During term time, some pubs in Oxford on certain nights are so busy with students that you have to wait a while to get served.
Now university students are on their summer holidays, so it’s the perfect time to visit these pubs when they are not quite so busy.
Oxford University’s Michaelmas term doesn’t start until October, so there is plenty of time to enjoy a peaceful pint before students return.
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Don’t forget to factor in Freshers’ Week, which gives new students a chance to sign up for their favourite activities before term starts.
One of the most popular student pubs is The King’s Arms on the corner of Parks Road and Holywell Street.
It has been claimed that the King’s Arms has the highest IQ per square foot of any pub or bar in the world.
The pub is run by Young & Co and is popular with tourists as well as students.
The website says: “The famous Kings Arms is the oldest pub in Oxford, built in 1607 and still standing in its original position.
“We’re quite possibly also the brainiest pub in Oxford too, known for having the highest IQ per square foot of anywhere in the world!
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“Loved by Oxford scholars and tourists alike, renowned for fine cask ales, hearty homemade food and our resident ghost. Come down and join us this season to dine off our seasonal menu and enjoy your favourite tipple in Oxford’s best pub.”
Other pubs in Oxford, including The Mitre and The Lamb & Flag, have also claimed to be the city’s oldest ale house.
The pub is well known for its hearty food, with pies a speciality.
Chicken ham and leek pie with cabbage and mash costs £16.95 while the King’s Arms burger and fries costs £15.50.
Other pubs you could try when they are not being monopolised by students include The Bear Inn, off the High Street.
The Bear Inn in Alfred Street has one of Oxford’s smallest bars, but if you can’t get in there are plenty of seats outside.
You could also try the Turf Tavern in Bath Place, off Holywell Street - another pub where students love to hang out.
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Now run by Greene King, the website says: “The Turf Tavern has opened its doors to serve ales and appetisers to England’s literary elite, politicians, presidents and movie stars since 1831.
“The only one who never left is our Rosie, the resident ghost who still waits for her lover to return.”
Finally try The Crown off Cornmarket, run by Nicholson’s.
The website says: “In the year of the Gunpowder Plot it was kept by John Davenant and it was during this time Shakespeare paid his frequent visits to Oxford. The poet used to stop in the university town on his journeys between Stratford and London, and The Crown was his headquarters."
Popular student pubs the Eagle and Child and the Lamb & Flag in St Giles are closed for refurbishment but the Lamb & Flag is due to reopen soon.
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This story was written by Andy Ffrench, he joined the team more than 20 years ago and now covers community news across Oxfordshire.
Get in touch with him by emailing: Andy.ffrench@newsquest.co.uk
Follow him on Twitter @OxMailAndyF
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