The Rose & Crown, Oxford

Quinno _ left this review about The Rose & Crown

Another one I have not updated despite regular visits since 2015. Maybe that’s because there’s no change! It’s a classic pub run in the old skool manner, staffed by smart shirt-and-tie barmen and a relaxed atmosphere. My Loose Cannon Christmas Cannon was in good shape (NBSS 3.5) accompanied by a very nice pork pie. Lovely place.

September 2015
Quick revisit found a fairly disappointing Shotover Scholar at £1.95 half. Hopefully a one-off, as I didn’t recognise any of the staff from previous. Rated 8

August 2014
Popped in again the other day. Four ales on and my Shotover Scholars was in good shape, washed down with a small home-made pork pie for £1.50. A roaring trade inside and it’s easy to see why it’s so popular. Probably Oxford’s best right now, in my opinion. Rated 9

December 2013
Shocking pink exterior gives way to a very traditional multi-roomed pub within. Enter to an entrance lobby, room off to the left and a further room containing the bar further on down the lobby. A converted lean-to (is it in fact an awning?) creates extra seating space in what was the garden area. The interior rooms are very traditional with low ceilings, wood panelling etc. Four ales; Shotover Scholars Adnams Bitter, Old Hooky and a White Horse Xmas beer. Started off on the White Horse after the Shotover spluttered and died and it was in very good shape. A CAMRA discount (20p a pint, 10p a half) available Sun-Thurs to the Adnams, Hooky and Shotover ales. A decent wine list on a wall-mounted chalk board to the right of the bar. Food offered and a steady stream of roasts emerged from upstairs via what I think was a dumb waiter at the bar. A quiet pub, no TV, machines or music that I could ascertain. The fire in the room I was sat was, sadly, an imitation. There was a person who I assumed to be the owner holding court in the lobby who was very good at doing the meet and greet in an upper-middle class way. Indeed on my way out I passed him some copies of my local CAMRA branch magazine which he enthusiastically received and insisted he buy me a half. So how could I refuse? Very nice it was too. This one’s a bit of a hidden gem and well worth the walk from town. In combination with the Gardeners Arms on the same street, a good couple of hours pubbing can be had for the sake of a 10 minute stroll from the City centre. Rated 9

On 13^th April 2025 - rating: 9
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