Quick info
About The Oxford Retreat
The Oxford Retreat is a pub on Hythe Bridge Street in Oxford, about a five-minute walk from the station. The kitchen serves burgers, fish and chips and a Sunday roast, and the bar pours cider and beer on tap alongside cocktails. The garden looks over the river and canals and has a heated, covered area with big TVs, so sports viewings carry on outdoors through the year. Live music is also part of the programme. Upstairs, a private function room called The Study has its own terrace and can be hired for events of 60 to 100 guests. The pub is open daily.
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Reviews
What reviewers say
Reviewers most often mention fish and chips, riverside garden patio, lamb shank and cheese platter.
What reviewers say
Reviewers most often mention fish and chips, riverside garden patio, lamb shank and cheese platter.
Customer Review Summary
The outdoor space draws the most praise, a lovely heated garden with big TVs and a view over the river and canals, which one reviewer calls the coolest patio. Close behind are the friendly, polite bar staff, with one bartender credited for great drinks during a World Cup semi final. Reviewers name the lamb shank, cheese platter and fish and chips as highlights, plus good cider on tap, though one wants a better beer selection. A family of eight describes a disappointing Sunday lunch: no lamb or chicken for the roast, fish and chips with extremely hard, overcooked batter, underwhelming bangers and mash, and no high chair for a one-year-old. Another notes the pub looks tired, with seat cushions gouged out in places, and one reports seeing a rat in the outdoor area. A birthday group who hired the upstairs study found the bar staff helpful.
Customer Review Summary
The outdoor space draws the most praise, a lovely heated garden with big TVs and a view over the river and canals, which one reviewer calls the coolest patio. Close behind are the friendly, polite bar staff, with one bartender credited for great drinks during a World Cup semi final. Reviewers name the lamb shank, cheese platter and fish and chips as highlights, plus good cider on tap, though one wants a better beer selection. A family of eight describes a disappointing Sunday lunch: no lamb or chicken for the roast, fish and chips with extremely hard, overcooked batter, underwhelming bangers and mash, and no high chair for a one-year-old. Another notes the pub looks tired, with seat cushions gouged out in places, and one reports seeing a rat in the outdoor area. A birthday group who hired the upstairs study found the bar staff helpful.
Featured reviews
- Bjoern Hamberger
“Their strength is the coolest patio. Nice people behind the bar and good cider - and apparently beer - on tap. The cheese platter was great, other snacks worked too and we got a nice spot. Not too busy. Nice and casual.b”
- Simon Jones
“Good service and beer, although the selection could be better. Food was good. Interior could do with an update, the seat cushions has been gouged out in places and the pub was looking tired. Nice views of the river.”
- Gaby Dus
“We visited The Retreat for a family Sunday lunch, as we'd enjoyed previous drinks here and were looking forward to coming back. There were eight of us, so it was a special family get-together. Unfortunately, the experience was disappointing from the start. They had no lamb or chicken available for the Sunday roast, which left very limited options. Some of us ordered the fish and chips, but the batter was so overcooked that it was extremely hard and not enjoyable to eat. Others had the bangers and mash, which was also underwhelming. We also had a one-year-old with us, and we were surprised to find there wasn't a single high chair available. That made it difficult for him to eat comfortably, and it's something you'd normally expect any family-friendly pub to provide. The staff were all polite and friendly, but they didn't seem particularly interested in making the experience enjoyable. One member of staff was wearing jogging bottoms and a grey hoodie. She was very friendly, but it didn't feel especially professional for a pub in such a beautiful part of Oxford that attracts so many visitors. The location itself is lovely and the pub has so much potential, but unfortunately the food, atmosphere and overall experience let it down. As a family, we all agreed we wouldn't return. I'm not someone who expects luxury for the price of a pub meal, but I do expect decent food, basic facilities and a welcoming atmosphere. Sadly, this visit didn't meet those expectations.”
- Aryan Vadera
“Went to the pub for the world cup semi finals game. The food was absolutely amazing and the Bartender Faz was a delight. Made us the best drinks and made our experience so much better than we expected!!”
- Neka Dennis
“I love coming here with my friends, love the vibe. Food and drinks were amazing.. Fullyyy recommended 11/10 Faz is the best employee- he def needs a raise.”
Hours
- Monday
- Tuesday
- Wednesday
- Thursday
- Friday
- Saturday
- Sunday
Good to know
“Experience the best of Oxford at The Oxford Retreat, where great food meets a great atmosphere. Dive into our selection of gourmet burgers, hot dogs, and hearty pub favourites, paired with expertly crafted cocktails and a wide range of beers. Enjoy sports viewings, live music, and a year-round heated beer garden that makes every visit special. Our venue also offers 'The Study,' a private function room with an outdoor terrace and dedicated amenities, perfect for events with 60-100 guests. For an unforgettable night out or a unique private event, visit us at www.theoxfordretreat.com!”
- AccessibilityWheelchair-accessible entrance · Wheelchair-accessible seating · Assistive hearing loop
Amenities
- Wheelchair-accessible entrance
- Assistive hearing loop
Show more amenities
- Accessibility· 2
- Wheelchair-accessible seating
- Wheelchair-accessible car park
Location
Bars near The Oxford Retreat
- The Royal Blenheim4.58950.3 miWheelchair accessible
titanic cask ales, keg and nitro beers, board games
- Holly Bush, Oxford4.56790.4 miReservationsWheelchair accessibleOutdoor seating
2-for-1 monday pizzas, sunday roast, crispy yorkshire pudding
- Lamb and Flag4.41,3150.4 miWheelchair accessible
craft beer selection, real ale cask pumps, outdoor seating in laneway
| Place | Rating | Distance | Mentioned in reviews |
|---|---|---|---|
| The Oxford Retreat | 4.21,241 | — | fish and chips, riverside garden patio, lamb shank |
| The Royal BlenheimWheelchair accessible | 4.5895 | 0.3 mi | titanic cask ales, keg and nitro beers, board games |
| Holly Bush, OxfordReservations · Wheelchair accessible · Outdoor seating | 4.5679 | 0.4 mi | 2-for-1 monday pizzas, sunday roast, crispy yorkshire pudding |
| Lamb and FlagWheelchair accessible | 4.41,315 | 0.4 mi | craft beer selection, real ale cask pumps, outdoor seating in laneway |
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