The Half Moon (Pre-2018) is permanently closed

For information about and reviews of the current venue occupying the same site, see The Half Moon

The Half Moon (Pre-2018)

A traditional Irish folk retreat with true character. Live music every night, great cask ales and terrific Guinness, all with a great team at the helm.
  • Food and drink
  • Pub

Home to trad music sessions on Monday and Sunday evenings (attended by Oxfordshire’s finest musicians), Tuesday night jazz and Sparky’s bi monthly Thursday night open mics. Host to Oxford’s rising music talent every Friday and Saturday, there’s always something on at The Half Moon. Open fire, house piano and guitar, cards accepted.

12 reviews

17-18 St Clements
Oxford
OX4 1AB

Opening hours: Monday - Sunday: 6pm - 2am

Email venue Visit website HalfMoonOxford @HalfMoonOxford
  • Wi-fi available

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Reviews

Roo March 3, 2009
Wow! What a treat to wander past for last orders at the legendary Half Moon last Weds and find a whole jazz quintet stuffed miraculously into one half of the lower bar. I wouldn't have believed it were possible had I not seen it. Nice smooth background classics (Watermelon Man, etc.) to listen to whilst quaffing an ale. Could've done with a vocalist though (or perhaps I missed that bit?). The pub wasn't too full to mean that it was ridiculously squashed in, but there were enough punters for a nice vibe. Especially liked the sax. Hope they come back!

I discovered the Half Moon quite by chance and absolutely loved it especially coming from Ireland and hearing live traditional music. It was home from home and I will definitely be returning! The young well-spoken English girl behind the bar was delightful and I felt incredibly welcome. The place looks like it could still do with a little TLC, but it was about the magic of the music and atmosphere that made it. I'd say it's a must and even better, has a late license!

Loved The Talc Daemons! So much so that we`ve booked them for a week's Rock Festival in the Dordogne in June.

I went in last week quite late and listened to a really good jazz group. The beer was great and the bar staff friendly. The place really started heaving at 12ish and the atmosphere was busy and friendly. There were no end of sweet looking ladies, mostly University types. No hint of negativity from anyone. For all these reasons, I'll be back.

Having just received (for not the first time) extremely shoddy customer service from the Half Moon pub in Oxford I then found a whole string of extremely poor reviews online. If you want to appreciate all that is good about a British pub I would strongly advise any Oxford visitor/resident to avoid the Half Moon, where, in my opinion, the staff are rude, and the quality of products on sale is mediocre to say the least. The pub also purports to being a genuinely 'Irish' pub in Oxford with authentic Irish music. Being a connoisseur of Irish music myself I can assure any visitor to Oxford that I have never heard any good quality Irish music in the Half Moon, only extremely embarrassing attempts by amateurs. An Oxford establishment to be avoided!

Can't agree more with the Irishman below. A nasty stale atmosphere with very elitist attitude. Most people are deemed not "real" enough by the bar staff and its made clear until they leave. Get over yourselves Half Moon.

The Half Moon takes itself WAY too seriously. On a Sunday 'trad' night, I wasn't even aloud to whisper while a singer belts out a tune - definitely not authentic. Irish pubs should be welcoming, not pretentious!
This really is a fantastic little pub in St Clements. A nice chilled out atmosphere, really friendly staff and good beer. Highly recommend.
I've been to the Half Moon a couple of dozen times now and it is one of the best pubs I have been in. I am not a local to Oxford, otherwise I'd been in there every week. The staff are friendly, the Landlord is an absolute gem and the venue itself is intimate, without being too small. The atmosphere is great and there is often live music, be it an organised event or just a few musical people in the corner playing. The prices are reasonable, the beer is very well kept and a good time is had by all!
It is difficult to do justice to this oasis of merriment with words nevertheless, it would be a shame not to try.

Found nestled in popular St. Clements, the Half Moon provides a haven of restful charm by day and a buzzing social mecca for those in the business of fun and free thought by night.

The interior has benefited from new ownership and the feel of a traditional pub has been enhanced with a cosy fire and comfy sofas. Basically, what you have with the Half Moon is something a bit special tweaked to become something utterly fabulous. There is soulful pleasure oozing from the woodwork and a sense of gentle, good humoured wit which permeates the atmosphere.

You can expect a warm welcome from the staff, owner and regulars alike. Call in, sit back and feel safe in the knowledge that you are in good company.

1,000,000 out of 10
Best Pub in the World? Probably! I live in Cumbria, and I haven't found a pub to match it! I am visiting Oxford twice in two months just to go back to this pub! The Half Moon has bags of character and charm. The landlord Joe Ryan is a charming and friendly Irishman running what amounts to a pub that could has been lifted from a village in the midst of rural Ireland and dropped into the centre of Oxford. The beer is good, the regulars are amazing people, and if you have a love of traditional music, the place is almost like The Cavern Club....if you're a folky! And if you happen to be around during Folk Festival time you may bump into a famous face or two at the nightly sessions, most likey, Jon Boden of Bellowhead. Regular folk sessions held on Sunday nights and all are welcome to join in, just don't get too boisterous or you're likely to get told off!!

The place does fill up quickly and people just keep coming and coming and coming! Closing time is debatable, I have been 5 times during my visits to Oxford, and the latest I managed to stay was 3.30am!! And the atmosphere was still lively and the hardcore regulars were still going strong!
If you want a unique experience, please, please visit this pub on a Sunday night, you won't be disappointed!
An Oxford gem. Utterly authentic Irish pub, with high-class folk music a few times a week. Arrive early on Sunday nights if you want a seat - and be treated to non-stop traditional music with up to 20 musicians. Be polite to the landlord Joe - he's a lovely guy but won't stand for excessive drunkenness, timewasting, disrespect or (crime of crimes) noise during a quiet song. And be prepared for a sore head the next day.
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17-18 St Clements
Oxford
OX4 1AB

Opening hours: Monday - Sunday: 6pm - 2am

Email venue Visit website HalfMoonOxford @HalfMoonOxford
  • Wi-fi available

Share this venue

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