The Castle, Oxford
24 Paradise Street, Oxford, OX1 1LD, GB
Rating: 4.3 ★ (558 ratings)
Details
Local Hook Norton brewery ales flow freely at The Castle, a welcoming pub on Paradise Street that has been serving Oxford since 1892. This historic establishment, with its distinctive mock-Tudor architecture and traditional Victorian interior, offers a cosy retreat just a stone's throw from the bustling Westgate Centre. Here, you can savour a pint of finely kept cask ale from the renowned independent brewery, perhaps alongside their popular "Hooky" beer-battered cod and chips or a freshly made pizza. The friendly atmosphere and commitment to quality have made it a cherished spot, especially since Hook Norton took the helm in 2017 and reinstated its historic name, "The Castle Tavern".
Beyond the comforting pub fare and excellent local beers, The Castle also offers a slice of Oxford's social life with occasional live music and comedy nights. It's a place where both locals and visitors can unwind, enjoy good company, and experience genuine pub culture. Whether you're seeking a hearty meal after a day of exploring, a refreshing pint of Cotswold-brewed ale, or simply a warm and inviting pub atmosphere, The Castle on Paradise Street provides a quintessential Oxford experience. Its convenient location near the city centre and historical charm make it an easy and rewarding stop.
Location
Opening Hours
Monday: 12:00 – 10:00 PM; Tuesday: 12:00 – 10:00 PM; Wednesday: 12:00 – 10:00 PM; Thursday: 12:00 – 10:00 PM; Friday: 12:00 – 11:00 PM; Saturday: 12:00 – 11:00 PM; Sunday: 12:00 – 8:00 PM
Contact
+44 1865 745836
Comments
Hook Norton pub with their range of eventful beers.
Quiet Wednesday night, but still very pleasant.
Lloyd if interesting rooms and nokks and crannies.
We only had a baguette each but it was lovely and well presented
We also shared a bowl of very chunky chips. Service was very friendly and the building itself is charmingly cosy
Ordered a hunters chicken and 2 sides which were all spectacular and great portions, for not bad prices either! Perhaps it was due to a quieter Wednesday night, but food was made and delivered quickly.
The Guinness is great also, coming from an Irish fella too!
I was served by Ben and Meg who were closing that night, they were both professional and delivered perfect service all the while I was there. Great chat from them both and they were quick with clearing tables and delivering food and drinks. Both are a credit to the pub. Will definitely be coming back for service like this.
They've got a solid selection of beers on tap, a good mix of local brews and some familiar favorites. I went for a pint of the local ale, and it was kept beautifully – always a good sign. I didn't have a full meal, but I did see some of the food coming out, and it looked like proper pub grub: hearty and satisfying. The chips, in particular, looked dangerously good.
What really makes The Castle Pub stand out, though, is the people. The staff were friendly and efficient, happy to have a bit of banter without being intrusive. And the clientele seemed like a real mix – students, locals, and a few tourists all blending together, which gave it a really nice, unpretentious vibe.
If you're looking for a traditional Oxford pub experience – good beer, a warm atmosphere, and no fuss – then The Castle Pub is definitely worth a visit. It's the kind of place you could easily while away an afternoon with a good book or good company. I'll certainly be heading back there soon.