What to do and see in Oxford, England: The Best Bars & Clubs

July 14, 2021 Mollie Coke

In the "city of dreaming spires," academia takes center stage. Gaze out at Oxford's world-famous university from the top of Carfax Tower before heading into the city's pedestrian-friendly streets. Follow your nose to the Covered Market for the makings of a picnic to enjoy at Headington Hill Park. Mix the historic and modern with visits to the 12th-century village church of Iffley and trendy Cowley's ethnic shops and music venues.
Restaurants in Oxford

1. The Catweazle Club

Princes Street, Oxford OX4 1HU England http://www.catweazleclub.org
Excellent
100%
Good
0%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 31 reviews

The Catweazle Club

2. The Tap Social Movement

27 Curtis Industrial Estate North Hinksey Lane, Oxford OX2 0LX England +44 1865 682300 [email protected] http://www.tapsocialmovement.com/taproom/
Excellent
93%
Good
3%
Satisfactory
1%
Poor
1%
Terrible
2%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 92 reviews

The Tap Social Movement

Founded in 2016, Tap Social Movement grew out of a passion for good beer and social justice. We are a craft brewery and community space which provides training and employment to people currently serving or recently released from prison sentences. We specialise in bold and flavourful keg beer. Our brewery taproom and event space is open regularly with all of our beers on tap and is host to a range of community events including live music, arts and cooking performances, charity fundraisers, yoga, brewing and business conferences, festivals and award ceremonies.

Reviewed By JillP1051 - Oxford, United Kingdom

A large group of us went here for a leaving do. We called to book a few tables which was done with ease. The group (circa 40 over the night) has a wonderful evening full of local beer, great live music and delicious street food. It’s not the first time we’ve been here and so far every time we have it’s been great. The same excellent level of customer service and such a great night out Nestled away from the city centre on an industrial estate it proves a great location to meet up with colleagues and friends from around the area.

3. Cirkus

29-31 George Street, Oxford OX1 2AY England +44 1865 200655 [email protected] http://www.cirkusbars.com
Excellent
96%
Good
0%
Satisfactory
2%
Poor
0%
Terrible
2%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 48 reviews

Cirkus

Cirkus is where stylish evening bar meets nightclub, mixing circus chic and contemporary kitsch. With just the right amount of flair, and a uniquely decorated dancefloor, club room and VIP space, Cirkus offers the perfect setting for birthdays, hen parties, stag dos - or simply a night out for those looking for something slicker than your average.

Reviewed By megs_godfrey

Fantastic evening to celebrate my friends birthday! Clayton was amazing and made the evening personal and good fun (also a great photographer)!

4. The Cricketers Arms

102 Temple Road, Oxford OX4 2EZ England +44 1865 718459 [email protected] http://cricketersarmsoxford.com
Excellent
70%
Good
30%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 10 reviews

The Cricketers Arms

5. The Bear Tavern

6 Alfred Street, Oxford OX1 4EH England +44 1865 721783 [email protected] http://www.bearoxford.co.uk/
Excellent
53%
Good
38%
Satisfactory
6%
Poor
3%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 108 reviews

The Bear Tavern

Reviewed By LauraDaveJames - Solihull, United Kingdom

This is one of Oxford's must visit historic pubs. The interior consists of two small rooms and there is also some outside seating. It is noted for its collection of tie snippets some of which were apparently not so willingly donated. It is very characterful, the beer was good, well worth a visit.

6. Raoul's

32 Walton Street Jericho, Oxford OX2 6AA England +44 1865 553732 [email protected] http://www.raoulsbar.com/
Excellent
79%
Good
11%
Satisfactory
5%
Poor
1%
Terrible
4%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 211 reviews

Raoul's

Oxford's oldest cocktail bar, established 1979. Mixing the finest drinks and cocktails, coupled with great service. Huge array of liquor. Proudly independent.

Reviewed By vsolano - Oxford, United Kingdom

I am always struck by how lucky I am in having this place, it could fit well in the city centre of any bustling city - and the staff show a high level of skills in the cocktail making, in their service and friendliness. We went on a Tuesday, which was quiet, and not only did we get our drinks, we were also served with cold cucumber-infused water for each colleague, which was just what was needed after a full day at work. The beers were served in a tankard that had been in the freezer, and my favourite cocktail, the Bannoffee Pieface, was still as delicious as ever. The weekends is for people-watching, a real vibe, with live DJs. Perfectly located in Jericho. My favourite place to bring colleauges or friends or family, when trying to impress. Oh and they serve bar snacks, hot french fries and mini spring rolls. Amazed. They also do vodka tasting and other spirit-tasting days, aimed at other bar staff from other bars but all welcome.

7. Angels Cocktail Bar

Unit 3 Dartington House 55 Little Clarendon Street, Oxford OX1 2HS England +44 1865 554224 [email protected] http://www.angelscocktailbar.co.uk
Excellent
71%
Good
23%
Satisfactory
3%
Poor
1%
Terrible
2%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 73 reviews

Angels Cocktail Bar

Cocktails from vintage to classic to fruity cocktail, Happy hour from 4:30pm to 9pm everyday, available for private hire upto 120 pepole. Open until 1am everyday, good service and atmosphere for couple and group.

Reviewed By ClaireRMF - Bromley, United Kingdom

I chose Angels for a cocktail making masterclass for my husband and I due to previous reviews and we were definitely not disappointed! As we went on a Monday evening the bar was fairly quiet but meant we had Jana’s expertise entirely to ourselves! Her knowledge & enthusiasm was faultless! We chose 2 cocktails each (she even allowed me to chose to make a French Martini which not on the new menu) and she went through each one, talking about the ingredients and different ways to garnish them - including a couple that involved using a mini blow torch! After making the 2 cocktails each, we stayed in the bar for another 2 hours and allowed the experts to make them! I would highly recommend going to Angels if you’re in Oxford, whether it’s for the masterclass or to just enjoy their beautiful cocktails, great service and friendly atmosphere! We’ll definitely be going back next time we’re in Oxford.

8. The Fox Inn, Denchworth, Near Wantage, Oxford

Denchworth, Oxford OX12 0DX England +44 1235 868258 http://www.thefoxdenchworth.co.uk
Excellent
70%
Good
15%
Satisfactory
6%
Poor
6%
Terrible
3%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 53 reviews

The Fox Inn, Denchworth, Near Wantage, Oxford

Reviewed By gizmo910 - London, United Kingdom

Not knowing the area and wanting to treat my elderly grandma to a nice family lunch, I had to rely on trip advisor reviews to find a nice pub for Sunday Lunch. I stumbled across the Fox Inn, which had mixed reviews but the pub looked amazing in the pictures and I loved the fact that unlike many other pubs they offered a full menu as well as a carver, catering for everybody. I contacted them via Facebook to book as there was no option on the website, and they promptly replied and confirmed a booking for us (staff were very friendly) We were not disappointed today, we were quickly seated having been supplied with drinks, and the full menu and carvery options were given to us. Orders were taken quickly and food served quickly. I wish I had taken photo's of the food. The carvery (pork and beef) were perfect and the homemade Yorkshire puddings were out of this world, a large portion of steaming hot veg was supplied as well. I had the cajun chicken burger with salad and again the portion was huge, and highly tasty. Despite there being limited staff numbers we didn't wait for anything and they made sure we were happy all the way through. The play area outside was also great for the kids. I bumped into a few locals who were booking there regular Sunday table and I can clearly see why. If you want a great choice of food, coked to perfection with huge portions, a great atmosphere and very friendly staff, all at a very reasonable price this is the place to go , I cannot recommend it enough.

9. Be At One Oxford

15 St. Clements Street, Oxford OX4 1AB England +44 1865 598206 [email protected] http://www.beatone.co.uk/cocktail-bar/oxford
Excellent
72%
Good
17%
Satisfactory
6%
Poor
2%
Terrible
3%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 121 reviews

Be At One Oxford

The most historic city in England now plays host to Be At One Oxford! Our cocktail bar is situated just a 5-minute walk from the city centre and a 15-minute walk from the train station. With a Daily Happy hour from opening until 8 pm and a second Happy hour from 11- midnight on Friday and Saturday, with a midweek Happy hour all night Wednesday. Situated over 2 spacious floors. With the basement bar beeing open every Saturday from 10 pm. This space is ideal for dancing and partying with the great tunes from our resident DJ. The basement can also be hired for up to 150 for a private hire or a cocktail making master class for that special Birthday or Hen Party celebration. Special Party packages are available as is Pizza until 11 each and every day. For more details see our Facebook page.

10. Sandy’s Piano Bar

3-4 King Edward Street, Oxford OX1 4HS England +44 7557 687342 [email protected] http://sandyspianobar.co.uk/
Excellent
77%
Good
9%
Satisfactory
4%
Poor
3%
Terrible
7%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 70 reviews

Sandy’s Piano Bar

Sandy's Piano Bar is a live music venue serving cocktails, wines, spirits and beers until late. A unique bar new to Oxford with some of the best staff around.

Reviewed By 28SEvans - Oxford, United Kingdom

If visiting Oxford Sandy's has to be on the 'go to' list. Amazing live music, lovely bar staff, brilliant drink selection (whether it's beer, wine or cocktails you're after) and a great atmosphere - simply a fabulous venue!

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