Turf Tavern

It is such a famous place that it is a must to go there. The food looked delicious. We only had beer as the queue was really long, which means they were very busy. The beer was very interesting. I definitely would not call it common.

Only had a drink and sat outside, but it had a great atmosphere and the food looked good and smelled good! Beautiful authentic building and the toilets, though outside are warm and clean. I'd like to try a meal here next time. It was January when I went, and they were still serving mulled wine, very welcome on a cold winter's day when sitting outside!

Full of frames and paintings dated from 18th century
Cozy, Classy place to enjoy festive meal with your family.
Parking: cycle only
We went by walk so can’t suggest the nearest paid one either.
Restrooms: clean
Seating available on ground and 1st floor.

Visiting the Turf Tavern was an extraordinary highlight of my time in England. Tucked away in the alleyways, just outside the old city walls of Oxford, this pub is not just a place to enjoy a drink; it’s a journey through history. Dating back to 1381, the Turf Tavern has served as a cultural cornerstone, frequented by students and numerous famous personalities like Richard Burton, Elizabeth Taylor, Tony Blair, and even future Prime Ministers and Presidents.

As I stepped through the narrow St Helen’s Passage, the ambiance of the pub immediately transported me back in time. The low ceilings and cozy nooks created an intimate atmosphere, perfect for savoring their famed mulled wine or a pint of Old Rosie. It was surreal to be in a place that has been a part of history far beyond what one can imagine, a place that has hosted legendary figures and been part of tales from setting cats alight during the plague to the former Australian Prime Minister Bob Hawke setting a Guinness World Record for beer drinking.

The Turf Tavern is more than a pub; it’s a living tapestry of Oxford’s history. For anyone wanting to feel like they’re a part of this historical fabric, a visit to this hidden gem is an absolute must.

It's a fantastic tavern of old. Watch your head if you are 5'9" or taller. We ended up sitting outside in the garden under a heat lamp, and that worked out perfectly. The Tavern Burger was huge! Glad we decided to split it. The crispy pork belly topper was delicious. Our drinks included the Reggie ale and Banana Old Fashioned.

Amazing place, full of history. The beers are good, although some were not cold at all (and who likes that?). The service was great though, and the toilets super clean.

Quaint and cozy, this pub is tucked away behind a narrow alley between two buildings. The alley is dimly lit, creating a secretive and inviting atmosphere, leading to the hidden gem of a pub. The mulled wine here is nice.

A cozy must-visit place in Oxford. Food is delicious, although there are not so many items. Orders must be placed through app. Servers don't come to ask you what you want. Sometimes tavern staff don't know that clients left and you arrived. So, cleaning tables are sometimes neglected. Thatsxwhy I give 4 stars for service. However, overall, bringing food ordered is quite quick and staff are generally polite. In conclusion, I give 5 stars because I enjoyed my visit.

A real part of Oxford history. Love the coziness in the older section. Mind your head. Low beams. More rooms in the back and several outdoor patios. Therevare at least two ways to get there. The fun part is finding the entrance. A few years ago a more accessible and visible entrance was created. Will do again.

Turf Tavern has a nice charm to it. Burger was decent. A bit on the pricier side but still alright. Would come again any time.

Got the Steak and ale pie and cheese toastie. Both were delicious. Good chips. Grilled cabbage was nice and tender-crisp. Shockingly large space given where it’s situated down a small alley. Appreciated the half-pint option for draft. Service was quick.

Beautiful experience.

Went to visit my son in Oxford, and he brought me in these pub, not just the fact that is full of history, but the team the service was amazing.
We received a nice and warm welcome when we got in, they told us to choose our seat, after that a waitress came to explain that we can order by the app or at the bar.

We ordered 1 fish and chips and one festive burger, food came very fast and the waitress was really nice.
Tired one of their ales the 1381 really nice.

One of the best pubs I went in you definitely need to visit it.

One of the oldest pubs I've ever been to. This one is historic! Beer is better than excellent, food is good. Since I am 6'4" (193cm) the warning "duck or grouse!" was very apt! Commiserating with a fellow sufferer, I wound up meeting a very nice couple and had a great Oxford conversation and a delightful evening.

The patience of the staff is frequently tried, by tourists who don't know how to queue, but they mostly handle it well ;)

You won’t be disappointed at this cozy and intimate pub in Oxford.

Their bar is small but very efficient in making and taking orders. There are lots of tables further into the pub and past the bar where you order, and our food was simply exquisite. Everyone was incredibly happy with the taste of their meals and size of the portions. I’ll be coming back for that Pork Belly.

Lots of outdoor space makes it a great place to visit when the weather is nice, and I appreciated the very clean bathrooms as well!

Will be going back.

Make sure to follow the signs (Helen's Passage) to find your way down narrow alleyways to the delightful and historical Turf Tavern. If these walls could talk. We enjoyed a cold beer and cidar as well as Baked Camembert and fries. The merlot and beef gravey is also a must try. It gets busy soon after opening at 11 am, so I'd recommend getting there early. There are lots of different seating areas, inside and out, so there is plenty of room. Staff and publican were very friendly and accommodating. Would recommend a visit to soak up the history 👌.

So quirky, loads of history. Staff are lovely, food was great. Awsome pub.

Great atmosphere to hang out with friends for a drink. Love the hot apple gin and mulled wines! Hidden in the alleyway to blend in with locals 😝

It was amazing. The place felt really nice and the ambience was amazing! Food and drinks are really good as well.

Great place! Amazing atmosphere, it’s busy but not too loud and you can still talk and have a good time inside.
The Butter Beer was a hit for my husband and I.
We loved the chicken Kiev and the Korean burger too.

Had a quick drink in this pub. Food looked amazing and service was good. The place is very cozy and historic!