The Grapes, Oxford
The Grapes is a narrow Victorian pub on George Street, one of the last traditional pubs on a street now full of chain restaurants. Rebuilt in 1879 on an older inn site, it serves a wide range of cask and keg beer, and Oxford CAMRA named it City Pub of the Year 2025.
Photos
The Grapes
A rare Victorian survivor
There has been a pub here since around 1820, first known as the Bunch of Grapes. The present building dates from the late 19th century. Inside it is a single long room with panelling, the bar down one side and seating along the other, and some original tiles survive in the entrance. The glazed screens that once divided the room have gone, but the long bar and narrow layout still give a strong sense of a Victorian town pub.
The beer
Now run by the independent Morgan Pub Collective, the Grapes pours around six cask ales and a couple of ciders, plus a long list of keg lines. Harvey's Sussex Best is a regular. There are screens at each end for sport, games behind the bar and dogs are welcome. It is also a LocAle-listed pub, so expect local brews among the guests.
When to drop in
George Street sits between Gloucester Green coach station and the New Theatre, so the Grapes is handy for a drink before a show or after arriving by coach. Treadwell and Society Café are a few doors away for food, and Cornmarket and Broad Street are minutes on foot.
Highlights
- Victorian single-room interior with panelling
- Oxford CAMRA City Pub of the Year 2025
- Six cask ales plus many keg lines
- Dog friendly
- Near the New Theatre
Good to know
- Dogs are welcome.
- A ramp is available on request for step-free access; toilets are on the same level but not adapted.
Frequently asked questions
Sources: camra.org.uk · oxfordhistory.org.uk