Hidden pub in Oxford boasts a unique historic feature in a tucked-away street

Oxford: Aerial views show bustling city centre

The Turf Tavern in Oxford is one of the city’s best hidden gems, with Centuries of history backing its reputation.

The pub has its origins as a malt house and drinking tavern date back in 1381 and has since become a staple.

The low-beamed front bar area was put in place sometime in the 17th century and was originally called the Spotted Cow.

The Turf underwent a name change in 1842, and over the years, has been visited by a number of famous people.

Richard Burton, Elizabeth Taylor, Tony Blair, CS Lewis and Stephen Hawking are just a few of the well-known names who have drunk or dined there.

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@strangelittleworld A good place for a pint AND a piece of Oxford history – it’s been there since the 13th-century and contains part of the historic city walls #tiktoktravel #uktravel #fyp #oxford #hiddengems #britishpubs ♬ In My Head – Lil Tjay

A sign at the entrance of this pub claim it is Oxford’s only city walled garden, making it one of a kind.

Poet Christopher Middleton previously wrote about the Turf Tavern, which is accessible through a tiny passageway between Hopewell Street and New College Lane.

He prefaced: “You could have been visiting Oxford for the past 600 years and still not found The Turf Tavern.”

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The author added in a piece for The Telegraph: “So while tour guides all over the city are taking parties around the Radcliffe and the Bodleian, the Turf bartenders are holding their customers’ hands on an exciting beer journey that takes them from the light (Titanic Steerage, Springhead Sweet Lips) to the dark (Titanic Port and Starboard, Springhead Leveller).

“The odd diversion may take in Hidden Pleasure, RCH Steam Lovers or Mordue Geordie Pride. And no, you don’t have to drink pints of each; the knowledgeable beer explorer always travels in halves.”

Historically, the venie’s name comes from the turfmen or turf accountants (now commonly known as bookies) who took bets here.

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