Oxford News
Historic Oxford pub in alleyway once had a secret tunnel
While The Crown can be found just off Cornmarket Street, The Chequers is in an alleyway off the High Street.
Both hostelries are run by Nicholson’s, and The Chequers was given a £400,000 refurbishment in 2022. It’s the Oxford Mail Pub of the Week.
READ MORE: Private school headteacher to leave after 11 years
The revamp focused on highlighting the pub’s heritage, including its original timber beams which dated back to the 1500s.
College crests adorn the walls, and the pub is popular for its cask ales and traditional pub food, including fish pie (£17.50), steak and ale pie (£18), fish and chips, (£21) as well as sausage and mash (£15.50).
The pub has a fascinating history, and Nicholson’s has highlighted its past, saying: “Dating back to 1279, our Grade II-listed pub was once an exhibition hall for animals and inventors, and a base for money lenders.
“In the 1500s, the building was rebuilt by Alderman Richard Kent, transforming it from a moneylender’s tenement to a tavern.
“And, as they say, the rest is history. In the mid-1700s, the pub was home to a semi-permanent zoo of 14 exotic animals, including a camel, an opossum, and reportedly a shark.
“Today, the exhibits of strange animals discovered by 17th century explorers have gone, but features such as the stained glass windows and carvings above the bar remain as a reminder of the building’s rich history.
“Rumour has it, the pub also has a secret tunnel that leads to another pub on the High Street. It is said to have acted as an escape route for Catholic priests illegally celebrating mass during the reign of King Henry VII.”
The Oxford branch of CAMRA (Campaign for Real Ale) has praised the pub for its beers.
It said: “Now in the hands of Nicholson’s, the pub usually has a good selection of real ales with often two more on in the later part of the week.
“All the Oxford college crests are displayed on the ceiling, except for Corpus Christi, as the crest displayed is that of Corpus Cambridge.”
The pub has a 3.9 out of five rating on customer reviews site Tripadvisor.
One recent customer posted: “My favourite pub in Oxford – love it.
“Great drinks – best place to watch sport. I will be back again. Keep being the same.”
Another customer, who visited from Cardiff, added: “I popped in for a pint whilst checking out the finest cask ale pubs the beautiful city of Oxford has to offer. I was not disappointed when I checked out The Chequers.
“The limited edition ‘Maverick’ from St Austell brewery was very tasty. Expertly kept, cellar temperature and perfectly pulled.
“I highly recommend a visit to this wonderfully unique pub. The food looked great too.”
The flights mark a major boost to the airport’s connectivity ahead of the budget airline’s record Summer 2026 schedule.
The new routes form part of Ryanair’s expanded Glasgow programme for Summer 2026, which will see the airline operate over 100 weekly flights across eight routes.
The new double-daily London Stansted service further strengthens Glasgow’s access to the English capital, while the launch of the Warsaw service enhances Glasgow’s international offering.
Jonathan Ford, portfolio manager at AGS Airports, said: “It’s fantastic to see Ryanair’s new services to London Stansted and Warsaw take off today.
“The double-daily Stansted route offers even more flexibility for business and leisure travellers heading to and from England’s innovation corridor, while Warsaw provides a valuable new link that expands the international connectivity available to our passengers.
“These launches mark the start of what will be a record summer for Ryanair at Glasgow, and we look forward to welcoming even more travellers through our doors.”
Last month, Ryanair launched its 2026 plan for Glasgow with 10 routes, including holiday hotspots like Lanzarote, Palma de Mallorca, and Tenerife, as well as city break destinations like Barcelona and Pisa.
The budget airline will also operate extra frequencies on its Alicante, Faro, Pisa, Malaga and Murcia routes.
The new schedule is underpinned by Ryanair’s two Glasgow Prestwick-based aircraft.
Thames Valley Police said it stopped a vehicle yesterday evening (Saturday March 28) after noting it had defective lights in Woodstock.
The car “smelt of cannabis” and following a “positive drugs test” the police arrested the motorist.
READ MORE: Investigation launched as unidentified Toyota ‘hits’ pedestrian near Uni Parks
A spokesperson for the the roads policing unit said they “stopped a vehicle this evening with defective lights in Woodstock”.
They added: “The vehicle smelt of cannabis. The driver provided a positive drug wipe and was arrested.”
Driving under the influence of drugs (drug driving) is a criminal offence and if found guilty, the driver could face an automatic driving ban, a hefty fine, and potential prison time.
Launched on Monday, March 23, the first Walking Bus began at the Woodgreen Council Offices in Witney and ended at Witney Community Primary School.
The scheme allows pupils to join at set points along the route and walk to school together under adult supervision.
Councillor Rachel Crouch, executive member for stronger, healthy communities, said: “It was such a lovely morning seeing children chatting, smiling and enjoying the walk together.
“It’s a simple idea, but it makes a real difference.
“Families can spend time together, children arrive ready for the day, and we all benefit from quieter, safer streets.”
Described as a ‘bus route’ on foot, the Walking Bus aims to encourage daily activity, boost confidence and reduce congestion around schools.
It also offers a way for children to build friendships and start the day in a relaxed environment.
A volunteer who joined the first walk said: “It made the morning feel much calmer and more enjoyable.
“It’s a great way to start the day, and it was lovely to see the children feel part of something.”
One child taking part said: “It’s like an adventure!”
The Walking Bus will now run every school day, with routes tailored to participating families, and more routes could be added if interest grows.
The initiative is part of the council’s wider efforts to promote healthier living and sustainable travel within the community.
-
Crime & Safety2 weeks agoOxford: ‘Next generation’ LimeBikes in city from today
-
Jobs & Careers2 weeks agoExplore our Careers
-
Jobs & Careers2 weeks agoWhy Join Oxford | Oxford University Jobs
-
Student Life2 weeks agoThe independent cinema battling Oriel College to stay open
-
Oxford Events2 weeks agoOxford News and Events, What’s on in Oxford, Exhibitions
-
Jobs & Careers2 weeks agoInternal Job Board for University vacancies
-
Crime & Safety2 weeks agoCrash partially blocks A40 and causes severe Oxfordshire traffic
-
Oxford Events2 weeks agoMichelin Guide Oxfordshire Restaurants – The Oxford Magazine