Turf Tavern -A 13th century Ale House with a sought after clientele of locals, students, 'dons', and International Tourists.
Nestled against the best-preserved remaining section of Oxford’s ancient city walls in Holywell, the foundations of The Turf Tavern date back to 1381.
Today The Turf is hugely popular with Oxford students, and promises ‘an education in intoxication’, with a wide range of real ales, gins and cocktails on offer alongside a delicious daily pub food menu. This charming Grade II listed tavern is an intriguing warren of small rooms connected by narrow passages and small staircases, surrounded on three sides by delightful patio courtyard beer gardens, which are popular throughout the year and especially so at the end of Oxford exam week. Visitors would be wise to duck when entering The Turf, as the ancient front door of this venerable tavern is designed for smaller guests!
Over the years The Turf has played host to a stellar collection of guests - Prime Ministers, US Presidents-to-be, actors, academics and literary figures, including Bill Clinton, Richard Burton, Elizabeth Taylor, Stephen Hawking and CS Lewis. But perhaps the biggest draw for visitors to Oxford is for The Turf Tavern’s regular appearances in Colin Dexter’s Inspector Morse novels, and the pub has featured in three of the televised episodes, with the late John Thaw’s Morse regularly retiring to The Turf and a pint of real ale to ponder his latest case. It remains notoriously hard to find, located down the narrow medieval alleyway off New College Lane today known as St Helens Passage, but described simply in the 1772 Survey of Oxford as ‘Hell’.
This charming and historic location is the ideal location to enjoy delicious pub food with family and friends, sample the wide selection of real ales and savour the wonderful atmosphere and a sense of stepping back in time.
Read more
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!
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.
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.
Great historic pub in Oxford. Many student memories made in this place, and I'm glad to see that it has not lost its Oxford charm since Greene King took over its ownership. A group of us revisited recently and had a nice meal. My steak and chips were decently priced and cooked nicely.
Enough can't be said about how this pub organically fits the space. Character oozes from every corner. Dark inside with low ceilings it's history is undeniable. It's busy but bigger than you think if you explore all the corners. Unfortunately, expect tour groups to be led right through but think of it as fresh meat for people watching. They have a broad selection of beers on tap. There is the usual selection of what I call "training" beers, the usual low alcohol, English tax avoiding stuff. But the selection is decently broad. Even in an off peak time the line at the bar can be long so don't wait to be empty before getting in line for another. The fish and chips were really delicious. Unfortunately, chasing down a server to get some vinegar was difficult enough at 3pm. I hate to think of it during a busy time. Still, a wonderful place to visit and a must see if you want to experience a truly old school pub with all it's charm and warmth.
Sorry, we don't have any current events or offers for this pub.
Sorry, we don't have any current news or jobs for this pub.
Opening Times
| Mon | 11:00 – 23:00 |
| Tue | 11:00 – 23:00 |
| Wed | 11:00 – 23:00 |
| Thur | 11:00 – 23:00 |
| Fri | 11:00 – 23:00 |
| Sat | 11:00 – 23:00 |
| Sun | 11:00 – 23:00 |
Sorry, we don't have any menus listed at the moment.
Food Times
| Mon | 11:00 – 21:00 |
| Tue | 11:00 – 21:00 |
| Wed | 11:00 – 21:00 |
| Thur | 11:00 – 21:00 |
| Fri | 11:00 – 21:00 |
| Sat | 11:00 – 21:00 |
| Sun | 11:00 – 21:00 |
Holywell, Oxford, OX1
4.2/5
Oxford, Oxfordshire, OX1
4.2/5
Holywell, Oxford, OX1
4.3/5
All Bar One Oxford is a stylish city bar where you can catch up with friends, unwind after work or simply find a sophisticated space to indulge in an excellent selection of food and drink.
