Rating: 4.7 ★ (1546 ratings)
Original stained glasswork from the Halls Brewery adorns the entrance surrounds of this back-street pub, a historic watering hole built in 1898 and now a city council Heritage Asset. Inside, the opened-out space features boarded floors and powder blue painted walls, with an interesting stud copperwork bar front and brass light fittings. While known for its modern take on an industrial look, it retains a classic pub feel, serving drinks from local producers and a selection of regularly changing guest beers alongside a regular ale. Beyond the beverages, The Chester Arms has become famous for its food, particularly Chef Hamzah's steak platter – a generous offering of onglet steak, fat chips, savoy cabbage with streaky bacon, zesty salad, and homemade Béarnaise sauce that has had diners flocking since 2009.
The friendly and often bustling atmosphere extends to a large patio garden at the rear, complete with an impressive tree, offering a relaxed space for a drink, especially before or after enjoying their highly-rated food. If you're planning a Sunday visit, be prepared: their Sunday Roasts are so popular you might need to queue before they even open, and they don't take bookings for this particular feast. For other times, reservations are recommended, especially for their sought-after steak platters and other seasonal dishes, which include vegetarian options like a veggie mezze, and pub classics. This East Oxford gem, tucked away off the Iffley Road, also welcomes dogs, who are celebrated with their own photo wall, making it a true community hub.
Monday: 12:00 – 11:00 PM; Tuesday: 4:00 – 11:00 PM; Wednesday: 4:00 – 11:00 PM; Thursday: 4:00 – 11:00 PM; Friday: 12:00 – 11:00 PM; Saturday: 12:00 – 11:00 PM; Sunday: 12:00 – 10:00 PM
+44 1865 790438
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