The Turf Tavern is a delightful pub in the in the centre of Oxford. It here that Bill famously did not inhale.
Location
The pub is located down an alleyway, which joins Holywell Street and New College Lane. 18th century cottages and the Old City Wall, 13th century, surround it. On the other side of the city wall is New College and across Holywell Street is Wadham College. It is ideally situated for anyone who has just visited the colleges in the centre and landmarks such as the Radcliffe Camera.
Surroundings
The layout of the Turf is rather archaic and I think this adds to its character. The ceilings inside are quite low. There are two medium size rooms inside. Outside they have two beer patios with about 6 trestle tables each. In the winter there are heaters outside so it is possible to remain outside when the pub is busy.
Atmosphere
During term time the Turf is generally a student pub. On the first day of term the Turf ran out of beer as students had drunk all of it. This means there is always a lively atmosphere and the Turf never feels empty. During the summer the pub usually has more tourists in it. The Turf doe not have any locals in it, supping on bitter in the corner. It is not really a place to bring children and I would recommend it as Pub to drink in and maybe have a snack.
Food
The Turf serves food from a counter. The food is of reasonable quality but for what you get it is quite expensive. The food at the Kings Arms, at the end of Holywell Street is of a better quality. When the pub is busy it is sometimes impossible to eat due to overcrowding.
Drinks
The Turf has all the usual pub drinks. It does lack Absinthe and Aftershock but the atmosphere demands a pint. The Turf usually has 2 or 3 guest bitters on tap but the quality of these varies. The Turf has three lagers on draught and two bitters. As with all pubs in the centre of Oxford the drinks are reasonably expensive. A pint will cost between £2 and £2.50.
The Turf certainly has a lot of character. It combines a
village pub feel with a location in the centre of Oxford. It is always lively and is a perfect place to go and have a drink in the afternoon on a sunny day. So if you are in Oxford pay it a visit, but remember don't inhale
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10.11.2002 17:37
Nice op, but I don't believe this is the only Oxford pub in which Bill Clinton didn't inhale. He wouldn't have time not to inhale in all the rest of them.
05.06.2001 21:03
I'd have liked the man better if he had just 'fessed up.
01.06.2001 09:25
Sounds like the sort of place I would have enjoyed in my student days.