The Turf Tavern

Reviews

Susie Cogan June 7, 2006

Quiz Review: This is hardcore quizzing. Taking place (Tuesdays, 8.30pm, £1 entry) in the rear-garden of the pub, there’s room for umpteen teams and it still gets full - I’ve been there in freezing mid-winter and the showing wasn’t bad at all. The standard is high, as you’d expect with so many teams, and the questions are really varied, but the weight of numbers sometimes overwhelms the quizmaster and the whole thing can drag on and on. Take an extra jumper and expect to be there for the duration.

The Turf hasn't been reviewed for a long time. Admittedly it's a tourist trap, but nonetheless: I went in, for lunch, for the first time in a while recently with some friends visiting from overseas. There appears to be new management in charge and the menu has changed quite noticeably since I was last there.

The food quality and the general cleanliness/upkeep seemed a bit lower than I remember them being on previous visits, but still passable enough for visitors.

A shame.

nosinktobeseen 22 Apr 2013

Great atmosphere; very good pub fare; nice staff. Only drawback: can't handle large groups. They take group bookings, but are too understaffed to serve food to parties of more than 6. They promise indoor seating, but then put the group outdoors in rainy, raw weather. Try another pub if you are feeding a group.

Egeria 31 Mar 2010

This is one of those establishments that encapsulates everything you would consider to be a traditional English public house in a great location with appeal throughout the year.

First of all it has heritage. The original foundations date back to the 14th century. The interior reflects this. It is not "faux" olde worlde as with many of the chain pubs you now see. It looks slightly worn with low ceilings; made to feel even lower by the exposed beams. There are small rooms that provide a feeling of cosiness.

The usual array of lager, wine and spirits can be purchased at the bar but if you like real ale, this is the pub for you. At least 8 beers are available at any one time; from micro breweries through to the larger better known producers. These are on a blackboard at the bar along with a list of those currently "resting". You never quite know what you will see or how the beer will taste, a real adventure!

This pub has three outdoor seating areas. Great in summer but arrive early to find a table. In the winter they have braziers in the garden, stacked with coal: you can roast chestnuts purchased from the bar on them.

This pub is great because although central to Oxford it is tucked away and after a hard day's shopping or visiting the sites it is a real oasis from the hustle and bustle.

stuntedmonk 16 Nov 2008

Can't believe nobody has mentioned the food here! Went with some friends in search of a quick pint and ended up staying for supper. Sausage and mash, steak pie, and curry all well above your average pub standard. Proper home cooked food, a decent pint, and very friendly staff. Definitely worth a visit!

Sofie 20 Sep 2007

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