The Turf Tavern Oxford

The Turf Tavern a Very Old Pub

During our London trip, we took the train to Oxford and had lunch at The Turf.

The Turf Tavern began as a malt house in the 13th century beside Oxford's medieval city wall. The building still shows features from earlier centuries, including its timber beams and low ceilings. As recorded during the 1381 reign of King Richard II, the tavern operated as a drinking house. It was originally called the "Spotted Cow" and was a place for gambling and betting outside the city walls, where that wasn't allowed. The current name, "Turf Tavern," was adopted in the 19th century during an effort to change its reputation.

The Political and Literature Hub

Notable political individuals, such as Bill Clinton when he was a student, Tony Blair, Margaret Thatcher, and Bob Hawke, have visited the Turf Tavern. (I had to look up Hawke—he was Australia's 23rd Prime Minister, 1983 to 1991.) Oxford produced many politicians.

The pub is where Richard Burton proposed to Elizabeth Taylor. Romantic. They also hosted receptions connected to their theatrical work, and writers such as C.S. Lewis, Ernest Hemingway, and Oscar Wilde. For centuries, the pub has been a place for intellectual and creative exchange in Oxford. Even Steven Hawking was a frequent patron.

Food, Drink, and Atmosphere at The Turf

The Turf serves British ales, local brewery selections, and standard pub meals. The menu

periodically changes but maintains a focus on classic British pub food, and it has indoor and outdoor seating. The place was hopping when we arrived, and there was no place to sit. As we were looking around, a couple of guys offered us their booth as they were leaving. A booth is always my first choice. It was perfect.

My New Favorite Spritz

It is here that I discovered my new favorite spritz. The Aperol or Campari spritzes are served everywhere in Italy. It's the go-to aperitivo. They are not my preference, though the colors are beautiful, with Aperol being a bright orange and Campari being bright red. I tried to like them and have ordered a Campari Spritz many times, but I got over it and switched back to wine. And then I ordered a Pink Spritz off the Turf menu and now have a new favorite drink! It's light and fresh tasting and includes Pink Strawberry Gin, Prosecco, and Schweppes Lemonade. I'm not a big drinker, but I bought the ingredients as soon as we returned home.

Chicken Wings and Fish & Chips

We split a plate of chicken wings. Of course, they weren't the same as the spicy wings from Buffalo and found around the US, but they were good. I ordered the fish and chips. It was very good. The batter was crisp, the fish tender, the tarter sauce was excellent and I love French fries.

Fish and chips is a classic British dish with a rich history, believed to have been introduced by Jewish immigrants in the 17th century.

One day I will go back. It was a great old pub with a lively atmosphere and an excellent menu.

The Turf Taven Website

A few random photos around the Tavern.