Featured Reviews


Frequently mentioned in reviews: Tolkien (8) Lewis (6)
Reviews are sorted by relevance, prioritizing the most helpful and insightful feedback at the top for easier reference.
  • 5/5 Sarah W. 5 years ago on Google
    This pub is well known because The Inklings (Tolkien, CS Lewis, and GK Chesterton) used to meet here and workshop their writing weekly. It’s about 10 minutes walking from campus, easy. As a pub, it’s got plenty of tables, and we had no trouble being seated. This is a Nicholson’s pub, so if you like their usual fare, you’ll like the food here. They also have a special pie menu. The lentil and sweet potato pie was fantastic!
    5 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Jitka K. 4 years ago on Google
    It was the most authentical pub I have ever been to and I was to a lot. For me it is a special place as I'm a huge fan of both Tolkien and Lewis. I enjoyed the food, cider and ale. The staff was nice and helpful. The place has its charm. But it is really tiny, I strongly recommend to make a reservation. You can't make a reservation on Saturday.
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 zongxian l. 5 years ago on Google
    Intended to visit The Lamb and Flag across the road but their kitchen closed at an early 830pm. Which brought us serendipitously to this local gem. A proper historical pub full of atmosphere. Decent selection of cooked food and wide selection of beers. Bar staff were extremely friendly and patient too. We were just a tad amused when they wanted to check the identification cards of us 30 year old blokes. Tavern policy I suppose
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Beatriz A. 4 years ago on Google
    Wonderful little pub with a lot of history. Great selection from a full stocked bar, with beers being the most popular. Very spacious so make sure you walk all the way to the back for open seating, or hang out in the front for something more cozy and historic. Excellent prices.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 3/5 Steve J. 1 year ago on Google
    Closed! The pub where Tolkien, Lewis et al had there meetings and discussions, so part of history.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Kenneth C. 4 years ago on Google
    Great, authentic English pub. The food and atmosphere is top notch. It’s no wonder why The Inklings (incl CS Lewis & JRR Tolkien) made this their meeting spot.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Anna 2 years ago on Google
    Very nice place, tasty food and lots of Tolkien stuff which made my inner nerd very happy!
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Elora G. 5 years ago on Google
    Really nice pub. The atmosphere is quiet and relaxed. We went there a little bit late, but just in time to taste their good pie. The one with mushrooms and steak is really suggested. Everyone who cames to Oxford should spend some time here, in the famous pub of Tolkien and Lewis
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 William C. 2 years ago on Google
    Iconic, old school feeling place.

  • 5/5 Alexander B. 4 years ago on Google
    Historic pub! The food was tremendously delicious. The pies are amazing. They have some beer brewed for their pub company, Nicholson's pale ale - this beer is so good! I recommend having at least two pints!

  • 5/5 Acacia 4 years ago on Google
    We love coming here, it can get very busy and hard to find seating due to the tourist interest but if you offset your time slightly it is a really nice pub. Food is great and always large serves, I recommend having one of the pies

  • 5/5 casualmente b. 5 years ago on Google
    Small and cosy traditional pub, excellent food menu. I went there as part of my Tolkien tour in Oxford, it’s definetely a must if you are a big fan of the Professor.

  • 5/5 Dan L. 7 months ago on Google
    It was closed when we went to Oxford but it was fun to see. I was surprised that I was on such a busy road. I imagined it was off on a quiet street somewhere.

  • 5/5 Feliciano L. 6 months ago on Google
    The place where Tolkien and CS.Lewis and other writers meet and talk about their works. Unfortunally the place is now closed.


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Amenities


  • Payments
    • ✓️ Debit cards
    • ✓️ NFC mobile payments
  • Offerings
    • ✓️ Beer
    • ✓️ Food
    • ✓️ Wine
    • ✓️ Alcohol
    • ✓️ Spirits
  • Service options
    • ✓️ Dine-in

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