Prince of Wales (Iffley)

Stayed in Iffley for the past week. Had three meals at the Prince of Wales, all excellent. A very friendly pub, good service and a lovely atmosphere. We nearly didn't go there because of some of the negative reviews....am so pleased that we ignored them and decided to make up our own minds! You can't expect weatherspoon prices in a village pub so it is unfair to compare prices.If you like individuality and the personal touch then this is a pub to visit.
PS, You can try the local brew before you buy!

JR (Unverified), 09/12/11

---

Fantastic little pub. We came across it by accident. It was busy with lots of people in the lovely beer garden. Bitter is very good. I had Sunday lunch: beef with plenty of veg and lovely homemade crumble. My wife had the lamb shank which was really nicely cooked, a bit expensive but worth it. There was a variety of specials: fresh fish, homemade puds - it has everything that a good local pub should have. Will be back there soon.

mr harry (Unverified), 01/08/11

---

I had had high expectations of the POW based on some very good reviews here and elsewhere. Going through these reviews it seemed it was a very friendly local run capably by its new-ish owners and did very good pub food. I came here the first time for lunch quite recently.

We received a friendly greeting at the door and going in we found a comfortable looking place with a relaxed atmosphere. The spirits bottles dangling over the bar are a novel feature, although I'm not sure city centre pubs would do that! The unfortunate first shock was the cost of drinks: We got less than £2 change from £10 for a pint of lager and a pint of one of their real ales.

Going through the menu I got the second shock when looking at the price of most of the hot meals. Pub favourites such as burger and chips and scampi and chips were all nearly £10: you can get acceptable pub food for half this price elsewhere in Oxford. The alternatives were a couple of specials (over £12) or a selection of sandwiches (around the £5 mark).

It's a real shame. Tucked away in old Iffley it has real potential as a good place to go somewhere with a bit of character within striking distance from the tourist-dominated pubs nearer the city centre, especially in the warmer months. Unfortunately I won't be making the trip here again, not when only two rounds for just two people would cost nearly twenty quid. I guess it's uneconomic for them to charge lower prices.

DisappointedPubReviewer (Unverified), 21/04/11

---

It has been a year since my last review, and I have to say that the Prince is even better now, which I didn't think possible, as it was near to perfection then! There has been an increase in the amount of clientele, which more importantly has been maintained. This is some feat, considering the current economic climate and the rate of pub closures. Without doubt, this is down to the Herculean efforts of the landlady Lona and the huge support she recieves from her fantastic staff at all levels and positions.

Another reason is as one delighted customer stated to Lona,"it's also down to the clientele you've cultivated". As usual, there is always some form of charity fundraising taking event,and all next week with Children in Need happening, it will be no different! Looking forward to seeing all regular faces and to new regulars down there. You will not be dissatisfied!

volvofm128 (Unverified), 11/03/11

---

Went here with four friends at 3pmish for a Sunday roast (which they do, amazingly, from noon until 8pm) and got the last-but-one table. The place is warm (roaring real fire), welcoming, with a nice crowd and an amusing stack of pennies on the bar which you can attempt not to destroy in Jenga-like fashion. Real ales on tap included an implausible-sounding blackcurrant porter - delicious. Bloody Mary came with Big Tom tomato juice (pre-seasoned to the perfect level as far as I'm concerned), which was a welcome touch (I find most pubs can't do Bloody Marys easily due to lack of ingredients/familiarity). There's pretty art on the walls to gawp at (looks like local artists exhibit here), there were live music events listed and we had an informal quiz out of the Trivial Pursuit box while we waited for dinner. This wasn't a long wait, despite the place running at what looked like full tilt. The staff were efficient and friendly (they have waitress service for food); there was a choice of 3 meats and plenty else on offer. My turkey was tender and came with lots of fresh veg (cauliflower, spud, carrot etc.) and a tasty gravy.
I've eaten food from their a la carte menu before and been disappointed by the French-ish dishes, but after this experience I'm tempted to give that another go. I'll certainly be back on a Sunday soon anyway. YUM!

Su Jordan (DI Staff), 08/12/10

---

I haven't been to this pub for many years. I understand that the current licensee has been there for about two years and she is doing a fantastic job. Several real ales on offer. I had 'Strong In The Arm' and it was lovely. We had visitors and wanted a quick meal before joining a boat at Iffley lock. We were very well looked after and nothing was too much trouble.

An interesting menu is complemented by some very appetising specials, which included two fresh fish dishes. There is a large selection of hors d'oeuvres for mixing and sharing which will please any palate, and were enjoyed by us. I chose liver and bacon, which came as a very healthy portion. Traditional fish and chips were also excellent. Fresh baguettes were served with chips and a large salad.

Very comfortable surroundings, reasonable prices. I will go back.

Riverboy (DI User), 10/08/10

---

This is a lovely pub, but I was shocked to find that a normal bottle of coke is £2.95 (as are most of the other soft drinks). This does not encourage people not to drink and drive! Sad that pubs have to do this these days :(

annoyed drinker (DI User), 28/06/10

---

I love this pub. The French chef creates fantastic food at really good prices, and the staff, people and atmosphere are really hard to beat. It's a focal point for everyone in the village. 10/10

Bobdylan (Unverified), 04/06/10

---

This is my favourite pub in Oxford. Yes, drinks are pricey compared to somewhere like Wetherspoon's but on the plus side you get:

-Lovely location
-Excellent selection of ales and whiskies
-Friendly service
-Lots of events/music, plenty of games, papers and a real desire to make your visit enjoyable
-Great place to end up after a walk along the river

The food is definitely variable, but any time I've complained I've always been treated well and given an alternative. They were getting a new chef in and things seemed to have improved slightly. Portions are generally massive though.

At the end of the day it's a proper pub and there aren't too many of these about in Oxford anymore.

Welshman (Unverified), 28/05/10

---

I have to agree with volvofm - we've been regulars of The Prince of Wales for almost 25 years and can honestly say that the current licensee is the best this pub has had for many years. The beer is excellent and so is the decor. The staff are always friendly, helpful and very efficient. We rarely have to wait too long for a drink even when the pub is very busy. Well done POW!

Wend (DI User), 02/05/10

---

Excellent pub with well cooked and generous Sunday roasts. The Wadworth's 6X was also superbly kept. In addition both the food and drink are served by very capable and friendly staff.

Would my wife and I go back again - a big YES, and we have been to many places in our time!

Mature Visitor (Unverified), 01/02/10

---

I think "disappointed customer" must have visited a different Prince of Wales to the one I know in Iffley. I have been a patron of this establishment for over 30 years. If the beer is badly kept (I haven't heard this said, on the contrary, I and other valued customers have remarked how it is the best it has ever been) how has it been awarded Casque-Marque?
The decor needed changing and it's certainly an improvement. As for the price of food, it can't be compared to the previous 3 landlords because the pub did not open regular hours, and you were lucky to get a bag of crisps! Now getting a table for a meal is hard going as the pub is constantly packed.
Anybody of any sex, creed, colour, sexual persuasion, single or otherwise is made to feel very welcome by staff and customers alike. I urge you to visit and judge for yourselves.

volvofm128 (Unverified), 19/01/10

---

This used to be such a nice pub, cosy with good beer. Sadly, it has now had one of those 'you're not supposed to notice it' overhauls (let's paint the walls in neutral colours). The beer is badly kept, the food is over-priced, the ambience has gone.

Won't be going back.

Disappointed Customer (Unverified), 13/01/10

---

Drinks terribly overpriced, but food was nice last time I dined here.

The Poet Laura-eate (DI User), 08/12/09

---

We visited Oxford in July and this pub became our regular. We were greeted by the owner and staff and enjoyed the quiz evenings and selection of games. Very friendly. Food excellent and good value. Clean and well run.
Highly recommended

Gill and Andy (Unverified), 06/08/09

---