The Victoria Arms in Old Marston is popular with so many different people - pensioners, mums and toddlers, students, canoeists and paddle boarders.

So it’s not surprising that the historic hostelry is nominated as one of 10 now competing for Oxford Mail Best Pub 2022.

The Butcombe Brewing Company pub is popular with foodies, who keep coming back for the tasty meals including gluten-free fish and chips.

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Manager Alex Kecojevic worked at the Turf Tavern for 11 years until he switched to The Victoria Arms eight months ago.

“I love it here,” he said.

“We have lots of regulars - lots of sports clubs use us.

“We get lots of people in who live in Marston and Summertown and you see different kinds of people throughout the day, including pensioners, dog walkers, parents and kids, kayakers, work parties, river walkers and Oxford University students.

“There are plenty of customers to keep us busy.

“Recently we had Kirsty Allsopp from Location, Location, Location filming here because our terrace and garden is stunning.”

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Situated on the banks of the River Cherwell, the stunning riverside pub and restaurant has mooring available for punts.

Steeped in local history, the building dates back to the 17th century as the ferryman’s cottage, and legend has it the pub once hosted Lord Protector Oliver Cromwell.

Oxford Mail:

With its attractive interior, a heated pergola terrace, and large beer gardens overlooking the river, it’s not surprising the pub is busy.

According to the pub’s website, the kitchen focuses on hearty seasonal dishes, with local produce and ingredients at the heart of the menu.

Mr Kecojevic added: “It’s very successful - there are customers coming in from morning until night - I hope they will vote for us.”

The manager said Butcombe ales are served - including gluten-free beers.

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Oxford Mail:

The shortlist for the competition is: The Black Boy, Old High Street, Headington; The White Hart, St Andrew’s Road, Headington; The Brewery Tap, Ock Street, Abingdon; College Oak, Peachcroft Road, Abingdon; The Masons Arms, Quarry School Place, Headington; The Royal Blenheim, St Ebbe’s; The Turf Tavern, Bath Place, off Holywell Street; The Victoria Arms, Mill Lane, Oxford; The Queen’s Arms, Manor Road, Didcot; The White Hart, Godstow Road, Wolvercote.

Drinkers are now being asked to vote for their favourite by sending in voting tokens which will be featured in the Oxford Mail every day until Saturday, August 13.

Post your voting coupon to: Oxford Mail Best Pub 2022, Richmond House, Units 1 and 2, Edison Park, Hindle Way, Swindon, SN3 3RB.

The closing date for postal entries is Sunday, August 21.

Read more from this author

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