10 Oxfordshire venues on Telegraph’s best pubs guide

The pubs have been selected by a panel of pub experts using the criteria including a welcoming, lively atmosphere, high-quality drinks, and a strong sense of community,

10 Oxfordshire pubs made the list, which aims to encourage people to discover some of the UK’s finest venues.

The Peyton Arms. (Image: Google Maps)

The Peyton Arms at School Lane in Stoke Lyne, a village near Bicester was one of the lucky pubs shortlisted,

Under the Hook Norton Brewery Co banner, the watering hole is run by landlords Mick and Jean Weston.

The Peyton Arms was also nominated as a finalist in the North Oxfordshire CAMRA (Campaign for Real Ale) Pub of the Year 2016, and was also named best pub in the county by The Times in 2025.

The Rose & Crown on Parade Avenue in Oxford (Image: Newsquest)

Meanwhile, The Rose & Crown on Parade Avenue in Oxford was also named among the best.

For 43 years the Hall family has been in charge, and they have been praised for their efforts by real ale drinkers in the city.

Mr and Mrs Hall run the pub with their son Adam, and in 2023 they celebrated their 40th anniversary in charge by creating a special cask ale at Hook Norton brewery to mark the occasion.

Oxford CAMRA members with former landlord Phil Gammon outside the Lamb & Flag Photo: Phil Gammon (Image: Newsquest)

Another Oxford pub on the list is The Lamb & Flag, on St Giles’ Street.

The pub was shut down by its owners St John’s College at the start of 2021 due to a fall in trade caused by the pandemic, but it reopened in October 2022 following a takeover by the Inklings community group and has been busy ever since.

The pub is so busy is now selling branded tote bags, mugs and other items to tourists and local drinkers.

The Bear Inn (Image: The Bear Inn)

Another city favourite is The Bear Inn on Alfred Street.

Its history dates back to 1262, but the current building was constructed in 1606 and then known as the Jolly Trooper.

It’s recommended by punters as a place to relax after a summer walk and to cosy up and escape the cold during the winter months.

Steve Mace, left, with Dave Richardson (Image: Photo: Dave Richardson)

The Morris Clown on High Street in Bampton is another Oxfordshire favourite.

Landlord Steve Mace has been in charge for 36 years and was presented with a long service certificate from the Oxford branch of CAMRA in 2023.

During the lockdowns of 2020 and 2021 landlord Mr Mace took to his bicycle to deliver ale to his customers’ homes, often in harsh winter weather and still in the shorts he always wears.

The Butchers Arms in Balscote (Image: Google Maps)

Village pubs near Banbury top the list with The Butchers Arms on Shutford Road in Balscote and The Red Lion in Horley selected by experts.

The Butchers Arms in Balscote is a lovely little find.

Hidden away in the North Oxfordshire Countryside, it has been a Hook Norton Pub since 1878 and still has the original Ice house in the garden as well as boasting a Grade II Listing.

The Red Lion in Horley (Image: Google Maps)

Meanwhile the Red Lion in Horley was voted in CAMRA’s top 200 pubs in 2015 and was featured in CAMRA’s 2023 Good Beer Guide.

Rose & Crown, Charlbury (Image: Google Street View)

Charlbury-based boozer The Rose & Crown in Market Street is another of the best pubs of the year.

A freehouse, the pub has been featured in the Good Beer Guide for 31 years in a row and is described as a strong supporter of local breweries.

The Cross Keys in Thame being presented with the Pub of the Year award in 2024 (Image: CAMRA)

The Cross Keys on East Street in Thame is also listed amongst the best.

The pub was formerly a Brakspear pub, and was bought by the Thame-based pub company, Oak Taverns early in 2022 and reopened with Mr and Mrs Howse at the helm in May of that year.

Landlord Dave Howse previously told the Oxford Mail the pub is a ‘wet-led’ pub, and doesn’t rely on providing a food service, although the regular visiting pop-up street food vendors are proving to be a more than welcome alternative.

Will Hawkes, The Telegraph’s beer, food and travel journalist, said: “Despite desperate operating conditions, Britain still has hundreds of magnificent pubs, offering warmth, atmosphere, character and fantastic drinks. You’ll find the best of the best in our guide.”