Restaurants

James St Tavern

47-48 James Street, Oxford, OX4 1EU, GB

Rating: 4.4 ★ (414 ratings)

Details

Nestled just off the vibrant Cowley Road, the James Street Tavern offers a welcoming, homely atmosphere that has become a favoured spot for both locals and visitors to Oxford. Following a significant refurbishment in 2019, the pub now sports a trendy-yet-cosy feel, with bare brick walls and exposed pipework creating a relaxed interior. It's known for its decent selection of ales, beers, wines, and cocktails. The tavern boasts a gorgeous and plentiful outdoor garden space, providing a pool of tranquillity, complete with a new wood-panelled Pavilion with a retractable roof, perfect for enjoying a drink whatever the weather. This attention to creating a comfortable and stylish environment makes it an appealing choice for a casual pint or a longer, relaxed session.

The James Street Tavern isn't just about a pleasant pint; it's a hub of activity and flavour. Food options include award-winning Pieminister pies, alongside a menu that has previously featured crêpes and burgers. The venue prides itself on a constant rotation of live events, ensuring there's regularly something new to experience. Visitors can often find live music on weekends, stand-up comedy on Thursdays, the Cuckoo's Nest Film Society on Tuesdays, and even open mic afternoons and board game clubs on Sundays. Regular art classes, workshops, and monthly art markets further add to its community feel, making it a lively and engaging spot to discover local talent and enjoy a well-rounded pub experience.

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Location

Opening Hours

Monday: Closed; Tuesday: 4:00 PM – 12:00 AM; Wednesday: 4:00 PM – 12:00 AM; Thursday: 4:00 PM – 12:00 AM; Friday: 4:00 PM – 2:00 AM; Saturday: 2:00 PM – 2:00 AM; Sunday: 12:00 – 7:00 PM

Contact

+44 1865 580810

Comments

Lorraine Kashdan
29 Jan 2026
5.0 ★
Went for an open mic night and the staff were really kind and understanding and accommodating. Gluten-free options and a really warm and friendly atmosphere.

The pub has a really nice atmosphere, the music was amazing and the staff were more than brilliant. I felt completely welcome and they did all they could to accommodate myself and my wheelchair because unfortunately it's not a fully accessible pub.

Being slightly ambulant I would go again because they made accommodation for me by the door of the Pavillion, which you can get in if someone asks.

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