The Bear and Ragged Staff is a historic pub located in Cumnor, Oxfordshire, just a few miles from central Oxford. The establishment boasts a Tudor-style interior with ancient fireplaces, flagstone floors, and mullioned windows, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere. The menu features freshly prepared British cuisine, with an emphasis on locally sourced ingredients. In addition to its dining facilities, the pub offers comfortable accommodations with rooms that retain the building's historic charm, including old oak doorways and beamed ceilings. The Bear and Ragged Staff is also dog-friendly, welcoming guests with pets. Its proximity to Oxford makes it a convenient choice for both locals and visitors seeking a traditional British pub experience.
What each source says
- Google 4.5 1,039
- Tripadvisor 4.5 947
- Open Table 4.8 162
Bar length is review volume, so you can see how much weight sits behind each score. Captured 2026-08-26.
What visitors single out
Liked
- Charming and Historic Atmosphere The Bear and Ragged Staff boasts a beautiful, historic building with a cozy and inviting atmosphere. Features such as open fires, comfortable layouts, and quality rooms add to the overall appeal.
- Convenient Location and Amenities Situated in a lovely village setting with ample parking, the inn also provides comfortable accommodations and is a splendid spot for nearby Oxford. Easy access by bus is also a plus.
- Excellent Food Quality and Variety The restaurant offers a high standard of food with a varied menu including vegetarian and vegan options. From breakfast to Sunday lunch, dishes are well-cooked, well-presented, and flavorful, with many reviewers highlighting the quality of ingredients.
- Friendly and Attentive Staff Guests consistently praise the warm, welcoming, and efficient service provided by the staff, making dining experiences enjoyable and memorable. Many reviewers specifically call out individual staff members who went above and beyond.
- Good Selection of Drinks The establishment offers a good range of drinks, including cask ales kept in excellent condition, wines available by the glass or bottle, and interesting cocktails. This ensures a satisfying experience for all tastes.
Criticised
- Inconsistencies in Bread and Milk Offerings A few reviewers have expressed disappointment with the limited bread and milk options, noting a lack of wholemeal, rye, or multigrain bread and skimmed milk, which can be seen as out of touch with current dietary preferences.
- Inconsistent Food Quality Some reviewers have experienced inconsistent food quality, with dishes occasionally described as bland, tasteless, or underwhelming. This contrasts with the generally positive feedback on the food.
- Limited Menu Variety While many praise the menu, some find it underwhelming in variety, especially outside of beef-based dishes. Some specials may be sold out, limiting choices further.
- Pricey Menu Some reviewers found the prices on the higher side, especially for certain items or portion sizes, which may not align with the perceived value of the meal.
- Slow Service Several reviewers have mentioned slow service, particularly during busy periods, with delays in taking orders, delivering drinks, and serving food. This can impact the overall dining experience.
The longer read
The Bear and Ragged Staff receives overwhelmingly positive reviews, particularly for its food quality, friendly and efficient service, and charming atmosphere. Many reviewers describe it as a "gem" or "treasure," frequently exceeding expectations for a typical pub experience. The restaurant is praised for its diverse menu, featuring well-presented dishes with vegetarian and vegan options, as well as locally sourced ingredients. Particular highlights include the Sunday roast, venison cottage pie, fish pie, and various specials. Breakfast is also well-regarded, with mentions of excellent Eggs Benedict and pancakes. The Christmas menu receives positive feedback for both quality and value. Several reviewers specifically commend the attentive and knowledgeable staff, often highlighting individual employees by name, noting their warm welcomes and willingness to accommodate requests. The service is consistently described as prompt and friendly, contributing significantly to a relaxed and enjoyable dining experience. The atmosphere is frequently described as cozy and welcoming, with a historic building and charming decor. The presence of a fireplace adds to the ambiance. The pub also offers accommodation, with rooms described as beautiful, clean, comfortable, and spacious, often with unique character. The quality of the rooms and bathrooms, including features like large beds and good water pressure, are appreciated. The location is noted as convenient for visiting Oxford and other nearby attractions, with ample parking available. Several reviewers mention repeat visits, indicating a high level of satisfaction and loyalty. While some reviewers mention slow service during peak hours, the majority emphasize the attentiveness of the staff. A few reviewers express disappointment with specific dishes or limited menu options, these instances appear to be isolated incidents against a backdrop of consistently positive experiences. A small number of reviewers suggested that more skimmed milk options be made available. The overall impression is that The Bear and Ragged Staff provides a high-quality dining and accommodation experience, making it a popular choice for both locals and visitors. It is particularly well-suited for special occasions, family gatherings, and those seeking a memorable and enjoyable meal in a traditional English pub setting.
A synthesis of published third-party reviews. Not written by Breaks.
Getting there
- Phone
- 01865 862329
- Website
- bearandraggedstaff.com
| Mon | 8:00 - 22:00 |
|---|---|
| Tue | 8:00 - 22:00 |
| Wed | 8:00 - 22:00 |
| Thu | 8:00 - 22:00 |
| Fri | 8:00 - 22:00 |
| Sat | 8:00 - 22:00 |
| Sun | 8:00 - 22:00 |
Against the neighbourhood
Rated 4.5 against a median of 4.5 across the 55 places to eat we hold for Oxford, where the most-reviewed is Turtle Bay Oxford.
Booking
Still deciding?
- What are the signature dishes or specialties at The Bear and Ragged Staff in Oxford?
- What is the atmosphere and decor like at The Bear and Ragged Staff in Oxfordshire?
- Do you need to make a reservation to dine at The Bear and Ragged Staff, especially on weekends?
- When is the best time of day or week to visit The Bear and Ragged Staff for the best experience?
- Does The Bear and Ragged Staff serve locally sourced or traditional Oxfordshire dishes?
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.