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Beer of the Week (w/e 27th April 2025) with Thuck Phat
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Detail Pages
The Oxford Bar, Edinburgh
Edinburgh
EH2 4JB
Pub Type
Greene KingReviews (Current Rating Average: 7½ of 10) see review guidelines
Please Note: This review is over a year old.
David Ross left this review about The Oxford Bar
Two friends and I visited this place because author Ian Rankin drinks here and it features in his Inspector Rebus novels. With just us and three other customers in the main bar, it was positively crowded, so we moved through to the snug at the side. It’s not much bigger, but at least there was room for us to sit down around a table. Very basically decorated, it nevertheless has a certain quaint charm and looks as if it hasn’t changed much for several decades. Cold filled rolls and three real ales on sale, at reasonable prices given that it’s in the capital’s new town tourist area. Just don’t go in as part of a big crowd on a stag or hen night: there won’t be enough space for you all.
On 24th March 2011
- rating: 9
[User has posted 769 recommendations about 683 pubs]
Please Note: This review is over a year old.
E TA left this review about The Oxford Bar
The Oxford is a smaller-than-average bar located just off Rose street. It enjoys a reputation for beer and is a GBG regular. It's basic decor feels a little unwelcoming, but its beer is always well kept and enjoyable. Three ales on, Deuchres was my choice this time and it was a good, refreshing pint. I always find the locals a little cliquey, and the tourists who come here because of its association with Rebus are tiresome, but overall it's not a bad place and the staff are pleasant enough. I would include on a crawl and would happily drop in for a pint if passing. It's also a useful bolt-hole while the Mrs shops, but I'm not sure I would spend a whole evening here when there are many other attractions so close by.
On 31st October 2010
- rating: 5
[User has posted 3517 recommendations about 3481 pubs]
Please Note: This review is over a year old.
I L left this review about The Oxford Bar
Lovely old unsploilt pub in a cobbled back street close to the Cambridge Bar, this is a small one bar pub with extra seating in a side room just off the corridor leading to the toilets. three ales on at the time of our visit, the Duechars IPA and the Stewart Edinburgh number 3 were both in excellent condition. well worth the 10 minutes walk from Edinburgh Waverley station.
On 16th October 2010
- rating: 9
[User has posted 287 recommendations about 284 pubs]
Please Note: This review is over a year old.
Clive Thompson left this review about The Oxford Bar
A marvellous find, tucked away in the next street up from the infamous Rose Street. A real locals pub where you are hit by the age and the small size as soon as you enter. The bar area is only about 4 feet wide but a little exploration finds an interesting snug to the right hand side. Literary articles line the walls with the pubs favourite son being novelist Ian Rankin who allegedly based some of his characters on people in the pub. Both the staff and regulars are receptive to visitors and happy to chat which provides for a nice friendly atmosphere. On my last visit I despaired at what had become of some of the pubs along Rose Street but at the ever reliable Oxford Bar a couple of pints of Lia Fail in familiar no nonsense surroundings restored my sanity. Long may the Oxford remain, it provides a welcome bolt hole for those looking for a proper pub.
On 24th May 2009
- rating: 9
[User has posted 780 recommendations about 697 pubs]
Please Note: This review is over a year old.
ROB Camra left this review about The Oxford Bar
I often pop in here for a pint when I'm in the area. It's a simple two roomed locals local and would be totally anonymous if it wasn't for the connection to the Rebus books. Ian Rankin is supposed to visit regularly, but sadly I've never seen him. There's still an old fashioned pie warmer on the bar and I have been known to have one. Two handpumps, one always has Cally 80 on it, the other is usually turned around or has Deuchars on it. It's a decent pint as you would expect and there's not as many tourists as you would have thought, especially on a midweek evening.
On 11th March 2008
- rating: 6
[User has posted 3286 recommendations about 3196 pubs]
Please Note: This review is over a year old.
TERRY DALES left this review about The Oxford Bar
Small,vibrant pub,decorated with Burns memorabilia,exellent well kept Belhaven,and Caledonian beers ,plus guest beers.
Author Ian Rankin uses the pub on occasians,gets some of the characters used in his books from people who frequent the place.
Takes a bit of finding , but well worth the effort.
On 31st January 2007
- rating: 10
[User has posted 23 recommendations about 23 pubs]