Magdalen Arms
243 Iffley Road, Oxford, OX4 1SJ, GB
Rating: 4.4 ★ (1074 ratings)
Details
Home-baked bread, often the first delight to greet you, signals the serious attention to detail at the Magdalen Arms on Iffley Road. This isn't your average pub fare; expect a menu that changes not just seasonally, but often twice daily, showcasing the freshest ingredients. Known for its generous, flavourful dishes with a Mediterranean influence, you might find ultra-fresh brown crabmeat with sourdough toast or a meltingly tender oxtail pie. The focus is on 'real food', thoughtfully prepared and often featuring stunning sharing mains like slow-roasted lamb served in its own cooking pot. While the service is relaxed and unpretentious, the kitchen, once guided by chef Tony Abarno, consistently delivers memorable meals in a sympathetically refurbished setting with bare boards and wooden tables.
A lively, slightly bohemian atmosphere pervades this popular gastropub, making it a cherished spot for both locals and those visiting Oxford. The interior is an expansive, cheering space filled with warmth, mismatched furniture, and quirky old standard lamps, creating a welcoming, unpretentious vibe perfect for a casual lunch or a more celebratory meal. While it can get busy, particularly for their renowned Sunday lunches, the option of terrace tables provides a pleasant alternative for enjoying their sophisticated offerings. They are dog-friendly, and even host a flea market on the first Saturday of each month, adding to its community feel. Booking in advance is often recommended, especially if you're aiming for a table during peak evening hours.
Location
Opening Hours
Monday: Closed; Tuesday: 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM; Wednesday: 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM; Thursday: 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM; Friday: 10:00 AM – 11:00 PM; Saturday: 10:00 AM – 11:00 PM; Sunday: 10:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Contact
+44 1865 243159
Comments
The food menu is ambitiously spanish, hence the gastropub status, but perhaps a little bit too ambitious. Me and my friends all had a few different courses (I had the Rabbit and chorizo). No complaints but the courses we had didn’t really come to live.
But it’s a nice place and definitely worth a visit if you’re nearby.
- Value for money? Yes
- Worth a detour? No
- Best for (occasion)? A few pints
- Would I go back? Yes
I've order some risotto, because how can one mess up rice? This looked and smelled so bad it was untastable.
And I know it's a pub... so I'll say it - their fish and chips was the worst I've ever had also. Do not recommend it.