Bucks &amp; Oxon


<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-location">THE LOCATION</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="667" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2025/01/Head-of-the-River-178.jpg" alt="Head of the River Oxford" class="wp-image-182389" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2025/01/Head-of-the-River-178.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2025/01/Head-of-the-River-178-800x534.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2025/01/Head-of-the-River-178-400x267.jpg 400w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>As the name suggests, this gorgeous Oxford institution sits on a prime spot overlooking the River Isis, as this stretch of the Thames is known. From the courtyard terrace of this pub with 19 stylish rooms you can see the fine stone arches of Folly Bridge at the spot where oxen first crossed a ford on the River Thames.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.headoftheriveroxford.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Head of the River</a> name refers to the boat in the lead during Oxford University’s &#8220;summer eights&#8221; competition here – and the pub remains a fixture of the inter-college rowing scene. On warm summer days, its huge terrace – billed as the best riverside views in the city centre – is packed with spectators enjoying race-day jugs of Pimm&#8217;s.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="973" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2025/01/HeadoftheRiverFire-973x1000.jpg" alt="Head of the River Oxford" class="wp-image-182392" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2025/01/HeadoftheRiverFire-973x1000.jpg 973w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2025/01/HeadoftheRiverFire-778x800.jpg 778w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2025/01/HeadoftheRiverFire-389x400.jpg 389w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2025/01/HeadoftheRiverFire.jpg 1000w" sizes="(max-width: 973px) 100vw, 973px" /></figure>



<p>We dropped by in bleak January, however, when the river was running high and Storm Eowyn was battering the UK. So we swapped the outside garden for the cosier climate indoors, where a huge fire roared invitingly as families hunkered down for a Sunday roast, followed by a dog walk in next-door Christ Church Meadows if they had the wet-weather gear for it.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-vibe">THE VIBE</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="667" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2025/01/The-Head-of-the-River-29.jpg" alt="Head of the River Oxford" class="wp-image-182400" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2025/01/The-Head-of-the-River-29.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2025/01/The-Head-of-the-River-29-800x534.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2025/01/The-Head-of-the-River-29-400x267.jpg 400w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>The pub&#8217;s main 19th-century building was originally a warehouse for a boatyard, with a wharf believed to date from the early 17th-century. The wharf&#8217;s original crane, used to hoist boats onshore, still stands imposingly in the 300-cover beer garden. The pub&#8217;s d<em>é</em>cor captures this salty spirit with pairs of oars, pendant lights hanging from thick coils of rope, and prints of Oxford&#8217;s rowing glories displayed on teal-green walls.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="667" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2025/01/The-Head-of-the-River-12.jpg" alt="Head of the River Oxford" class="wp-image-182399" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2025/01/The-Head-of-the-River-12.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2025/01/The-Head-of-the-River-12-800x534.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2025/01/The-Head-of-the-River-12-400x267.jpg 400w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>On arrival at reception, three well-worn steps lead through a brick archway to the cavernous main bar, which has original beams, partly exposed red-brick walls, and seating arranged across tan-leather bar stools, striped cushioned benches, and green leather banquettes. Bookworms will love the framed Penguin editions by Oxford&#8217;s literary great Evelyn Waugh, who enjoyed a tipple (or ten) as an undergraduate. Sports fans will welcome the flatscreen TVs when the Six Nations kicks off on Friday; the pub also holds outdoor screenings for major events like the Euros. </p>



<p>Head through the main bar and you&#8217;ll find the Riverside Dining Room, a snug spot at the back of the pub with thick rose-pink velvet curtains that can be drawn to enclose the space when it&#8217;s hired for private parties (up to 30). Seated at Table 5 by the window, we felt as though we were almost eating on top of the water – super-scenic or slightly alarming, you decide.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-scoff-amp-quaff">SCOFF &amp; QUAFF</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="800" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2025/01/HEADOFTHERIVERPIE-800x1000.jpg" alt="Head of the River Oxford" class="wp-image-182393" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2025/01/HEADOFTHERIVERPIE-800x1000.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2025/01/HEADOFTHERIVERPIE-640x800.jpg 640w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2025/01/HEADOFTHERIVERPIE-320x400.jpg 320w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2025/01/HEADOFTHERIVERPIE.jpg 1000w" sizes="(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px" /></figure>



<p>This is a Fuller&#8217;s pub, so it does the honours on the drinks front with a large range of craft beers, ciders and draught ales, from Beavertown Neck Oil to London Pride. I also spotted 14 gins, including a daily &#8216;Gin of the Day&#8217;; a range of Fever Tree cocktails like the Aperol and gin-based Winter Spritz; and a generous wine list across sparkling, white, red, rose and &#8216;alcohol  liberated&#8217;, with plenty of options by the glass from around £7.50. On the food front, the menu majors on pub classics like pies, burgers and fish and chips (plus vegetarian options); Sunday roasts; small plates such as cauliflower fritters and Buffalo chicken wings; and sharing platters of charcuterie, baked camembert, Greek mezze and nachos.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="667" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2025/01/The-Head-of-the-RiverBURGER.jpg" alt="Head of the River Oxford" class="wp-image-182401" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2025/01/The-Head-of-the-RiverBURGER.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2025/01/The-Head-of-the-RiverBURGER-800x534.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2025/01/The-Head-of-the-RiverBURGER-400x267.jpg 400w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>For starters we had plates of flavoursome burrata and tomato, topped by a balsamic glaze, and the children wolfed down warm garlic flatbreads from the kids&#8217; menu. Our main course was a much-needed antidote to the challenging weather conditions. For the children: Chalcroft Farm beef burger and margherita pizza, both of which were pronounced excellent. For the grown-ups: piping hot shoulder of lamb accompanied handsomely by cabbage, peas, carrots, roast potatoes and plenty of gravy.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="750" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2025/01/MAINCOURSE.jpg" alt="Head of the River Oxford" class="wp-image-182395" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2025/01/MAINCOURSE.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2025/01/MAINCOURSE-800x600.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2025/01/MAINCOURSE-400x300.jpg 400w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>The lamb was extremely tender and fell off the bone, and the vegetables had been cooked crisply – no soggy cabbage here. The roasts (choose from chicken, beef, lamb or pork) also come with huge Yorkshire puddings – they&#8217;re not suitable for gluten-free coeliacs like myself so I can&#8217;t vouch for the taste, but they looked supreme.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="750" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2025/01/PUDDING.jpg" alt="Head of the River Oxford" class="wp-image-182396" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2025/01/PUDDING.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2025/01/PUDDING-800x600.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2025/01/PUDDING-400x300.jpg 400w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>For pudding, we shared a chocolate brownie with vanilla ice cream, which was delicious, while the children scoffed pancakes with berry compote and scoops of ice-cream. The service was friendly and genial general manager David stopped by our table for a chat before clocking off.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-stay">STAY</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="667" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2025/01/Head-of-the-River-49.jpg" alt="Head of the River Oxford" class="wp-image-182384" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2025/01/Head-of-the-River-49.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2025/01/Head-of-the-River-49-800x534.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2025/01/Head-of-the-River-49-400x267.jpg 400w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>The Head of the River&#8217;s USP is that it&#8217;s the only pub with rooms in Oxford city centre. Its 19 boutique hotel rooms were all refurbed last Spring and all are presented immaculately in pastel and jewel hues. Creature comforts like aircon, ensuite bathrooms and Nespresso coffee machines come as standard, plus a slap-up breakfast in the morning. If you&#8217;re here for some R&amp;R, brunch is served until 11.30 so there&#8217;s time for a lie-in.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="667" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2025/01/Head-of-the-River-5-1.jpg" alt="Head of the River Oxford" class="wp-image-182381" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2025/01/Head-of-the-River-5-1.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2025/01/Head-of-the-River-5-1-800x534.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2025/01/Head-of-the-River-5-1-400x267.jpg 400w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>Each bedroom is named after a famous figure connected to Oxford, including Agatha Christie, TS Eliot and Gertrude Bell, and they&#8217;re split into room types according to your budget: Cosy, Comfy and Indulgence, plus family rooms with bunks and/or sofa beds that sleep up to five. The top-end rooms have guaranteed river views – one of the loveliest is Room 3, which has a double aspect over both Christ Church Meadow and the river.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-dog-friendly">DOG FRIENDLY?</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="667" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2025/01/Head-of-the-River-41.jpg" alt="Head of the River Oxford" class="wp-image-182383" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2025/01/Head-of-the-River-41.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2025/01/Head-of-the-River-41-800x534.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2025/01/Head-of-the-River-41-400x267.jpg 400w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>You&#8217;re barking up the right tree here. Dogs are welcome in the main bar, where free dog treats are supplied, and they can stay the night in one of the four dog-friendly rooms equipped with a dog bed in situ.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-accessibility">ACCESSIBILITY</h2>



<p>The pub and the majority of the outside terrace have disabled access and a large accessible washroom, however due to the nature of the historic building there are no accessible bedrooms.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-out-amp-about">OUT &amp; ABOUT</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="667" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2025/01/Head-of-the-River-177.jpg" alt="Head of the River Oxford" class="wp-image-182388" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2025/01/Head-of-the-River-177.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2025/01/Head-of-the-River-177-800x534.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2025/01/Head-of-the-River-177-400x267.jpg 400w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>The river&#8217;s rather uninviting right now, but from April you can hire a small motor launch or a punt from Salter&#8217;s Steamers, which has its office on the opposite bank next to Folly Bridge.&nbsp;The Head of the River is adjacent to Christ Church Meadows for beautiful riverside walks, or visit Christ Church College (two mins walk) to see the most memorable <em>Harry Potter</em> filming location for yourself. You&#8217;re also perfectly positioned to drink in Oxford&#8217;s main attractions. To name but a handful: The Ashmolean, the Museum of Modern Art Oxford, the Sheldonian Theatre, the Radcliffe Camera and the Bodleian Library, stopping off at historic Oxford colleges at every turn. Or head off the tourist track with our <a href="https://bucksoxon.muddystilettos.co.uk/travel/uk/travel-guides/insider-guide-best-things-to-do-oxford/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">insider&#8217;s guide</a> to the city of dreaming spires. Your only problem is fitting it all in.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-damage">THE DAMAGE</h2>



<p>What you&#8217;d expect in a city centre pub in a premium riverside position. The three children&#8217;s courses came in at just under £15 in total, and adult mains started at the £15 mark, rising to £25. Starters, small plates and puddings from around £8. B&amp;B double rooms cost from £107 mid-week in low season.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-muddy-verdict">THE MUDDY VERDICT</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="667" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2025/01/Head-of-the-River-180.jpg" alt="Head of the River Oxford" class="wp-image-182390" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2025/01/Head-of-the-River-180.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2025/01/Head-of-the-River-180-800x534.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2025/01/Head-of-the-River-180-400x267.jpg 400w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p><strong>Good for: </strong>A cracking roast, scenic drinks by the river, or weekend breaks in the city of dreaming spires. As you&#8217;d expect, The Head of the River draws a big international crowd from Asia and the US keen to see the sights, but it&#8217;s great for domestic day-trippers too. Suits families, dog-owners, couples – heck, you can even hire the whole place out and get married here.</p>



<p><strong>Not for: </strong>Motorists. Parking is notoriously tricky in Oxford city centre so leave the car at Redbridge Park and Ride and go with the pedestrian flow.</p>



<p><em><a href="https://www.headoftheriveroxford.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Head of the River</a>: <em>Folly Bridge, St. Aldates, Oxford, OX1 4LB</em>. Tel: 01865 721600</em>.<em> Get in touch to make an enquiry or booking <a href="https://www.headoftheriveroxford.co.uk/about-us" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">here</a>.</em></p>


Review: The Head of the River, Oxford

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