the beaten track, lots of outdoor seating (with shade), good menu, good grub, good drinks menu and good service. Can order at the table using the QR code provided at the table. They didn't have the fish and chips (we called in for that) on the day so will call in again. It's lively and convivial.
The Turf Tavern is all about the atmosphere and history—and it delivers on both. Tucked away down a fun, narrow walkway, it feels like a hidden gem even though it’s well-known. There’s plenty of seating both inside and out, which is great for groups or a relaxed pint.
The food is solid but nothing to write home about—pretty typical pub fare—but that’s not really why you come here. The charm of the place, its centuries-old history, and the quirky setting make it well worth a visit. A great stop if you’re in Oxford and want something close to all the main sights.
A wonderful venue just a stone’s throw from St John’s College, University of Oxford, perfect for a delicious pub lunch in such a historic setting. The food was absolutely delicious and the service equally excellent. Gemma and her team were incredibly helpful in arranging our group’s pre-orders and kindly reserved a lovely spot for us in the garden, where we enjoyed the perfect day. Thank you for a truly lovely experience!
Amazing pub. Best pie n chips that I've tasted in a long time, with perfectly done pastry and triple-cooked chips. Can also recommend the fish n chips, which are triple-whammy generous, delicious and filling. 100/10 with atmosphere to boot, having to find it through a classic, winding English alley. Felt like a proper experience.
Liked the atmosphere here.
Good to use toilet too.
Recommend to find the table by your own. I didn’t have no idea so just stood i. The queue then ordered in my turn, but I was able to order only drinks because we didn’t have a table reserved. Later, we occupied the table then scan to order for food separately.
During my visit, fish and chips was out of stock. Personally, recommend stake and ale.
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