The Library
The Library is an independent pub at 182 Cowley Road in east Oxford, formerly the Brickworks and before that the Crown. It opens from late afternoon, with a changing real ale, interesting cans and bottles, street food in the evenings, a rear garden and live music in the cellar rooms.
Photos
PARTOUT PARTOUT (bisouspartoutpartout)
Cowley Road's local
Cowley Road is Oxford's liveliest street for bars, music and international food, and the Library fits right in. It is independent, registered as an Asset of Community Value, and set over two levels.
Drinks, food and music
There is one changing real ale, often from local brewers such as Loose Cannon or Vale, plus a range of craft cans and bottles. Evening food is street food that changes, served Monday to Saturday. Downstairs, the former Rats Wine Bar cellar now has two rooms for gigs and events, and there is a garden at the back. The bar's beer range changes often, with brewers such as Animal also appearing, and the cans and bottles are a big part of the draw for beer fans. Check the pub's listings before you go to see what is on in the cellar rooms.
When to go
It opens from 4pm, so it is an evening place. Come for a pint before a gig, or make it part of a night along Cowley Road. Note the age policy: no under-18s after 7pm. It is about 2.5km from the station, so take a bus; stops are right outside.
Highlights
- Independent pub on Cowley Road
- Changing real ale and craft cans
- Live music in the cellar rooms
- Rear garden
- Street food in the evenings
Good to know
- Opens from 4pm daily.
- No under-18s after 7pm.
- No food on Sundays.
- Buses stop about 50m away.
Frequently asked questions
Sources: camra.org.uk