The Turf Tavern (or just "the Turf") is a historic pub in central Oxford, England. Its foundations and use as a malt house and drinking tavern date back to 1381. The low-beamed front bar area was put in place sometime in the 17th century. It was originally called the Spotted Cow but the name was changed in 1842, likely as part of an effort to extinguish its reputation as a venue for illegal gambling activities.
The pub is frequented primarily by university students (of both Oxford University and Oxford Brookes University). It is located at the end of a narrow winding alley, St Helens Passage (originally Hell's passage), between Holywell Street and New College Lane, near the Bridge of Sighs. Running along one side of the pub is one of the remaining sections of the old city wall. Due to the illegal activities of many of its original patrons, the Turf sprang up in an area just outside the city wall in order to escape the jurisdiction of the governing bodies of the local colleges.
Had the shared fish and chips with some buffalo wings. So far this was the best fish and chips I ever had. The cucumber pickles added a very nice balance to the fish. Those mini fish inside the bun were tasty and very cute to look at. The buffalo wings were cooked perfectly and sauce on the top provided a tangy taste which enhanced the taste. The ambiance of the place is worth mentioning as it is built in 17th century and it still standing strong!
Sharjah IbrahimJul 24, 2018
The location is fantastic in the backyard of the buildings and is quite hidden. The atmosphere is fantastic. However, the food is not good at all. The steak my friend and I ordered were way over cooked. And it was so difficult to chew... The chips were not crispy. I didn’t feel good after the dinner and threw up everything before I can feel better.
SunnyJun 20, 2018
Have always liked the pub. It serves more traditional style meals which are adequate but you really come to this pub because of it's historical setting and atmosphere. You have a choice to sit inside or if it's warm outside in the beer garden. Hidden down back alleyways it can be a little difficult to locate if you don't know the area but it is well worth a visit.
Angus Wentworth-FosterJun 30, 2018
This pub have it all going for it. Lovely location. Good beer. Unfortunately it all gets destroyed by their terrible staff - of which I interacted with 4 of them. No service at all, and they were very, very rude. I suggest going to the Bear instead.
Esben RahbekJul 15, 2018
Great place to have dinner, the ambiance was amazing and we were served nicely and quickly. The food was of good quality and the drinks were fine as well. I'd definitely recommend this place for dinner in Oxford. If I'll ever be back in Oxford, I will eat here for sure!
Ole RapJul 16, 2018
Had the shared fish and chips with some buffalo wings. So far this was the best fish and chips I ever had. The cucumber pickles added a very nice balance to the fish. Those mini fish inside the bun were tasty and very cute to look at. The buffalo wings were cooked perfectly and sauce on the top provided a tangy taste which enhanced the taste. The ambiance of the place is worth mentioning as it is built in 17th century and it still standing strong!
Sharjah IbrahimJul 24, 2018
The location is fantastic in the backyard of the buildings and is quite hidden. The atmosphere is fantastic. However, the food is not good at all. The steak my friend and I ordered were way over cooked. And it was so difficult to chew... The chips were not crispy. I didn’t feel good after the dinner and threw up everything before I can feel better.
SunnyJun 20, 2018
Have always liked the pub. It serves more traditional style meals which are adequate but you really come to this pub because of it's historical setting and atmosphere. You have a choice to sit inside or if it's warm outside in the beer garden. Hidden down back alleyways it can be a little difficult to locate if you don't know the area but it is well worth a visit.
Angus Wentworth-FosterJun 30, 2018
This pub have it all going for it. Lovely location. Good beer. Unfortunately it all gets destroyed by their terrible staff - of which I interacted with 4 of them. No service at all, and they were very, very rude. I suggest going to the Bear instead.
Esben RahbekJul 15, 2018
Great place to have dinner, the ambiance was amazing and we were served nicely and quickly. The food was of good quality and the drinks were fine as well. I'd definitely recommend this place for dinner in Oxford. If I'll ever be back in Oxford, I will eat here for sure!
Ole RapJul 16, 2018
Had the shared fish and chips with some buffalo wings. So far this was the best fish and chips I ever had. The cucumber pickles added a very nice balance to the fish. Those mini fish inside the bun were tasty and very cute to look at. The buffalo wings were cooked perfectly and sauce on the top provided a tangy taste which enhanced the taste. The ambiance of the place is worth mentioning as it is built in 17th century and it still standing strong!
Sharjah IbrahimJul 24, 2018
The location is fantastic in the backyard of the buildings and is quite hidden. The atmosphere is fantastic. However, the food is not good at all. The steak my friend and I ordered were way over cooked. And it was so difficult to chew... The chips were not crispy. I didn’t feel good after the dinner and threw up everything before I can feel better.
SunnyJun 20, 2018
Have always liked the pub. It serves more traditional style meals which are adequate but you really come to this pub because of it's historical setting and atmosphere. You have a choice to sit inside or if it's warm outside in the beer garden. Hidden down back alleyways it can be a little difficult to locate if you don't know the area but it is well worth a visit.
Angus Wentworth-FosterJun 30, 2018
This pub have it all going for it. Lovely location. Good beer. Unfortunately it all gets destroyed by their terrible staff - of which I interacted with 4 of them. No service at all, and they were very, very rude. I suggest going to the Bear instead.
Esben RahbekJul 15, 2018
Great place to have dinner, the ambiance was amazing and we were served nicely and quickly. The food was of good quality and the drinks were fine as well. I'd definitely recommend this place for dinner in Oxford. If I'll ever be back in Oxford, I will eat here for sure!
Ole RapJul 16, 2018
Monday | 11:00 AM – 10:30 PM |
Tuesday | 11:00 AM – 10:30 PM |
Wednesday | 11:00 AM – 10:30 PM |
Thursday | 11:00 AM – 10:30 PM |
Friday | 11:00 AM – 10:30 PM |
Saturday | 11:00 AM – 10:30 PM |
Sunday | 11:00 AM – 10:30 PM |
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