9-13 George St, Oxford OX1 2AU

About This Pub

Ah, the Wig & Pen – it's one of those Oxford pubs that really pulls you in with its central location right near the theatre, making it ideal for a quick bite before a show or just catching up with mates over a pint. From what I've gathered from the buzz around it, the staff are genuinely lovely; they'll bend over backwards to fix any meal mishaps, which is a breath of fresh air and makes you feel looked after. The food's a highlight too – those fish and chips sound spot-on, all crispy and not at all greasy, and the pies get a thumbs up for being proper hearty. Plus, with live music and big sports events like the Women's Euros or rugby tours, it's got that lively energy that keeps things entertaining. On the flip side, though, it's not all roses; I've heard a few folks say the steak was a bit chewy and the beer didn't quite live up to expectations, which is a shame when you're after that classic pub experience. The upstairs bit can be chilly and a tad squished, so if you're planning an event there, you might want to wrap up warm. Overall, it's a solid choice for a family outing or watching the game, but it's worth going in with your eyes open to those little niggles – still, I'd say it's worth a visit for the good vibes and that accommodating service.

Pros and Cons

Pros
  • The service here is absolutely spot-on; they're quick to sort out any issues with your meal, like offering refunds and freebies without a fuss.
  • The food hits the mark in many ways – think crispy fish and chips that's light and fresh, or a hearty pie that's just the ticket for a comforting meal.
  • It's got a buzzing atmosphere, especially with live music events and sports screenings, making it a brilliant spot for a lively afternoon or evening out.
  • Being family-friendly and dog-friendly means you can bring the whole gang, which is perfect for a relaxed day in the heart of Oxford.
  • They've got a solid selection of drinks and amenities like WiFi and sports apps, so it's easy to settle in and enjoy the vibe.
Cons
  • Some dishes, like the steak, can be a bit tough and disappointing, which might leave you wishing for better quality.
  • The beer selection isn't always inspiring; it might come across as a tad ordinary, even if it's served properly.
  • The upstairs area can get uncomfortably cold and cramped, which isn't ideal if you're heading up for an event.
  • While it's modern and open, the atmosphere sometimes lacks that cosy, traditional pub feel, feeling a bit soulless to some.
  • A few niggles with space and heating could make for a less than perfect experience, especially on busier nights.

Contact Information

9-13 George St, Oxford OX1 2AU
+441865246906
Pub
Opens at 11:00

Opening Hours

Monday11:00 - 23:00
Tuesday11:00 - 23:00
Wednesday11:00 - 23:00
Thursday (Today)11:00 - 23:00
Friday11:00 - 01:00
Saturday11:00 - 01:00
Sunday11:00 - 23:00

Location

Recent Reviews

I was super impressed at the way the server accommodated our friends who were both unhappy with their meals - the same dish. They refunded them and did not charge for the new dishes they ordered. They even offered free drinks, which my British friends declined. Fish & chips and salad were good but not great. Atmosphere was pleasant. Nothing exceptional.
RN
Ramesh Naraine
Had the fish and chips here and was genuinely impressed. The batter was light, crispy, and golden without being greasy, and the fish inside was perfectly flaky and fresh. The chips were thick-cut, crunchy on the outside and fluffy on the inside. Bonus points for the very fast service. Would definitely come back for it!
AM
Ana María Alarcón
A great vibrant Sunday afternoon in the Wig and Pen. Music 🎶 by The Abingdon Soul Club who were brilliant. Roll on the next one!👏🏿 👌🏿
LJ
Lorraine Jackson
The atmosphere is that of a modern open large pub without much soul. The food is OK and reasonably priced. I had a flat iron steak with peppercorn sauce. The steak was tough but I ate most of it. The chips were nice. The Timothy Taylor’s beer was uninspiring with a thin head; although it was clear it had a floaty yeasty residue on the surface (See picture).
PM
Paul Matson
Went for a comedy upstairs but had a dinner before at wig and pen! The pie was nice and overall good selection of drinks and nice atmosphere. Having coat hangers or some more space upstairs to sit will be better. The top floor where the fomedy was held was very cold so having some kore heating there will be better!
DV
Dessi Veltcheva

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