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BRITISH INTERNATIONAL
British
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4-5 Bath Place, Oxford OX1 3SU
01865 243 235
The Turf Tavern is a bustling student pub set on
on a quaint cobbled lane that serves up a hearty
modern British menu. The popular but well-hidden
historic pub had its foundations as a malt house
and drinking tavern that date back to 1381. It
was originally called the Spotted Cow but the
name was changed in 1842, likely as part of an
effort to extinguish its reputation as a venue for
illegal gambling activities, and the low-beamed
front bar area was put in place sometime in
the 17th century. The Turf Tavern is also where
former Australian Prime Minister Bob Hawke set
a Guinness World Record for consuming a yard
glass of ale in 11 seconds in 1963. One of the
pub’s many attractions is the amazing range of
beers. From behind a bar no bigger than a phone
booth, the CAMRA-friendly staff dispense a dozen
different real ales and helpful advice.
CHERWELL BOATHOUSE
01865 552746
Bardwell Road, Oxford, OX2 6ST
Cherwell Boathouse specialises in understated
but upscale European dining on the river, with a
creative menu and punts for hire. Located down a
small lane, the Boathouse is sited on land leased
by Oxford University Boat Club waterman Tom
Tims from St John’s College for a landing stage
for punts in 1901. The restaurant and riverside
cafe are very popular with tourists and students
in the summer. In addition to serving up highly
accomplished cuisine, the Boathouse supplies
punts and small rowing boats that can be rented
for use on the river. Upstream, punts can be taken
to the Victoria Arms in Marston, while downstream,
punts can be taken past the University Parks and
Parson’s Pleasure. In the summer months, there’s
nowhere more idyllic than on the restaurant’s
riverside terrace, where you can enjoy an al fresco
dinner while you watch the swans glide by.
THE TURF TAVERN
