Things To Do

The Oxford Retreat

1-2 Hythe Bridge Street, Oxford, OX1 2EW, GB

Rating: 4.2 ★ (1130 ratings)

Details

Perched on the river's edge, The Oxford Retreat is an early nineteenth-century pub where weeping willows soften the historic stone, conveniently located within an easy stroll of both the city's train and central bus stations. Its popular, partially covered beer garden offers a year-round escape with playful furnishings and even an outdoor TV screen for catching the best in sport or film. Inside, the atmosphere buzzes, transitioning from a relaxed daytime spot, complete with plug points and USB stations ideal for a working lunch, to a lively evening venue. They serve traditional pub grub, with a reputation for some of the best burgers in Oxford, alongside a menu featuring items like tempura prawns, slow-cooked lamb shank, and plant-based meatballs.

Evenings at The Oxford Retreat bring a different energy, with happy hours offering two-for-£12 cocktails and complimentary cheese boards with selected wines. The venue truly comes alive later in the week; Friday nights from 11 pm see the space transform for a Reggaeton party with Latin DJs spinning tunes until 3 am. Saturday nights often feature live music with a relaxed atmosphere and table service. The pub also hosts a variety of other events, from Salsa and Lindy Hoppers group meetings to speed dating and "Thought Experiments in Pubs" discussion nights, making it a versatile hub for both locals and visitors seeking more than just a pint.

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Location

Opening Hours

Monday: 4:00 PM – 12:00 AM; Tuesday: 4:00 PM – 12:00 AM; Wednesday: 4:00 PM – 12:00 AM; Thursday: 4:00 PM – 12:00 AM; Friday: 12:00 PM – 3:00 AM; Saturday: 12:00 PM – 12:00 AM; Sunday: 12:00 – 10:00 PM

Contact

+44 333 772 7305

Comments

Kevin Turner
12 Mar 2026
5.0 ★
Stumbled across this pub en route to a concert at the new theatre. Excellent! Great atmosphere, foodxandcdrinks. What more could you want from a pub? Would definitely recommend
Sharon Neale
23 Feb 2026
5.0 ★
Nice cosy bistro pub with a fantastic outdoor area. The menu looked good and had some good gluten-free options at a glance, although on this occasion, it was just a cheeky couple of mulled wines for me.
Staff were lovely, the place was very clean and well presented, and inside having a fire and 2 rivers babbling away when outside created a wonderful atmosphere for a mild winter evening.
Look forward to returning on my next trip to Oxford.
D874
10 Feb 2026
5.0 ★
I had a fantastic time here while waiting for my train. It’s just a 5-minute walk from the station, which makes it a perfect and convenient spot to relax before heading off. The staff were super friendly, and there’s a great selection of food and drinks on offer. One thing I really appreciated is that the place is pet-friendly. I saw a few customers relaxing in the garden with their dogs, and I wouldn’t be surprised if they’re allowed indoors as well. The garden itself is a lovely space, heated, with big TVs and a beautiful view overlooking the canals. Although I didn’t order food myself, I saw plenty of dishes being served around me. Everything looked delicious, smelled amazing, and the portions were generous. Highly recommended, especially if you’re looking for a cozy, welcoming place near the station!
AJ Lux
8 Feb 2026
3.0 ★
The door staff here tend to be rude and abrasive. I recommend going around the corner to Kiss and the other really cool clubs around there. Less undergrads. More dancing and less gabbing. More polite door staff who won’t hassle you. All in all it’s fun but kind of too popular for its own good.
hell DJ
21 Jan 2026
5.0 ★
Excellent afternoon with backgarden view and very quiet

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