The Rusty Bicycle, Oxford – 113 Verified Student Reviews 🍻

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The Rusty Bicycle — student bar photo

The Rusty Bicycle -

Cleanliness
Music
Price
Queue
Smoking

Based on 113 user ratings

28 Magdalen Rd, Oxford OX4 1RB, United Kingdom

💬 What Students Say

The Rusty Bicycle is a popular local pub located at 28 Magdalen Rd, Oxford, known for its vibrant atmosphere and student-friendly environment. This venue has carved a niche for itself among the student crowd from the University of Oxford, offering a lively but relaxed spot to unwind after a long day of lectures. With its rustic decor and cozy beer garden, The Rusty Bicycle provides a welcoming backdrop for students looking to socialize, enjoy good music, and indulge in some delicious food. The pub is frequently praised for its selection of real ales, tasty burgers, and pizzas, making it a great place to grab a bite while enjoying a drink with friends. The atmosphere here is often described as chill, with a good balance of people enjoying themselves without the pretentiousness often found in other nightlife spots. Students appreciate that it’s a place where you can relax and have a laugh, making it a perfect choice for a casual night out.

The music at The Rusty Bicycle is highly rated, contributing significantly to the overall vibe of the place. Reviewers frequently mention that the playlist is always on point, with good tunes playing throughout the night. This aspect makes it an ideal venue for students who love to dance or simply enjoy a good soundtrack while catching up with friends. The pub also hosts live performances, adding to the entertainment options available. The combination of a lively atmosphere and great music ensures that there’s never a boring moment at The Rusty Bicycle, making it a go-to spot for students looking to enjoy their evenings.

When it comes to drinks and pricing, students often find The Rusty Bicycle to be reasonably priced, especially considering the quality of the experience. While some reviews suggest it might not be the cheapest place around, many agree that the memories and fun times spent here are worth every penny. The pricing level is moderate, which is appealing to students who are often on a budget but still want to enjoy a good night out. The friendly staff further enhance the experience, with many reviews highlighting their helpfulness and welcoming demeanor. This adds to the overall charm of the venue, making it feel more like a community hub than just another pub.

The queue and entry experience at The Rusty Bicycle is another aspect that students appreciate. The queue is often described as quick, allowing patrons to get inside without much hassle. This efficiency contributes to a stress-free start to the night, which is something many students value. The pub’s opening hours are accommodating, with late-night service available throughout the week, making it easy for students to plan their nights out without worrying about closing times.

In terms of who this venue suits best, The Rusty Bicycle is ideal for students looking for a laid-back night out with friends. It’s a place where you can enjoy a good drink, listen to great music, and share some laughs without the pressure of a wild nightlife scene. Many first-year students have fond memories of their time spent here, as it has a way of making student nights special. The venue attracts a friendly crowd, and students often report meeting new people during their visits, which adds to the social experience.

However, like any venue, The Rusty Bicycle has its strengths and weaknesses. On the positive side, students frequently highlight the relaxed atmosphere, friendly staff, and great music as key strengths. The pub’s charm and consistent quality of experience keep bringing students back for more. On the downside, some reviews mention that the venue can feel a bit crowded at times, which might detract from the chill vibe that many students appreciate. Additionally, while the pricing is generally seen as reasonable, some students note that it may not be the cheapest option available, particularly for those on a tighter budget.

In summary, The Rusty Bicycle stands out as a beloved spot for students at the University of Oxford, offering a perfect blend of good music, friendly faces, and a relaxed atmosphere. Whether you’re looking to unwind after classes, celebrate a special occasion, or simply enjoy a night out with friends, this pub has something to offer. With its welcoming vibe and engaging environment, it’s no wonder that students regard The Rusty Bicycle as a staple of their university experience.
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✅ What Students Love

  • Lively atmosphere with a good balance of socializing and relaxation.
  • Highly rated music selection that enhances the overall vibe.
  • Friendly and helpful staff who contribute to a welcoming environment.
  • Quick queue and entry experience, making it easy to get in and enjoy the night.
  • Reasonably priced drinks and food, offering good value for the experience.
  • Great place for socializing and meeting new people.
  • Rustic decor and outdoor seating create a charming ambiance.

🎯 Best For

Students looking for a relaxed night out with friends in a friendly atmosphere.

💡 Things to Know

  • Dress code is casual, making it easy to drop in after classes.
  • Expect a relaxed vibe where laughter and good times are the focus.
  • Check for live performances or events that might enhance your visit.
  • Arrive early on weekends to avoid longer queues.
  • Pricing is moderate; plan accordingly if you're on a tight budget.
  • The outdoor seating area is a great spot to enjoy warmer evenings.

❓ Common Questions

What is The Rusty Bicycle like?

The Rusty Bicycle is a lively pub known for its chill atmosphere, great music, and friendly crowd, making it a favorite among students.

How long is the queue?

The queue is generally quick, allowing for a smooth entry experience.

Is it good value?

While not the cheapest, many students feel the experience and memories made here are worth the price.

What music does The Rusty Bicycle play?

The music selection is well-rated, with a good playlist that enhances the overall vibe.

What kind of food is available?

The pub offers a selection of real ales, burgers, and pizzas, making it a great spot for food as well.

The Rusty Bicycle — student bar photo
Reviews
1 of 114
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Crowd can get a bit rowdy at times, which is annoying when you just want to chat with friends. Still, it’s nice to feel that energy while enjoying a drink or two .
By user408235 (Oxford) on Aug 27th 2026
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The service here is impressively quick, complemented by a welcoming atmosphere.
By user212213 (Oxford) on Aug 12th 2026
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Affordable pints with good vibes.
By user350680 (Brookes) on Aug 12th 2026
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Satisfying place for drinks.
By user633656 (Oxford) on Aug 5th 2026
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Decent beer selection available
By user997983 (Brookes) on Aug 5th 2026
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Nice outdoor seating.
By user119066 (Oxford) on Jul 29th 2026
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The ales here are crisp, and the pizzas are fresh.
By user392773 (Brookes) on Jul 29th 2026
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good pizza and comfy seats
By user831455 (Oxford) on Jul 24th 2026
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Burgers at The Rusty Bicycle are really tasty!
By user373727 (Brookes) on Jul 24th 2026
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Joyful night out.
By user963702 (Oxford) on Jul 19th 2026
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Good pub quiz night.
By user527649 (Brookes) on Jul 19th 2026
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Really enjoyed the cozy pub atmosphere.
By user157500 (Oxford) on Jul 14th 2026
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Warm place, lovely crowd, good food.
By user128618 (Brookes) on Jul 14th 2026
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friendly people and good laughs
By user873126 (Oxford) on Jul 8th 2026
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nice and relaxed atmosphere
By user416500 (Brookes) on Jul 8th 2026
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Nice seating, decent beers.
By user836986 (Oxford) on Jul 3rd 2026
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class place for a pint
By user425577 (Brookes) on Jul 2nd 2026
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A fun night with friends is always enjoyable here.
By user680852 (Oxford) on Jun 28th 2026
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Nice spot for a pint
By user335110 (Brookes) on Jun 27th 2026
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Definately worth dropping by for the atmosphere.
By user360557 (Oxford) on Jun 23rd 2026
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The beer at this place is fab, recomend trying it.
By user249708 (Brookes) on Jun 22nd 2026
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Loved the garden area, very chilled.
By user548985 (Oxford) on Jun 18th 2026
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food and ale
By user615153 (Brookes) on Jun 16th 2026
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The inviting vibe at this place makes it ideal for unwinding with friends. Here, the rustic charm and cozy atmosphere put you at ease right away. If you're on the hunt for a relaxed spot to hang out, this place hits the mark.
By user118387 (Oxford) on Jun 13th 2026
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Spent a fun night at their event last week.
By user143825 (Brookes) on Jun 11th 2026
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pizzas and stuff
By user112924 (Oxford) on Jun 8th 2026
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cheap pints, lovely crowd
By user532767 (Brookes) on Jun 6th 2026
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definately recomend the snacks they're a winner
By user345339 (Oxford) on Jun 3rd 2026
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Great pizzas and ales in the garden.
By user466777 (Brookes) on May 29th 2026
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Great pub feel.
By user924303 (Oxford) on May 26th 2026
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Epic pub vibes
By user106296 (Brookes) on May 24th 2026
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pizza and beer vibe
By user556143 (Oxford) on May 21st 2026
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good ales and pizza
By user779129 (Brookes) on May 19th 2026
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overall relaxed and enjoyed the beer
By user676290 (Oxford) on May 16th 2026
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The Rusty Bicycle's beer garden is a comfortable spot. 🍻
By user613871 (Brookes) on May 12th 2026
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One of my fav spots in Oxford!
By user802589 (Oxford) on May 11th 2026
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The truffle chips were a surprisingly tasty snack.
By user104865 (Brookes) on May 6th 2026
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Check out the place for a fun night.
By user783731 (Oxford) on May 5th 2026
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A relaxed venue with good ale options.
By user517988 (Brookes) on Apr 30th 2026
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Tasty burgers, worth trying if you’re about.
By user842717 (Oxford) on Apr 28th 2026
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solid food and pints 👌
By user889237 (Brookes) on Apr 25th 2026
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The food is just yum.
By user922295 (Oxford) on Apr 20th 2026
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log fire, pizzas and ales
By user144561 (Brookes) on Apr 19th 2026
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Try out the pizzas, they're a good shout.
By user735217 (Oxford) on Apr 13th 2026
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lush pizzas and ales
By user445705 (Brookes) on Apr 13th 2026
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love their beer garden
By user334857 (Oxford) on Apr 11th 2026
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The staff at The Rusty Bicycle are friendly and welcoming. 😊
By user802804 (Oxford) on Apr 10th 2026
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Loved sitting in their beer garden on warm days.
By user555628 (Brookes) on Apr 9th 2026
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A wonderful pub with a great atmosphere.
By user732988 (Brookes) on Apr 3rd 2026
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more pints less worries
By user807122 (Oxford) on Mar 27th 2026
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Enjoyed some relaxing moments in the beer garden at The Rusty Bicycle.
By user203176 (Brookes) on Mar 27th 2026
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quality pub in town
By user293566 (Oxford) on Mar 24th 2026
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get there early for a garden seat
By user650183 (Brookes) on Mar 24th 2026
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amazing food all round 🍔
By user875298 (Oxford) on Mar 19th 2026
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nice pints and food
By user585138 (Brookes) on Mar 19th 2026
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Go on quiz night, it's fun!
By user232059 (Brookes) on Mar 14th 2026
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The Rusty Bicycle offers a pleasant spot to relax with friends.
By user319631 (Oxford) on Mar 14th 2026
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proper good chill spot
By user296879 (Oxford) on Mar 2nd 2026
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Chilled atmosphere with awesome snacks to munch on.
By user515450 (Brookes) on Mar 2nd 2026
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Their drinks are consistently good. Highly recommended.
By user405373 (Brookes) on Feb 10th 2026
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great drinks selection dont miss it
By user894031 (Oxford) on Feb 9th 2026
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Lovely evening with mates by the fire.
By user444363 (Brookes) on Feb 3rd 2026
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The pizzas here are served with impressive speed!
By user606438 (Oxford) on Feb 2nd 2026
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Deffo recomend for friday night with freinds.
By user160935 (Brookes) on Jan 28th 2026
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The rustic decor adds a nice touch.
By user263858 (Oxford) on Jan 28th 2026
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Enjoyed my sunny afternoon in the beer garden.
By user230038 (Brookes) on Jan 24th 2026
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Nice and cozy on a cold evening.
By user962894 (Oxford) on Jan 23rd 2026
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Enjoyed the sunny garden area with a cold beer.
By user706595 (Brookes) on Jan 20th 2026
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If you're craving some delicious pizza, The Rusty Bicycle is the place to go. The atmosphere is really inviting, making for a nice dining experience. Definitely worth a visit if you're in the mood for a laid-back evening with good food!
By user763307 (Oxford) on Jan 19th 2026
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pizza and ales
By user509929 (Brookes) on Jan 15th 2026
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Good vibes, nice evening.
By user510770 (Oxford) on Jan 15th 2026
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Good beer and better food 🍻
By user671810 (Brookes) on Jan 12th 2026
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The decor is really inviting.
By user759663 (Oxford) on Jan 12th 2026
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friendly staff and cool decor
By user952558 (Brookes) on Jan 9th 2026
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Fast service and tasty ales. 🍻
By user963499 (Oxford) on Jan 7th 2026
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great garden and lively vibes
By user259275 (Brookes) on Jan 4th 2026
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decent priced, good location
By user176010 (Oxford) on Jan 3rd 2026
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really good pizzas
By user663149 (Brookes) on Jan 1st 2026
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nice spot for pints
By user761878 (Oxford) on Dec 30th 2025
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Sitting by the log fire was perfect after a cold walk.
By user580457 (Brookes) on Dec 27th 2025
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Always love kicking back here, very welcoming.
By user397607 (Oxford) on Dec 26th 2025
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Great comfy garden to catch up with friends 😍
By user276842 (Brookes) on Dec 22nd 2025
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Enjoyed the cozy atmosphere with a pint.
By user396643 (Oxford) on Dec 21st 2025
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get the food, delicious
By user874381 (Brookes) on Dec 19th 2025
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Pizzas are very fast.
By user582179 (Oxford) on Dec 17th 2025
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Pizzas were mega tasty
By user538817 (Brookes) on Dec 14th 2025
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so cozy and proper warm
By user389945 (Oxford) on Dec 13th 2025
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brill place to gather with freinds
By user345027 (Brookes) on Dec 9th 2025
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The drinks selection is superb.
By user419706 (Oxford) on Dec 6th 2025
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chill community spot
By user846403 (Brookes) on Dec 3rd 2025
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cozy and warm atmosphere
By user719038 (Oxford) on Dec 3rd 2025
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real ales and good pizzas
By user501770 (Brookes) on Nov 29th 2025
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Realy liked the food 😋
By user139315 (Oxford) on Nov 28th 2025
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great beer and pizza
By user106709 (Brookes) on Nov 25th 2025
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friendly staff and cozy nooks
By user685378 (Oxford) on Nov 24th 2025
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great burgers and ales
By user863839 (Brookes) on Nov 19th 2025
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Great beer and atmosphere
By user261265 (Oxford) on Nov 18th 2025
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Sunny days here are best spent outdoors.
By user477281 (Brookes) on Nov 13th 2025
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The ambience is perfect for a chill night.
By user716373 (Oxford) on Nov 11th 2025
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class little pub
By user577790 (Brookes) on Nov 7th 2025
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The garden area is pretty chill.
By user874784 (Oxford) on Nov 4th 2025
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the best snack
By user708646 (Brookes) on Oct 31st 2025
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be nice if portions were bigger but tasty
By user781376 (Oxford) on Oct 29th 2025
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log fire, cold evenings and pizza was mint
By user690079 (Brookes) on Oct 25th 2025
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subtle, rustic decor really feels welcoming
By user758555 (Brookes) on Oct 22nd 2025
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Incredible warm atmosphere even on a freezing night.
By user979160 (Brookes) on Oct 19th 2025
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Truffle chips were a solid snack option 👍
By user179164 (Brookes) on Oct 15th 2025
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I love the cozy atmosphere here, it's such a welcoming place. The interior setup is quite pleasant, perfect for relaxing and enjoying some downtime. Definitely a quaint spot that invites you to unwind and enjoy your visit.
By user909508 (Brookes) on Oct 12th 2025
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Had a brill evening enjoying pizzas and ales.
By user642258 (Brookes) on Oct 8th 2025
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Their rustic decor was charming and cozy.
By user359463 (Brookes) on Oct 2nd 2025
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Beer garden vibe was sound, would recomend.
By user582039 (Brookes) on Sep 26th 2025
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sit outside if its sunny
By user974666 (Brookes) on Sep 21st 2025
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good drinks and better food
By user846735 (Oxford) on Apr 22nd 2024
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excellemt atmposhere and good service everytime
By user907563 (Brookes) on Dec 28th 2023