The Chequers
The Chequers is a Grade II listed pub down a narrow passage off Oxford's High Street, about 50 yards from Carfax. Parts of the building date to the 15th century, it became a tavern in the early 1500s, and today it pairs that history with cask ales, food all day and a large heated courtyard.
Photos
The Chequers
A long history
The building was once a moneylender's house before being rebuilt as a tavern in the early 16th century, and the Chequers name is first recorded in 1605. Look up in the lower bar for the ceiling painted with Oxford college crests, along with fine carved woodwork. Sharp-eyed visitors may spot that the Corpus Christi crest shown belongs to the Cambridge college of that name.
Drinks and food
Run by Nicholson's, the pub keeps three regular cask ales plus three changing guest beers, and there is a gin selection too. Food is served from lunchtime through the evening, with pub classics on the menu. Upstairs is a second bar and a bar billiards table, a rarity in a city-centre pub.
Using it
The paved, heated courtyard is a useful retreat from the High Street crowds, and sport is shown inside and out. Dogs and families are welcome. The Covered Market is right next door, Carfax Tower is a minute away, and the Bear Inn is a short walk if you are on a historic pub crawl. CAMRA members get a discount on cask ale, and Wi-Fi is available if you need to plan the rest of the day.
Highlights
- Grade II listed; tavern since the early 1500s
- Ceiling of Oxford college crests
- Six cask ales including guests
- Bar billiards upstairs
- Large heated courtyard
Good to know
- Reached down a narrow passage off the High Street.
- Dogs and families are welcome.
- Food served from lunchtime to evening.
Frequently asked questions
Sources: camra.org.uk