Turf Tavern  

You can get to this pub down a narrow turning right off Holywell St going east or down the alley (St Helen's Passage) from New College Lane, under the Bridge of Sighs. A tourist attraction in its own right.

The Turf is a splendid low-beamed English tavern surrounded by venerable college buildings and part of the old city wall. Its foundations date to the 13th century, though most of the present building is 16th. The name derives from previous associations with gambling.

The Turf also features repeatedly in literature associated with Oxford, and more recently has been seen on TV in Inspector Morse.

Its popularity with students and tourists alike can lead to crowding, but there may be room to escape to the attractive (though small) garden and the covered yards at the back.

Children welcome outside and in back room when bar is not in use (i.e. most lunchtimes). No music. No games machines. Braziers outside in winter.

It happens to be a Whitbread managed house but that doesn't stop it from stocking some OK beers. on at the time were the usual suspects such as Flowers' Bitter, Boddingtons, 'Headbanger', Fullers London Pride, Old Speckled Hen, and one or two guests. It also does six fruit wines and mead and mulled wine in winter.

The food is served daily at lunchtimes (12-3) and evenings (6.30-9.30). The food is a wide range of good home-made dishes including specials such as beef and beer pie, pork in cider and minted lamb. At least two vegetarian specials daily.

Student-oriented fast foods are also served and there is an extensive salad bar. Home made fruit pies plus gateaux - yummy!

No accommodation here.

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Other Pubs to try:

The Wharf House, Speedwell Street/Thames Street. 4 beers plus Belgian selection.

The Hobgoblin, St. Aldates. Up to 4 ales.

The Bear, Blue Boar Street. 4 beers.

The Head of the River, Folly Bridge. Fullers beers.

Far from the Madding Crowd, Friar's Entry, nr Borders bookshop. 3 beers.

The Old Tom, St. Aldates. Greene King

The Oxford Blue, 32, Marston St, Oxford, OX41JU. 01865 723898 

 

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