The Best Pubs in Oxfordshire

Like wines, there’s a feeling that pubs get better with age. The thought of cosying up in an inn that was freshly built last year just doesn’t have the same appeal as holing up in a historic building. Fortunately, The Duck on the Pond comes with plenty of history, including parts of it that apparently date all the way back to the 16th century. However old it really is, this is a hugely characterful place that operates as both pub and restaurant, with seats in the alcove or by the impressive inglenook fireplace a must for the months when cosiness is required.

Oozing character, The Lamb Inn ticks all the boxes for a welcoming dining pub. In the winter, you have the cosy, fire-lit dining room; in summer, there’s the sun-drenched outdoor terrace. All-year round there’s a well-stocked bar, satisfying food and a personable service team ensuring everyone is being well looked after. You’re spoilt for choice on the wide-ranging menu of well-known pub dishes which are executed with skill by the kitchen team.

With a whitewashed exterior and thatched roof, The Nut Tree Inn certainly looks the part of the chocolate box country pub. Tucked away in the tiny hamlet of Murcott, it’s also one of the finest pubs in this area for dining. Having held One MICHELIN Star for many years, it’s become a real destination for gastronomes, while at the same time retaining its authentic pubby atmosphere and characterful bar. If you fancy a simpler, budget-friendly option, go for the ‘Pub Classics’ menu where you’re likely to find a steak or fish & chips.

A part of the ever-growing Daylesford Organic stable, The Bell reopened in 2023 after a top-to-toe make over, which successfully retained the historical integrity of its gorgeous 17th-century building while blending in stylishly simple modern décor. You’ll have a hard time choosing from the menu of pub classics made with produce from the Daylesford farm; on Sundays, a table in The Barn is a must, where the chefs prepare a roast using the wood-fired grill.

Remarkably, The Bull is located only 200ft from The Bell in the evidently rather lucky town of Charlbury. If visitors get confused between the two pubs then it needn’t matter, as The Bull is just as much a delight as its near-namesake. Owners James and Phil cut their teeth with The Pelican in Notting Hill before moving back to the area they know as ‘home’. They really make the best of their seasonal produce in dishes which show an understated simplicity and deliver bags of flavour. Some of the bedrooms are dog-friendly too.

Owners Ben and Priya gave up the bright lights of London to become custodians of The Golden Ball close to Henley-on-Thames. Ben’s culinary experience shines through in his confidently executed dishes that come in generous portions and utilise local seasonal ingredients with delicious results. Priya and her team offer the warm welcome you’d expect of a good country pub, along with friendly and assured service. The set lunch menu offers excellent value for money.

Another member of the Bamford family’s Daylesford empire, The Wild Rabbit is just as characterful and stylish as The Bell – and comes with a degree of understated luxury to boot. Pass through the bar into the larger, country kitchen-style dining room with the on-view kitchen allowing you to watch the chefs as they make good use of the organic produce grown on the Daylesford farm. If you’re looking to explore the gorgeous Cotswolds countryside surrounding the pub, the bedrooms and nearby cottages are mightily appealing.

Mark and Kay Chandler have been at the helm of The White Hart for two decades now, and during this time they have never stopped pushing their business forward. The extensive menu offers something for everyone, while throughout the year they run themed evenings that change with the seasons – plus there’s a great value ‘Dinner Club’ menu on Wednesday nights. As a good pub should, they have put themselves at the heart of the local community and the surrounding area, which has understandably endeared them to their loyal regulars.