The Bear Inn, Oxford: Historic Charm Meets Lively Pub Culture
Oxford’s oldest pub since 1242, The Bear Inn charms with historic ties, cozy low ceilings, lively music, and a welcoming garden retreat.
The Bear Inn in Oxford, dating back to 1242, is the city's oldest pub renowned for its historic low ceilings, cozy atmosphere, and unique collection of hundreds of cut-off ties. This small but vibrant pub offers a lively social scene with live music, a well-curated beer selection, and a garden perfect for relaxed drinking. Its quirky character and centuries-old heritage make it a must-visit spot for both locals and visitors seeking authentic Oxford pub culture.
A brief summary to The Bear Inn, Oxford
- 6 Alfred St, Oxford, OX1 4EH, GB
- +441865728164
- Visit website
- Duration: 1 to 3 hours
- Mid ranged
-
Indoor
- Mobile reception: 4 out of 5
- Monday 12 pm-10:30 pm
- Tuesday 12 pm-11 pm
- Wednesday 12 pm-11 pm
- Thursday 12 pm-11 pm
- Friday 12 pm-11 pm
- Saturday 12 pm-11 pm
- Sunday 12 pm-10:30 pm
Local tips
- Mind the low ceilings inside, especially if you are tall—duck to avoid bumping your head.
- Enjoy the heated garden seating for a more spacious and comfortable experience.
- Try unique menu items like pimientos de Padrón alongside classic pub dishes.
- Visit on weekday afternoons for a quieter, cozier atmosphere.
- Note that the pub no longer accepts police ties for its historic collection.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Drink Options
- Food Options
- Seating Areas
- Information Boards
The Bear Inn, Oxford location weather suitability
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Any Weather
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Rain / Wet Weather
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Mild Temperatures
Discover more about The Bear Inn, Oxford
A Storied Heritage in the Heart of Oxford
The Bear Inn holds the distinguished title of Oxford's oldest pub, with origins tracing back to 1242. This venerable establishment has witnessed centuries of history, reflected in its creaky floorboards, exposed beams, and notably low ceilings that invite visitors to duck as they explore. The pub’s walls are adorned with hundreds of cut-off ties, a quirky tradition that adds a unique visual narrative to the space and connects patrons to generations past. This historic charm is palpable, offering a tangible link to Oxford’s rich cultural tapestry.Atmosphere and Ambience: Cozy and Lively
Despite its modest size, The Bear Inn is known for a warm and inviting atmosphere that combines coziness with vibrant social energy. The interior seating is intimate and can feel snug, encouraging conviviality among guests. Live music regularly enlivens the space, drawing a friendly and trendy crowd that ranges from locals to tourists. The pub’s garden provides a spacious, well-laid-out outdoor area that is especially popular in warmer months, offering a relaxed setting to enjoy drinks and conversation away from the bustle of the city.Culinary Offerings and Drink Selection
The Bear Inn serves a menu that goes beyond traditional pub fare, featuring interesting dishes such as nachos and pimientos de Padrón alongside classic options like fish and chips. The food is complemented by a carefully selected range of beers, including several real ales served at cellar temperature to enhance flavor. While portions may be modest, the quality and variety cater well to diverse tastes. The pub’s drink menu balances local brews with popular choices, making it a favored spot for ale enthusiasts and casual drinkers alike.Unique Traditions and Visitor Experience
A defining feature of The Bear Inn is its tie collection tradition, where patrons historically contributed cut-off neckties to the pub’s display. Although the pub no longer accepts police ties, the existing collection remains a fascinating and distinctive element of its identity. The low ceilings and historic architecture create a sense of stepping back in time, while the lively music and friendly service ensure a contemporary, welcoming experience. Visitors are advised to be mindful of the ceiling height, especially if tall, adding a playful challenge to the visit.Community and Cultural Significance
The Bear Inn is more than a pub; it is a cultural landmark within Oxford’s social fabric. It serves as a popular stop on historic pub crawls and a gathering place for students, locals, and visitors seeking authentic British pub culture. The blend of history, tradition, and modern hospitality fosters a unique environment where stories and friendships are shared over pints. Its enduring presence since the 13th century underscores its importance as a living piece of Oxford’s heritage.Practical Details and Visitor Tips
With limited indoor seating, visitors often enjoy the heated garden area, which expands capacity and comfort. The pub operates daily from noon until late evening, with slightly earlier closing times on Sundays. While the pub is centrally located in Oxford, its small size means it can become busy, especially on weekends and during events. Guests are encouraged to embrace the cozy ambiance and arrive early to secure a spot. The Bear Inn’s blend of historic ambiance and lively atmosphere makes it a rewarding destination for those seeking an authentic taste of Oxford’s pub scene.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Great Jewry Marker
0.1 km
Commemorating Oxford’s medieval Jewish quarter on historic St Aldate’s, a testament to a vibrant community’s enduring legacy.
Oxford Experience (University Official Souvenirs)
0.1 km
Discover unique Oxford souvenirs and authentic memorabilia at the Oxford Experience, your ultimate shopping destination in this historic city.
2.1
0.1 km
Discover Oriel Square, Oxford’s historic academic hub where royal heritage meets timeless scholarly tradition in a serene city setting.
The painted room
0.2 km
Explore The Painted Room in Oxford, a historical museum showcasing exquisite frescoes and captivating artistry that reflects the city's rich cultural heritage.
Tom Tower
0.2 km
Historic Gothic bell tower by Christopher Wren at Christ Church, home to the iconic Great Tom bell and a symbol of Oxford’s academic heritage.
Brasenose College
0.2 km
Historic Oxford college founded in 1509, renowned for its medieval architecture, vibrant student life, and prestigious academic tradition.
Oxford Tours UK
0.3 km
Discover Oxford’s rich history and literary heritage through personalized, expert-led walking tours in the city’s vibrant heart.
Visit Oxford Tours
0.3 km
Explore the captivating history and stunning architecture of Oxford with expert-guided tours for an unforgettable experience.
Oxford Magic Walking tours
0.3 km
Explore Oxford's hidden gems and rich history with expert-led Magic Walking Tours, revealing the city's enchanting past and vibrant present.
Oxford Ecclesia Walking Tours
0.3 km
Uncover the hidden gems of Oxford with Ecclesia Walking Tours, where history and culture converge in a captivating exploration of this iconic city.
Clarendon Building
0.3 km
An iconic neoclassical landmark in Oxford’s academic heart, blending historic grandeur with university tradition on Broad Street.
Oxford Preservation Trust
0.3 km
Discover the architectural beauty and cultural richness of Oxford through the dedicated efforts of the Oxford Preservation Trust.
Bridge of Sighs
0.3 km
An iconic covered bridge connecting Hertford College’s quadrangles, blending Gothic charm with Oxford’s academic spirit.
Martyrs' Memorial
0.4 km
A towering Gothic Revival monument in Oxford honoring three Reformation martyrs who stood firm in faith during religious upheaval.
IF Oxford: The Oxford Science and Ideas Festival
0.5 km
Discover cutting-edge science and creative ideas at Oxford’s vibrant annual festival blending research, arts, and community engagement.
Unmissable attractions to see
Oxford University Press Bookshop
0.1 km
Discover the literary charm of Oxford at the Oxford University Press Bookshop, where every book tells a story and history comes alive.
Sandy's Piano Bar
0.1 km
Experience Oxford’s vibrant live piano music scene with expertly crafted cocktails in an intimate, stylish setting at Sandy's Piano Bar.
Museum of Oxford
0.1 km
Discover Oxford’s rich social history through interactive exhibits and community stories in the heart of historic Oxford Town Hall.
Oxford Town Hall
0.1 km
Discover Oxford Town Hall, a historic venue combining stunning architecture with diverse cultural events in the heart of Oxford.
Oxford Blue
0.1 km
Innovative vegan pub in Oxford offering creative pizzas, hearty small plates, and a warm, welcoming atmosphere for all food lovers.
Christ Church Picture Gallery
0.1 km
Discover a world-class collection of Old Master drawings and paintings in a serene modernist gallery within historic Christ Church College, Oxford.
Oxford Souvenirs
0.1 km
Historic Oxford Covered Market: Over 50 independent shops and eateries under one iconic roof since 1774.
Sanders of Oxford
0.1 km
Discover centuries of authentic antique prints and maps in Oxford’s historic 16th-century Salutation House at Sanders of Oxford.
Oriel College
0.1 km
Explore Oriel College, one of Oxford’s oldest royal foundations, where centuries of history and stunning architecture meet vibrant academic life.
The Covered Market
0.1 km
Discover Oxford’s historic Covered Market: a vibrant arcade of independent shops, fresh produce, and unique local crafts beneath an iconic 18th-century roof.
Corpus Christi College
0.2 km
Discover Corpus Christi College, Oxford’s intimate Renaissance college with iconic architecture, serene gardens, and a rich scholarly heritage.
Carfax Tower
0.2 km
Experience stunning views and rich history at the iconic Carfax Tower, a must-visit landmark in the heart of Oxford.
The Story Museum
0.2 km
Step into a world of imagination at The Story Museum, where stories come alive through immersive exhibits and enchanting experiences in Oxford.
Christ Church Cathedral
0.2 km
Explore Oxford’s historic Christ Church Cathedral, a medieval architectural gem and iconic Harry Potter filming location with rich spiritual and cultural heritage.
Christ Church
0.2 km
Discover Christ Church, Oxford’s unique college and cathedral with historic grandeur, iconic Harry Potter sites, and peaceful riverside meadows.
Essential places to dine
The Ivy Oxford Brasserie
0.1 km
Elegant British brasserie on Oxford’s High Street, blending art deco charm with impeccable service and a comforting, creative menu.
Chiang Mai Kitchen
0.1 km
Authentic Thai cuisine in a historic 17th-century Oxford alleyway, serving fresh, flavorful dishes for over 30 years.
OLD TOM PUB
0.1 km
Historic English pub charm meets authentic Thai cuisine in the heart of Oxford's vibrant city centre.
Quod Restaurant & Bar
0.2 km
Elegant European dining with a lively atmosphere and historic Oxford views on the High Street.
Vaults & Garden
0.2 km
Historic vaulted crypt café in Oxford’s Radcliffe Square serving organic, wholesome meals with stunning views of the Radcliffe Camera.
No.1 Ship Street
0.3 km
Elegant modern British brasserie in Oxford’s heart, famed for fresh seafood, grilled meats, and a cozy, intimate dining atmosphere.
ASK Italian - Oxford
0.4 km
Vibrant Italian dining with stone-baked pizzas, fresh pasta, and seasonal specials in Oxford’s lively George Street hub.
Bella Italia - Oxford
0.4 km
Experience authentic Italian flavors with warm service and a rustic ambiance in Oxford’s lively George Street.
Thaikhun
0.4 km
Experience authentic Thai street food in a vibrant, colorful setting with generous portions and a welcoming atmosphere in Oxford’s city centre.
Turtle Bay Oxford
0.4 km
Experience the vibrant flavors and rhythms of the Caribbean in the heart of historic Oxford with bold dishes and tropical cocktails.
Red Lion Oxford
0.5 km
Historic Oxford gastropub blending traditional British hospitality with contemporary dining in the city centre.
The Alice
0.5 km
Elegant British dining in the heart of Oxford, nestled within the historic Randolph Hotel opposite the Ashmolean Museum.
Malmaison Bar & Grill Oxford
0.5 km
Victorian prison cells transformed into an atmospheric brasserie serving modern British cuisine and craft cocktails in Oxford's historic centre.
Côte Oxford
0.5 km
Authentic French brasserie cuisine served in a warm, stylish setting at Oxford’s vibrant George Street.
The White Rabbit
0.5 km
A lively Oxford pub serving exceptional thin-crust pizzas and local ales in a vibrant, quirky setting loved by students and locals alike.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
The Varsity Shop
0.1 km
Oxford’s premier destination for authentic university apparel and accessories, blending tradition and style on historic High Street.
Scriptum
0.1 km
Discover Oxford’s premier luxury stationery shop, blending tradition, artistry, and personalized service in the heart of the city.
Goodies Oxford
0.1 km
Discover curated clothing and timeless style at Goodies, a vibrant boutique in Oxford’s historic Covered Market.
The Crafters Emporium
0.1 km
Discover Oxford’s vibrant handmade crafts hub, supporting local artisans with unique gifts and community spirit in the city’s historic heart.
Oxford Gifts
0.1 km
Explore Oxford Gifts for unique souvenirs, artisanal crafts, and local delicacies that celebrate the charm of Oxford.
Anthropologie
0.1 km
A beautifully styled boutique on Oxford’s High Street, offering women’s fashion, accessories, and unique home décor in a relaxed, bohemian-chic atmosphere.
Soctopus
0.1 km
Discover quirky, personality-filled socks with British charm at Soctopus, nestled in Oxford’s historic Covered Market.
Crystal Spirit Emporium
0.1 km
Discover unique crystals, minerals, and artisanal gifts in Oxford’s historic Covered Market at Crystal Spirit Emporium.
Oxford Blue Trading Ltd
0.1 km
Explore Oxford Blue Trading Ltd for unique gifts and local crafts that embody the charm and spirit of Oxford, perfect for memorable souvenirs.
Space Store Oxford
0.1 km
Explore authentic space merchandise and immersive VR experiences in Oxford’s historic Covered Market at Space Store Oxford.
Objects of Use
0.2 km
Discover beautifully crafted, sustainable household tools and unique gifts at Objects of Use, Oxford’s modern hardware store with a global soul.
The Oxford Gift Shop
0.3 km
Discover unique Oxford souvenirs and local crafts in the heart of the city at The Oxford Gift Shop, open daily with a warm and welcoming atmosphere.
MINOX Boutique
0.3 km
Oxford's premier luxury fashion boutique, curating over 50 designer brands with exceptional service and next-day delivery.
Bodleian Libraries Shop in Old School's Quad
0.3 km
Discover exclusive scholarly gifts and rare books in the historic heart of Oxford’s Bodleian Libraries.
Cool Britannia
0.3 km
Discover authentic British souvenirs and unique gifts in the heart of Oxford at Cool Britannia, your go-to shop for memorable memorabilia and more.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
The House
0.0 km
A vibrant cocktail bar in Oxford’s Wheatsheaf Yard, blending expertly crafted drinks with a lively garden and stylish atmosphere.
All Bar One Oxford
0.1 km
Lively and stylish wine bar on Oxford’s High Street, perfect for drinks, sharing plates, and social gatherings in a vibrant city setting.
The Varsity Club
0.1 km
Experience Oxford’s best rooftop views and vibrant nightlife at The Varsity Club, a stylish multi-floor venue blending cocktails, music, and cityscape charm.
St Aldates
0.1 km
A vibrant Oxford city centre pub serving quality ales, homemade food, and hosting lively events in a welcoming, historic setting.
Hanks Bar
0.2 km
Experience Oxford’s vibrant nightlife at Hanks Bar, where classic American style meets energetic dance floors and expertly crafted cocktails.
The Royal Blenheim
0.3 km
A historic Oxford pub renowned for exceptional real ales, hearty food, and a welcoming atmosphere blending tradition with modern charm.
The Three Goats Heads Pub
0.3 km
A historic Oxford pub offering traditional ales, hearty food, and a relaxed, phone-free atmosphere in a charming Victorian setting.
White Horse
0.3 km
A classic Oxford pub on Broad Street offering cozy charm, well-kept ales, and a taste of local history and culture.
Cow & Creek
0.3 km
A vibrant Oxford pub blending funky neon vibes with hearty burgers, local brews, and a lively social scene for day and night enjoyment.
The Grapes
0.4 km
A classic Oxford pub renowned for award-winning ales, hearty food, and warm, friendly hospitality in a historic city-center setting.
King's Arms, Oxford
0.4 km
Oxford’s oldest pub since 1607, famed for its literary heritage, academic ties, and ghostly whispers in a historic setting.
Slug & Lettuce - Oxford
0.4 km
Vibrant cocktail bar and restaurant set within historic Oxford Castle, offering stylish drinks, global cuisine, and lively brunches in a chic, welcoming atmosphere.
The Alchemist Oxford
0.5 km
Experience Oxford’s theatrical cocktail bar blending innovative drinks and hearty American-inspired dishes in a lively, stylish setting.
OXO BAR
0.5 km
A stylish and lively cocktail bar in Oxford’s heart, known for expertly crafted drinks and a vibrant social atmosphere.
The Lighthouse
0.6 km
A stylish riverside cocktail bar and tapas restaurant blending classic charm with modern flair in the heart of Oxford.
Nightclubs & after hour spots
Plush Oxford
0.3 km
Experience Oxford’s vibrant, inclusive nightlife hotspot with great music, cocktails, and a welcoming atmosphere at Plush Oxford.
Fever Oxford
0.4 km
Experience Oxford’s vibrant nightlife at Fever, a multi-room nightclub blending live DJs, dynamic music, and a lively party atmosphere.
ATIK Oxford
0.7 km
Oxford’s largest nightclub with diverse music rooms, vibrant atmosphere, and strong security, offering a late-night hub for students and locals alike.
Kiss Bar
0.7 km
An intimate late-night club in Oxford known for its vibrant atmosphere and close-knit party scene until its recent closure.
Oxford Leisure Ltd
0.7 km
Experience Oxford’s vibrant nightlife with dynamic music, themed events, and a lively dance floor at Oxford Leisure Ltd.
The Bridge Nightclub
0.7 km
Oxford’s lively student-focused nightclub with diverse music, multiple dance floors, and a spacious pub garden for late-night socializing.
Mirage Aylesbury
31.3 km
Experience Aylesbury’s vibrant nightlife at Mirage, a lively nightclub offering music, dancing, and late-night fun in the heart of town.
The Venue, Bucks
37.3 km
Experience High Wycombe’s vibrant nightlife at The Venue, Bucks – a lively nightclub with great music, friendly staff, and a welcoming atmosphere.
Trilogy Nightclub High Wycombe
37.3 km
A lively multi-room nightclub in High Wycombe offering dynamic music, vibrant crowds, and late-night fun on Paul’s Row.
TWC
37.6 km
Experience the vibrant nightlife and energetic party scene at TWC, Aylesbury’s premier nightclub destination.
Popworld - Reading
38.1 km
A vibrant pop-themed nightclub in Reading’s city centre, where retro beats meet neon-lit fun for unforgettable nights.
Reading Lola Lo
38.1 km
Experience Reading’s premier tiki-themed nightclub with vibrant cocktails, lively music, and a unique Polynesian atmosphere on Friar Street.
Q Club
38.2 km
Experience Reading’s energetic nightlife at Q Club, a lively nightclub and bar offering music, drinks, and late-night fun on Friar Street.
Gun Street Garden
38.4 km
Experience Reading’s vibrant nightlife in an urban jungle-themed club with diverse music, rooftop bar, and VIP lounges.
Diligence
40.2 km
Experience the vibrant nightlife and dynamic music scene at Diligence, High Wycombe’s energetic nightclub on London Road.
For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Cozy
- Lively
- Unique
- Fun-filled
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Rustic Designs
- Vintage Styles
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Landmarks
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
For the social media creator & influencer
- Instagrammable
- Photo Spots
- Selfie Spots
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Locally Managed
- Public-Transport Accessible
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Photowalk
- Weekend Getaway
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- LGBT Friendly
- Senior Friendly
- Child Friendly
- Teen Friendly
- Wheelchair Access
- Pet Friendly
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Solo Female Friendly
- Vegetarian Friendly
- Vegan Friendly
