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Jericho is the neighborhood I call home. If you know Oxford, you’ll know Jericho has a reputation as one of the most charming, eclectic and, dare I say, slightly bougie areas in the city. With its mix of students, academics, young professionals and locals, Jericho has an undeniable buzz, balancing historic Oxford vibes with a laidback, artsy feel.
When it comes to pubs, Jericho delivers some of the best in Oxford. Whether you’re a local or just visiting Oxford for one day, Jericho is the perfect location for a quiet pint or a lively night out.
However, not all Jericho pubs are created equal. As a Jericho local, here’s my roundup of the best pubs in Jericho, Oxford, where both character and community come together for the ideal Oxford night out.
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The Jericho Tavern
By far the most traditional pub option on our list, The Jericho Tavern epitomizes your classic British neighborhood pub vibes. However, The Jericho (as its often called) is no ordinary pub. Like many spots in Oxford, The Jericho Tavern is deeply intertwined with the history of this great city.
Let’s start with a little bit of history. Bible nerds may reflect on the name Jericho, which traditionally signifies somewhere remote or beyond the walls. The original Jericho Inn (present-day The Jericho Tavern) sat outside Oxford city walls, offering somewhere to sleep for those who arrived once the city gates were shut.
It was only in the 1800s that the surrounding neighborhood – soon to be called Jericho – emerged around what is now The Jericho Tavern. And so, having a pint at The Jericho Tavern is actually an active engagement with Oxford’s history!
The Jericho Tavern is famous for its live music and is often called the birthplace of Radiohead.
The interior of the Jericho Tavern is pretty contemporary, with that soft smell of a well-worn pub. In the corner, you’ll find a stack of boardgames, making this a fun night out with mates. Otherwise, you’ll find a pretty standard selection of drinks and a solid pub menu including pies and an excellent sticky toffee pudding. If you go by on a Sunday afternoon, you’ll find lots of Oxfordshire locals eating their way through the Sunday roast.
The Gardener’s Arms
The Gardener’s Arms may be my favorite of the best pubs in Jericho, Oxford – for a number of reasons.
First, it is so delightfully cozy. What I love most about British pubs is that warm feeling and slightly beer-laden sensory overload you get when you walk in. Hidden on the questionably named Plantation Street in Jericho, The Gardener’s Arms is the perfect spot for a casual pint with mates or a quiet corner for a glass of wine with someone special (or potentially special).
The second – and most important – reason I love The Gardener’s Arms is because it offers the unique experience of being a 100% vegetarian pub. It’s no surpirse that The Gardener’s Arms also makes our list of the best vegetarian restaurants in Oxford.
I know what you’re thinking… nobody wants a plant-based hummus bowl when you’re having a pint. But The Gardener’s Arms knows that and offers an incredibly indulgent and delicious menu, including their kebab bowl and Oxford-famous fully loaded fries. Even carnivores will be satisfied with this pile of shredded meats (or soy proteins if we’re being specific), jalapeños and cheese.
Local tip: The Gardener’s Arms is famous for their quiz nights. It’s usually on Sunday nights but call ahead.
As you would expect from my favorite pub in Jericho, The Gardener’s Arms has an excellent selection of beers, wines and spirits. I am also a passionate fan of The Gardener’s Arms dessert offering (especially the banana custard). The desserts are usually kept on a small blackboard by the till.
The Gardener’s Arms gets busy and I suggest you reserve in advance. If you are looking for a cozier night in, request a table in the left-hand room (as you enter the doorway).
The Rickety Press
Located in a leafy side-street, this funky spot is one of the most popular pubs in Jericho. Alongside the usual selection of beers and ales, The Rickety Press’s ‘Dodo Pizza Menu’ isn’t just your regular pub pizza. They proudly slow rise their dough for 48 hours before blast cooking it in a real-wood fire oven until the crust is bubbly and soft.
I’ll be honest, I really don’t think their pizza is crash hot (I feel like it always comes out cold?). Yet, on the other hand, people seem to regularly go here for their pizza. Or are people really just looking for somewhere where you can have pizza and a beer?
Regardless, given how often I am invited for pizza at The Rickety Press, it has earned its place on the list for one of the best places to eat in Jericho.
Keep an eye out for The Rickety Press’s pizza specials, often including various fun cheeses and chilli jams!
As can be expected in Oxford, The Rickety Press caters well for vegetarians with an excellent Truffle Funghi pizza (white base) and the Mr. Melanzane (roast aubergine + parmesan for the win).
Vegans will be excited to know that The Rickety Press offer vegan pizzas in Oxford – including the Simply Red (no cheese) and a plant-based margarita. And if you’re feeling like something sweet after your pizza, head over to the bar where there are free lollipops! Can we make this compulsory at all Oxford pubs?
The Old Bookbinders Ale House
Just a stone’s throw from the Oxford canals and iconic St Barnabas Church lies yet another hidden neighborhood gem. Dating back to 1869, The Old Bookbinders is one of the quirkiest and most unique pubs in Jericho, Oxford.
The interior is decorated floor-to-ceiling with an array of collectibles. Everything from musical instruments (guitars, saxophones) to vintage black and white photos and beer mugs. I particularly love the drinks menu here, which proudly shares how the Old Bookbinders supports local Oxfordshire producers and suppliers. Beyond ales and gins, you’ll even find Hundred Hills Oxford wines (with juicy pear and hibiscus undertones) on the menu.
Beyond the eclectic interior and six hand-pumps of ale on offer, the Old Bookbinders is famous for its French bistro menu. Yes, you read that correctly. This British pub is famous for its plat à partager, menu fixe and even escargots de bourgognc. You’ll want to make sure you enjoy some whole-baked Camembert, while the two-course menu fixe combines typical French options of rillette and coq au vin. My personal favorite is the le marée du pêcheur, a pan-fried Bass fillet in a rich lemon butter sauce. In case it isn’t yet clear, the Old Bookbinders is not your ordinary pub in Jericho, Oxford.
The Old Bookbinders certainly leans in to its neighborhood gem reputation. You’ll usually find a quiz night on Tuesdays and open mic on every second Wednesday. It also happens to be one of my favorite year-round pubs, with lovely outdoor seating in summer and a very cozy interior for those cold winter nights. If you are planning on going for dinner, make sure you reserve ahead – it does get busy!
The Victoria
As the closest pub to my home, The Victoria is truly my local. In many ways, The Victoria encapsulates the best of British pub culture. You’ll find a large double-storey interior, with a large antique airplane hanging from the ceiling. Despite its size, The Victoria still manages to maintain a cozy atmosphere (especially in those snug couches upstairs).
When the weather is nice, The Victoria’s front terrace or outdoor beer garden are the place to be. The afternoon sun literally sets on The Victoria’s front porch. It comes as no surprise that The Victoria’s porch is one of the most sought after pub seats in summer.
The Victoria has an extensive drinks menu, featuring a weekly cocktail (on the blackboard) and a specialty peach beer on tap (it’s famous in Oxford). If you’re going for a bite, the menu at The Victoria really hits the spot. On the bar snacks, you can’t go wrong with halloumi fries and baked camembert. However, if you’re after something more substantive, I’m a big fan of their pie menu – short, but hits the spot.
Beyond the best pubs in Jericho, Oxford
It’s no secret that Jericho is the cutest neighborhood in Oxford. With small delis and boutiques, an hour or two exploring Jericho is one of our favorite things to do in Oxford.
If it’s a little too early in the day for the pub, don’t miss our favorite cafes in Jericho. And if you’re after a little more of a sophisticated drinking experience, Jericho is home to some of our favorite cocktail bars in Oxford.
Keen to learn more about Oxford’s historic pubs? I absolutely love this unique evening tour of Oxford’s pubs, where you learn about the historic characters who have called Oxford home.
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