The Plough Inn, established in 1656, is a historic pub and restaurant situated at 38 Cornmarket Street in Oxford, England. This establishment seamlessly blends traditional British pub fare with contemporary dining experiences. The menu features classic pub dishes alongside generous 14-inch pizzas, all crafted from locally sourced, seasonal ingredients. The bar offers a fine selection of real ales, craft beers, wines, and spirits. Upstairs, the Loft provides a cozy dining area, while the ground floor bar area offers a vibrant atmosphere. The pub also features a shuffleboard table for entertainment. Dogs are welcome in the downstairs pub area and on the terrace, making it a pet-friendly venue. The Plough Inn is located in the heart of Oxford's city centre, making it a convenient spot for both locals and visitors.
What visitors single out
Liked
- Comfortable Seating There are plenty of seating options both inside and outside, and even an upper level for additional space. The outdoor seating is particularly appealing for people-watching.
- Delicious Food Many dishes receive high praise, including the fish and chips, beef burger, and Sunday roast. The food is generally well-prepared and flavorful, making for a satisfying meal.
- Friendly and Efficient Staff The staff at The Plough Inn are known for being friendly, helpful, and efficient. Guests have noted the positive and understanding service, making for a welcoming experience.
- Good Selection of Drinks The pub offers a variety of drink options, including local beers. The bartender is helpful and friendly and willing to help you find the perfect drink.
- Historic Venue with Great Atmosphere The Plough Inn offers a historic and centrally located venue, contributing to a pleasant dining atmosphere. The pub has a nice atmosphere and is conveniently located near tourist attractions.
Criticised
- Food Temperature Issues Some dishes, like the fish and chips, have been served warm rather than hot. Ensure you request that your food comes out hot.
- Inconsistent Food Quality While many praise the food, some dishes, like the tortellini, have been criticized for being underwhelming and not matching the menu description. Quality and experience may vary.
- Inconsistent Portion Sizes Some customers have found the portion sizes, particularly for the Sunday roast, to be small relative to the price. This can leave diners feeling unsatisfied with their meal.
- Ordering System Customers must order at the bar with their table number, which some find less convenient than having table service. The QR code ordering system is reportedly no longer available.
- Upstairs Bar Inconvenience When seated upstairs, the lack of an open bar requires customers to go downstairs for drinks. This can be inconvenient, especially for larger groups.
The longer read
The Plough Inn is a centrally located pub in Oxford, popular with tourists and locals alike, offering a mix of traditional pub fare and other dishes. Many reviewers highlight the fish and chips, with praise for the perfectly battered fish and crispy chips. The Sunday roast is also a popular choice, with juicy meat and flavorful vegetables, though portion sizes have been criticized as small for the price. The beef burger receives high marks, with one reviewer calling it one of the best they've ever had. Other recommended dishes include the scotch egg, grilled prawns, and the chicken, ham, and leek pie. The bread and dip sharer and baked Camembert sharer are good options for appetizers.
The pub is noted for its friendly and efficient staff, creating a welcoming atmosphere. The service is generally well-regarded, with specific mentions of accommodating service for a large group and particularly kind service for foreign visitors. The venue itself is described as beautiful and historic, with both indoor and outdoor seating options. The outdoor seating is especially popular for people-watching and enjoying the city's atmosphere, with a view of a famous building across the street.
The pub offers a selection of beers, including local brews like DEYA, which was described as peachy and nice. The prices are considered reasonable for both food and drinks. The location is convenient, within walking distance of many tourist attractions.
Some reviewers have noted inconsistencies in the food quality, such as fish and chips being served warm instead of hot and curry sauce tasting like it came from a packet. One reviewer expressed disappointment with the tortellini, citing a small portion size and missing ingredients. However, the positive experiences generally outweigh the negative, making The Plough Inn a recommended spot for a meal or drinks in Oxford.
A synthesis of published third-party reviews. Not written by Breaks.
Getting there
- Phone
- +44 1865 587159
- Website
- theploughinnoxford.co.uk
| Mon | 11:00 - 23:00 |
|---|---|
| Tue | 11:00 - 23:00 |
| Wed | 11:00 - 23:00 |
| Thu | 11:00 - 23:00 |
| Fri | 11:00 - 0:00 |
| Sat | 11:00 - 0:00 |
| Sun | 11:00 - 22:30 |
Against the neighbourhood
Rated 4.2 against a median of 4.5 across the 55 places to eat we hold for Oxford, where the most-reviewed is Turtle Bay Oxford.
Still deciding?
- What is the history of the Plough Inn since its establishment in 1656?
- What classic pub dishes and 14‑inch pizza varieties are currently on the Plough Inn's menu?
- Which real ales, craft beers, wines, and spirits does the Plough Inn's bar feature?
- What is the ambiance and seating arrangement like in the Loft area upstairs at the Plough Inn?
- Is there outdoor seating available and what parking options are convenient for guests of the Plough Inn?
What this page cannot tell you
- Descriptions and review summaries are supplied by the source index and are reproduced as published; they are not independently verified by Breaks.
- Ratings and review counts are point-in-time snapshots and drift constantly. Check the venue's own site or the rating provider for the current figure.
- Opening hours change seasonally and at short notice. Confirm with the venue before travelling.
- Category labels come from the source index and are occasionally wrong — a venue may be filed under a type that does not match how it trades.
- Straight-line distances understate real walking distance, especially where a river or railway sits between two points.