Pubs and Bars / Pub of the Week
Pub of the Week: The Oxford
You can’t go far wrong with music, colourful lights, a well-stocked bar and good company – and The Oxford has all of these in abundance.
The cheerful local boozer cuts a striking figure amid the Totterdown rooftops, with its distinct exterior, adorned with street art, and twinkling bulbs drawing an eclectic crowd from the fast-evolving neighbourhood.
It is early evening on a Thursday and the pub is steadily filling up – first with lone drinkers staking out prime positions at the bar, or settling with a paper at ample wooden tables. They are soon joined by small groups getting into the weekend spirit early.
is needed now More than ever
“Go on, go for a large,” says a man at the bar. “It’s Friday tomorrow.” It seems sounds enough advice and while the resulting glass of house merlot may not earn many wine awards, it still goes down a treat – accompanied by a pot of salted pistachios from a well-stocked nut selection behind the bar.
‘Time flies when you’re having rum’ is inscribed on a skull and cross bones sign hanging above a bar that’s crammed with an assortment of bottles, snacks and artefacts. The woman serving patiently offers tastes of the different ciders on tap.
“The Sheppy’s good,” advises our new friend at the bar, who once again proves he knows his stuff.
The Oxford is a traditional pub with a strong music focus and blackboards advertise the lineup for the weekend – with St Patrick’s Day shenanigans promised on Saturday, followed by live music sessions from 4pm-7pm every Sunday.
The only food on offer is the aforementioned nuts and a variety of crisps – although the pub has been serving Sunday roasts throughout the winter months to rave reviews.
Jaunty music plays overhead and a man, sat with his dog at a table near the front door, amiably chats to the many customers who pause to greet the pint-sized canine.
“Here’s to not having accommodation in Amsterdam,” says one member of a nearby table, as the group clangs glasses, seemingly unperturbed by this state of affairs as they settle in to enjoy a Thursday night.
Further exploration of the Tardis-like pub reveals a stage area, with yet more colourful disco lights. A dog bowl is set to one side on the wooden floor.
Happy to welcome all who venture in, The Oxford is a pub truly in the heart of the Totterdown community with a reputation for live music that reaches beyond this small patch of south Bristol.
The Oxford, 122 Oxford Street, Bristol, BS3 4RL
0117 907 5845
Read more: Pub of the Week: Seamus O’Donnell’s
Our top newsletters emailed directly to you
