Restaurants

The Victoria Arms

Mill Ln, Oxford OX3 0PZ

Rating: 4.3 ★ (2073 ratings)

Details

The Victoria Arms offers a quintessential British pub experience, nestled serenely on the banks of the River Cherwell near Old Marston. This charming stone-built establishment, affectionately known as 'The Vicky Arms', dates back to the 17th century and once served as a ferryman's cottage, even reputedly hosting Oliver Cromwell. Its expansive beer gardens are a particular highlight, providing stunning riverside views and punting access, making it a firm favourite among Oxford pub-goers and visitors alike. With a blend of traditional pub charm and modern amenities, including a heated pergola terrace, it provides a welcoming atmosphere to enjoy the picturesque Oxfordshire countryside year-round.

The kitchen focuses on hearty seasonal dishes and elevated pub classics, incorporating local produce and ingredients to create flavourful meals. Diners can enjoy traditional British fare, including gastropub options and grill items, with a notable Sunday roast featuring generous portions of beef, garlic greens, and substantial roast potatoes. During warmer months, the garden kiosk serves street food-inspired dishes, perfect for alfresco dining by the water. The bar boasts a fine selection of beers and ales from the award-winning Butcombe Brewery, alongside a comprehensive wine list and a gin menu, ensuring a refreshing accompaniment to any meal.

This versatile establishment suits a wide array of guests, from locals and families to tourists, students, and river enthusiasts such as kayakers and punters. It is both child-friendly and dog-friendly, offering treats for canine companions. The Victoria Arms is ideal for casual get-togethers, leisurely lunches, and evening drinks, as well as more formal special occasions, business meetings, or even weddings within its private dining spaces or through whole-venue hire. Its idyllic riverside setting also makes it a perfect stop for those exploring nearby attractions like Oxford University or Blenheim Palace.

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Location

Opening Hours

Monday: 11:00 AM – 9:30 PM | Tuesday: 11:00 AM – 9:30 PM | Wednesday: 11:00 AM – 9:30 PM | Thursday: 11:00 AM – 9:30 PM | Friday: 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM | Saturday: 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM | Sunday: 11:00 AM – 8:00 PM

Contact

+44 1865 251174 | https://butcombe.com/the-victoria-arms-oxfordshire/

Comments

Rick Lyon
28 Jul 2026
5.0 ★
Lovely place for a drink and a meal couples or a get together. The food was very nice no complaints and plenty of it as you can see .very nice outside area and a little lake to walk around highly recommend 👌
George the Explorer
28 Jul 2026
3.0 ★
Lovely pub and atmosphere, but the kitchen closing at 6:30pm on a bank holiday was disappointing. We arrived expecting food service during one of the busiest evenings of the year
Bonny Wilson
14 Jul 2026
3.0 ★
The ability to punt to this place gives it an unprecedented level of charm. One arrives ready to be fed and so happy to have a cold drink. Unfortunately our experience was marred by the fact that a sign in the loo urged me to download the Butcombe app to receive club specials. The special for Sunday was 3 entrees for the price of 2. As I was there with my hungry young adults it seemed heaven sent. We labored through the whole App business which was unwieldy and approached the bar with our QR code and they had never heard of such a thing. They didn't check the sign, just acted like we were drooling idiots. It put a damper on an otherwise lovely afternoon experience. The burger is on point by US standards and the fish and chips is the best I have had yet in England so if the service had matched up this review would have had a different outcome. It wasn't worth getting all Karen about it at the counter for me but it was very off-putting.
Charlotte Master
3 Jun 2026
5.0 ★
Food was absolutely delicious! We had the broccoli caesar salad and the half chicken which was absolutely delicious! The desserts came out speedily afterwards which was much appreciated in the hot weather! Staff were incredibly attentive, we were served by a blonde girl who was quick to offer sauces. The two staff at the bar were friendly and we enjoyed the banter, it made us feel a lot more invited and it was nice to see them acting as friends rather than colleagues. Would recommend this for anyone coming to Oxford as it’s a must visit!!
Lorraine Jackson
6 Oct 2025
5.0 ★
We enjoyed sundowners and cappuccinos on Sunday in this beautiful historical venue.
There have been quite a few changes since my last visit a few years ago but the hospitality remains the same, absolutely delightful 😊
Served by Will and a great team, we were spoilt with the proficient, friendly and welcoming service this pub has to offer.

Set in the tranquil grounds of the Old Marston Cherwell Valley, it is one of the best that Oxfordshire has to offer.

I'm looking forward to returning to try their Sunday Roast!

Thank you Will it was an absolute pleasure meeting you. You're a credit to the Team!

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