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Detail Pages
Old Tom, Oxford
Oxford
OX1 1BT
Pub Type
Greene KingReviews (Current Rating Average: 6 of 10) see review guidelines
Steve C left this review about Old Tom
When I go off-piste and visit a pub that isn’t on my list I’m normally massively disappointed, but I actually thought that the Old Tom was OK, even though run by Greene King. This is a long and thin bare boarded pub with benches in the front window to the left of the entrance and an L-shaped bar counter that runs up the left facing small tables that run up the right. Some more seating is found at the rear where some steps lead to a flagstone beer garden. Standard and premium keg was available and the three hand pumps were drawing St Austell’s Tribute, TT Landlord and GK Abbot Ale. The barman was friendly, but the barmaid was less so. This isn’t somewhere I’d actively search out, but I’d pop back in if passing.
On 31st October 2023
- rating: 6
[User has posted 5247 recommendations about 5215 pubs]
Please Note: This review is over a year old.
Moby Duck left this review about Old Tom
A long narrow pub , not without any charm as described previously, the fact that the rain was hissing down outside made for a welcome stop. There are three handpumps and they were offering up Abbot, Landlord and Black Sheep Pale. I stayed a little longer than I normally would due to the weather and it wouldn't be on any hit list to return but was nice enough.
On 2nd October 2022
- rating: 6
[User has posted 1872 recommendations about 1845 pubs]
Please Note: This review is over a year old.
Tris C left this review about Old Tom
I came here once in late 1993 and thought that after nearly a quarter of a century, another visit was warranted.
Situated in lovely St. Aldates, the pub takes its name from the bell housed in Christ Church College's bell tower, diagonally opposite. This was a dreary, dowdy affair but has now been taken a notch or two more upmarket than before, at least as upmarket as a Greene King pub can be.
This is a very narrow but long pub with some bare brick, part wood panelled and side bar with a garden to the rear. Furniture is conventional, though sadly there's a games machine and judging by the pungent smell of nam pla, Thai food must be the order of the day.
Ales: Greene King's Abbot and Ale Fresco at £1.75 a half which is about right for the area.
This is far better than it was all those years ago, but the limited ale and stench of Thai food reduces its appeal; there are better pubs in the immediate vicinity, not least the St. Aldates' Tavern just up the road.
On 2nd September 2016
- rating: 5
[User has posted 1985 recommendations about 1951 pubs]
Please Note: This review is over a year old.
Quinno _ left this review about Old Tom
A long, very narrow Greene King outlet with minimal seating and side bar. Upmarket ambiance with flowers on tables, muted lighting etc. Short narrow patio garden to rear with a mezzanine (roped off). Three GK brews, Abbot, OSH and Ale Fresco (good nick). Inhabited by tourists, assorted academics and Uni hoorays. Thai food offered at quite reasonable prices. An etched mirror states the pub was named after the bell in Christchurch College. WiFi and papers offered though the quizzer at the rear was unplugged. Not one I’d rush back to in OX1 but decent enough.
On 26th May 2014
- rating: 6
[User has posted 5081 recommendations about 5064 pubs]
Please Note: This review is over a year old.
Peter Rydings left this review about The Old Tom
Yes worth a visit had a good pint Green King Bohmian pub full of character
On 18th July 2013
- rating: 8
[User has posted 948 recommendations about 917 pubs]
Please Note: This review is over a year old.
E TA left this review about The Old Tom
A narrow fronted old town pub named after the bell in the Christ Church tower opposite, this pub consists of a traditional bar with wooden floors and dark decor at the front and a tile-floored Thai restaurant to the rear. It retains much of its pub atmosphere, but it is by no means Oxford's best boozer. The attitude of the young barperson suggested that hospital food might be more to his liking than real ale, while the Thai cook was abrupt to the point of rudeness and seemed to resent serving food. The food itself was OK, but lacked the spiciness I would normally associate with Thai cuisine. There were 3 pumps on the bar but the only ale on was Old Speckled Hen which was, to be fair, in very good condition. It's OK to pop in for lunch if you are passing, it's convenient for some of the colleges and I would be happy to sample their beers, but I'm not sure I would want to spend the whole night here.
On 7th December 2012
- rating: 5
[User has posted 3284 recommendations about 3249 pubs]
Please Note: This review is over a year old.
Graham Smith left this review about The Old Tom
Small old Oxford pub which oozes charm. Greene King run with the usual IPA, etc. Sells Thai food. Small courtyard at the rear. Handy for the buses to Abingdon.
On 11th May 2012
- rating: 6
[User has posted 47 recommendations about 44 pubs]