The Magdalen Arms, Oxford

The Magdalen Arms has a front bar with serving counter on the right wall and sofas with thick tables and chairs opposite. More seating is found towards the rear and at the back is an open plan pizza restaurant. Premium keg was available and on the four hand pumps were TT Landlord, JW Lees Plum Pudding, Greene King’s Rocking Rudolph and Deuchars. The Lees was on good form, but I thought this place was a bit up itself so not for me.

Official site of The Magdalen Arms - www.magdalenarms.co.uk

Official site of The Magdalen Arms - www.magdalenarms.co.uk

An unremarkable exterior that gives few clues as to its function. Inside it's huge, a dimly lit burgundy/plum shade main room with chunky wood furnishings and a pine bar top. To the rear beyond a couple of screens is a table service restaurant (‘Michelin recommended’, apparently). No garden but external seating runs the length of the pub. Child friendly, including what appeared to be a box of kids toys so one to avoid if you don’t like sprogs with your pint. No sign of the bar billiards table mentioned in the WhatPub review. Four pumps with three on, amazingly all Caledonian; Deuchars, Golden XPA and Trojan Horse which is their stab at a black IPA which was sweet and tasted of horseradish but condition wise it was in good condition. Also bowls of gratis crisps and nuts at the bar. Nice bogs. Could take it or leave it as a venue.