King's Arms
40 Holywell Street, Oxford, OX1 3SP, GB
Rating: 4.1 ★ (2668 ratings)
Details
King's Arms, Oxford's esteemed oldest pub, has been welcoming guests since 1607, offering a truly authentic experience. Located prominently on the corner of Parks Road and Holywell Street, just opposite the New Bodleian Library, it exudes a timeless charm with its traditional decor, rustic wooden tables, and walls adorned with historical Oxford imagery. This historic establishment is known for its cosy, warm, and welcoming atmosphere, often described as having the distinct scent of ale, wood smoke, and academia, and even boasts a rumoured resident ghost. It proudly maintains its traditional pub character, steadfastly avoiding modern, generic trends.
Diners can savour a menu rich in proper British pub classics and seasonal fare, prepared using quality ingredients. Notable offerings include golden, flaky pies, often featuring steak and ale or game, and their acclaimed crisp cider-battered fish and chips, which is also available as a gluten-free option. The hearty full English breakfast is a popular choice to start the day, while Sunday roasts, complete with all the trimmings, provide a quintessential weekend experience. The bar is equally impressive, stocked with a wide selection of cask ales, including Young's brews and local favourites from Oxford Brewery, alongside a tempting array of cocktails, wines, and artisan spirits.
The King's Arms particularly suits those seeking a traditional British pub experience in a historically rich setting, proving popular with locals, students, and visitors alike. It offers an ideal backdrop for a variety of occasions, from casual weekday lunches and leisurely Sunday roasts to after-work gatherings and cosy catch-ups with friends. With adaptable spaces such as the Wadham Room, it also provides a relaxed setting for private parties, family celebrations, and even informal business meetings.
Location
Opening Hours
Monday: 9:00 AM – 12:00 AM; Tuesday: 9:00 AM – 12:00 AM; Wednesday: 9:00 AM – 12:00 AM; Thursday: 9:00 AM – 12:00 AM; Friday: 9:00 AM – 12:00 AM; Saturday: 9:00 AM – 12:00 AM; Sunday: 11:00 AM – 12:00 AM
Contact
+44 1865 242369
Comments
I pass through this pub on bike rides with my kid, asking for a drink or a ice cream nevers goes well.
This time on a almost empty place inside and out they refused to serve me 1 scoop of ice cream as they were fully booked and could not serve me as a walk in, remind you I only asked for 1 scoop of ice cream, so quick to refuse and I experience managers being difficult.
My first time making a review as this for me is ridiculous.
I've added a picture of the busy place
Our sincere gratitude goes to the Kings Arms team for their hospitality and for preparing such a delightful Sunday roast.
Everything you need for a Sunday too Enjoy and Dream about,This Beautifull Old Grade Listed Eatery would need you to Book as in the Summer it is Fully Booked and Loved.
This place is definitely a place up there to visit with all the little snugs to sit in, the buzzing atmosphere, with all age's eating and drinking. One of the bartenders pulled the perfect pint, really lively, clearly quickly with a good head on it.
Plenty of choice of real ales, food and drinks, I did like the idea of still being able to buy food snacks with your pint, like a scotch egg or sausage roll, these were accessible to the bartenders to serve straight away and not having to wait for the kitchen to plate them and find what table you're at.
We did order fish and chips from the menu, the fish batter was crisp, as were the chips. I also liked that you had curry sauce along with the tartar sauce.
The big surprise was the Oxford sauce, never seen it before but what a great sauce. So onto the big question would I go back, it's a yes, great place.
The staff were friendly.
The food was delicious.
Starters with pub bites were phenomenal.
I ordered trout but I got salmon but highly recommend this dish, really delicious.
Chicken and leek pie was okay.
Sausage with mushed potato dish was great.
Fish and chips was good.
Dessert dishes were delicious.
We also had and shared the fennel, orange and chestnut salad a complete vegetarian meal or side or starter, and it was tasty
I haven’t got used to stepping away from my table to go and order my meal. I do like table service. Maybe I’m spoiled.
I liked the cod and chips and the steak sandwich