From traditional country pubs to gastropubs with rooms, discover the best places to enjoy local food and drink in Banburyshire.
Also Known As is a vibrant lounge bar and live‑music venue on Parsons Street in Banbury. It has a trendy, youth‑oriented atmosphere with quirky furnishings, DJ booth, and occasional bands. The interior combines high seating, pod‑style booths, and a long bar, making it feel like a modern urban bar rather than a traditional pub.
The Banbury Cross Inn is a traditional town‑centre pub on Butchers Row with a friendly and lively atmosphere. It has a large main bar, sports screens, a pool table and darts, and a tucked‑away courtyard garden that’s a sun trap in summer. The venue also hosts live music and regular quiz nights, making it a local social hub.
Historic village pub in the heart of Kings Sutton, offering traditional pub food and local ales.
J T Davies is a historic, ivy‑clad pub in Banbury housed in an 18th‑century building near the old site of Banbury Castle. It went through several incarnations over the years and now offers a relaxed, community‑friendly atmosphere. While it once operated as a tapas-style venue, it has returned to more traditional pub roots under its current format.
Tap Social Movement at Lock 29 is a craft‑beer bar and social enterprise based in Banbury’s canal‑front community hub. It combines a relaxed, modern vibe with a strong social mission – the organisation creates training and employment opportunities for people currently or formerly in prison. Alongside its ten taps of rotating craft beer, the venue hosts live events like music and comedy, making it a lively meeting place.
The Apothecary Tap is Banbury’s only specialist craft beer bar and bottle shop. Run by a husband‑and‑wife team, the venue offers a curated selection of small‑batch beers from independent brewers, plus cider, spirits and wine. It also doubles as a live music and comedy venue, making it a social hub for craft-beer lovers and creatives alike.
The Barley Mow is a welcoming family‑friendly pub on Warwick Road in Banbury. It has recently undergone a stylish refurbishment, with bright new furnishings and a comfy dining area. The pub maintains its laid‑back, community‑pub charm, making it a great venue for midweek meals, Sunday lunches, watching big sport on screen, or enjoying quiz and bingo nights.
The Bell in Banbury is a lively, modern‑pub venue combining classic pub charm with a relaxed social vibe. It offers a welcoming interior, a raised patio / rear area, and a menu that leans into burgers, pizzas and bar food — making it a great spot for food, drinks and casual get‑togethers.
Cosy village pub offering down-to-earth rooms & a garden, plus complimentary breakfast & Wi-Fi.
Historic coaching inn in the centre of Southam, offering classic pub grub and local ales.
The Bowling Green is a historic, family-friendly pub dating back to 1520, offering traditional charm with a modern feel, close to Leamington Spa, Warwick, and Coventry, with parking, a beer garden, a function room, and a relaxed, dog-friendly atmosphere.
Picturesque stone-built inn and restaurant in the beautiful Cotswolds, nestled in Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty near Chipping Norton. Founded by seasoned London restaurateur Antony Griffith Harris and double Michelin-starred Head Chef Nicholas Anderson. Offers seasonal menus celebrating best of British produce with care and creativity. Partners with local suppliers including Paddock Farm for rare breed Tamworth pork, beef and Cotswold lamb, New Wave Seafood for fresh day-boat catch from Cornwall, and Peter Durham Oxford family greengrocer. Exceptional food, genuine hospitality, and unforgettable Cotswolds dining experience in warm, welcoming setting.
Picturesque pub close to the canal with excellent food.
Historic stone-built hotel located on Croughton Road in the heart of Aynho village, on the borders of Oxfordshire and Northamptonshire. This traditional inn offers comfortable en-suite rooms, a restaurant serving excellent dining, and free parking. Currently temporarily closed but remains a notable historic building in the village.
17th century family-run country pub located in the beautiful village of Epwell on the edge of the Cotswolds. Featured in MICHELIN Guide for good cooking and modern cuisine. Serves quality, locally produced food with passion and love for hospitality. Offers zero waste menus with 3 courses at lunch and 6 course meal in evening. Small village pub in peaceful setting with traditional atmosphere.
The Chatsworth is a modern, community‑focused pub situated on Chatsworth Drive in the Cherwell Heights area of Banbury. After a substantial refurbishment in 2019, it relaunched with a fresh, modern interior that includes a spacious dining room, a bar lounge, a sports area with large TVs, and a garden with seating and children’s play area. It aims to be a hub for the local community, combining a pub feel with restaurant comfort.
The Church House is a beautifully restored 19th-century former church hall in Banbury town centre. It retains its architectural grandeur — including a vaulted, barrel-like ceiling and a large gallery — while functioning as a café, bar and restaurant. The venue balances its historic charm with contemporary hospitality, serving everything from coffee and light lunches to evening dinners and cocktails.
The Coach and Horses is a spacious, friendly town‑centre pub tucked away on Butchers Row. It has plenty of cosy corners and window seats, giving a warm and relaxed vibe. The venue features live music every weekend, quiz nights, karaoke, and cocktail deals, along with a lush courtyard garden that’s perfect for relaxing on warmer days.
Popular town centre pub offering good food, local ales, and a welcoming atmosphere.
Fully refurbished 16th century country inn hotel overlooking the market square in Deddington. Features air-conditioned restaurant serving locally sourced produce, traditional bar with quality real ales including Adnams, Butcombe and Hook Norton. Offers comfortable ensuite rooms, private dining rooms for up to 16 guests, and free WiFi. Ideally located for visits to Blenheim Palace, Oxford, Bicester, the Cotswolds, Warwick Castle, and Silverstone. Popular with both hotel residents and locals. Kitchen closed on Tuesdays.
Popular village pub offering traditional pub food, real ales, and a friendly atmosphere.
Traditional country village pub in Hornton offering local food, real ales, and warm hospitality. Features beer garden, cocktails, and private parking lot. Popular dining destination with excellent reviews. Serves British pub classics in a welcoming village atmosphere. Perfect for both locals and visitors exploring the Oxfordshire countryside.
The Easington is a welcoming and spacious Ember Inns pub located on Bloxham Road in Banbury. It recently underwent a refurbishment to give it a fresher, more modern feel while retaining a cosy, friendly atmosphere. It features a large dining area, a comfortable lounge, and a generous beer garden, making it a great place for families, friends or local meet‑ups.
Charming stone-built pub in the centre of Bloxham, known for its warm hospitality and quality food.
Traditional pub restaurant part of Brunning & Price group, serving fresh food, cask ales and wine. Features outstanding views across local countryside, garden room flooded with light, large roaring central fireplace creating snug atmosphere. Multiple smaller rooms for quieter dining and two outside terraces set within flowerbeds. Serves classic British dishes with exotic influences, daily changing menus. Dog-friendly tables available, full disabled access including disabled loo and parking. Children welcome in areas away from bar. Featured in Good Pub Guide. Known for quality fresh ingredients and modern but unpretentious cooking.
Beautiful stone-built pub in one of Oxfordshire's most picturesque villages, offering excellent food.
Charming country pub in the village of Farthinghoe offering great place to eat, drink and sleep. Serves varied menu with seasonal dishes, Sunday roasts, fresh cut sandwiches, and gourmet chips. Main menu served at lunch and dinner Monday to Saturday with specials on blackboards. Accommodates dietary needs including gluten free, dairy free, vegetarian and vegan options. Features real ales, wheelchair access, free WiFi, parking, and dog-friendly atmosphere. Children welcome.
Traditional country pub on the edge of the Cotswolds in Hook Norton, Oxfordshire. Offers freshly cooked, locally sourced food and great selection of local ales including Hook Norton beers. Features comfortable rooms for accommodation, large camping area with electric hookups, traditional open fire, and well-stocked bar. Dog-friendly establishment with beer garden and free off-street parking. Known for warm welcome and fabulous meals in beautiful countryside setting.
Traditional village pub in a peaceful setting, offering good food and local ales.
Traditional English pub in the beautiful North Oxfordshire village of Shutford. Features cosy atmosphere with log burner, real ales, fine wines, and range of beers and spirits. Known for live music events and community gatherings. Kitchen currently closed for food service except for special events. Lounge bar available for events and gatherings. Warm welcome in a peaceful village setting.
Charming 17th century thatched pub and boutique hotel in picturesque village of Barford St Michael on the edge of the Cotswolds, not far from Oxford. Features nine individually decorated bedrooms - six well-appointed doubles separate from main house and three further bedrooms above bar and dining room. Passionate team brings true essence of country pub whilst retaining unique high-end standard. Focus on local, sustainable, high quality ingredients creating unforgettable culinary experience. Serves pub classics, exquisite a la carte, and traditional Sunday roasts. Offers range of local ales and well-stocked wine cellar with stunning wine wall in Wine Room featuring unique sommelier collection.
Traditional 16th century country pub and freehouse in the heart of Greatworth village. Featured in the 2023 CAMRA Good Beer Guide as one of 4,500 chosen outlets. Offers quality and variety of ales, good honest pub grub to restaurant standard using local suppliers. Features beer garden with new patio area and Aunt Sally Throw, Rainbow Room for private functions and large groups. Hub of local community hosting Annual Soap Box Derby and Annual Beer & Music Festival (Greatfest). Houses village Medical Defib. Perfect for dining, meeting friends, family gatherings or quiet pint.
Country pub and restaurant situated on the junction of The Drive and A44 in Enstone. Family-friendly pub and sports bar featuring live music events. Run by Ben and Hannah offering warm welcome. Known for big energy and good people. Popular destination for locals and visitors. Open late every Friday for entertainment and socializing.
Traditional village pub in Bloxham offering good food and local ales.
Picturesque pub restaurant in the beautiful North Oxfordshire village of Hanwell on the outskirts of Banbury. Run by renowned chef Hylton Bradley with highly trained brigade of cooks and well-trained waiting staff working together to give customers a meal experience second to none. Popular destination for families offering fine beers, wine and exquisite menus. Features TripAdvisor Travellers Choice award. Serves main menu Wednesday-Saturday with children's menu available.
The Musketeer is a warm and community‑focused pub located in the Ruscote area of Banbury. It offers a family‑friendly atmosphere, making it ideal for catching up with friends, having a casual meal, or watching a game. The interior is welcoming and relaxed, and the pub is complemented by a spacious beer garden where dogs are welcome.
Community-focused pub offering good food, local ales, and regular events.
The Old Auctioneer is a historic and atmospheric pub in the heart of Banbury, housed in a building dating back to 1596. It combines original timber beams and reclaimed wood with a relaxed, welcoming interior. The menu features comfort-food classics including wood-fired sourdough pizzas, dry-aged steaks, burgers, and their famous buffalo wings.
Traditional pub offering hearty pub food, live music and local ales in the centre of Southam.
Traditional village pub on Main Street in Tysoe offering hearty pub food and local ales. Features beer garden and serves British pub classics in a welcoming village atmosphere. Popular with locals and visitors exploring the Warwickshire countryside.
Historic Hook Norton Brewery pub dating back to 1869, originally known as the Brewery Tap. Traditional country village pub at the heart of Hook Norton, set in the Cotswolds with 3 ensuite bedrooms. Features cosy bar with log burner, warm and inviting atmosphere. The longest-owned Hook Norton Brewery pub, located just 300 yards from the world-famous family-run Hook Norton Brewery. Serves award-winning cask ales from Hook Norton Brewery. Dog-friendly with huge beer garden and car park. Popular with locals and tourists alike.
Friendly village pub offering traditional pub food and local ales.
Friendly village pub in Warmington offering traditional pub food and local ales. Features beer garden and welcoming atmosphere. Popular with locals and visitors. Known for community events and warm hospitality in a peaceful Warwickshire village setting.
At the heart of Adderbury, this friendly pub serves great food and drink with a welcoming village atmosphere.
Traditional village pub located on The Green in Swalcliffe, near the historic tithe barn. Offers real ales, British pub classics, and warm village atmosphere. Popular with locals and visitors exploring the Oxfordshire countryside. Features beer garden and serves good food with local ales.
Family-friendly British inn on the edge of the Cotswolds, part of the Freespirit Pubs family. Nestled in the beautiful village of Hook Norton, offering contemporary dining experience combined with traditional pub atmosphere. Features wood burning stove, oak beams, and flagstone floors. Serves seasonal menu with Hook Norton ales and continental beers. Dog-friendly with accommodation available. Close to Chipping Norton, Stow-on-the-Wold, and Moreton-in-Marsh, making it perfect for dog walkers and countryside visitors.
The Swan is a historic ironstone pub in Banbury, located just a short walk from Banbury Cross. Despite its old‑world exterior, the inside has a lively, modern sports‑bar feel, with large TVs for live sport and a relaxed, social atmosphere. It’s a local favourite for both watching games and having a drink in a friendly setting.
The Three Pigeons is a charming 17th‑century thatched coaching inn in Banbury, with low beams, exposed wooden beams and brickwork giving it a warm, historic feel. It blends old‑world character with a contemporary twist, hosting street food vendors, live music and events in its courtyard, and offering three en‑suite bedrooms for guests.
Traditional 17th century country pub with accommodation in the heart of Deddington. Offers 7 individually decorated ensuite rooms, open fires in bar and snug, comfortable restaurant, and expansive beer garden. Dog-friendly atmosphere with rooms available for furry friends. Serves British classics made from local ingredients with vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options. Well-stocked bar with fine selection of beers, spirits, wines, gins, whiskeys and rums. Close to Blenheim Palace, Silverstone Circuit, and Deddington Circular Walks.
Traditional canal-side pub offering hearty British fare including Sunday roasts, pies, and fish and chips. Located right on the Oxford Canal with scenic views, outdoor seating area, and a cozy interior with traditional pub charm. Dog-friendly and family-friendly with excellent service. Known for generous portions, real ales, and beautiful canal-side walks. Open 11am for drinks, midday for food.
The Wheatsheaf is a Grade II‑listed stone pub in central Banbury, known for its strong live music heritage and local‑band nights. The venue feels authentic and classic, with a historic interior and a reputation as a go-to spot for real ale lovers and music fans alike.
The White Horse is a friendly, community‑oriented pub tucked away on North Bar Street in Banbury. It has a warm, relaxed atmosphere with a courtyard garden full of plants and candles that gives it an intimate feel. The pub is known for its live music — particularly on Friday nights — and regular quiz events, all while keeping a genuine local charm.
Wood panelling and log fires adorn this modernised pub on the green, serving classic British fare.
Traditional stone and brick inn dating back to 1668, located in the heart of Kineton village. Offers a fun and friendly atmosphere with restaurant serving European and Spanish-influenced cuisine. Features 7 guestrooms for accommodation, free WiFi, free parking, garden, outdoor seating, and wheelchair access. Close to Heritage Motor Centre, Charlecote Park, and Stratford-upon-Avon.
The Wine Vaults is a stylish and lively town‑centre pub located on Parsons Street in Banbury. It blends traditional charm with a modern, vibrant atmosphere. Inside there’s a wide selection of wines, beers, cocktails and spirits, backed up by a serious food menu. The venue also hosts live music and DJ nights and has a spacious garden.
Beautiful 17th century country inn in the historic Quaker village of Sibford Gower. Offers fine food and fine wine in a traditional village pub setting. Features peaceful atmosphere, beer garden, and serves local ales with pub classics. Perfect for dining and enjoying local hospitality in beautiful North Oxfordshire countryside.
Ye Olde Reine Deer Inn is one of Banbury’s oldest coaching inns, with roots going back to around 1570. Inside you’ll find a charming, traditional interior with exposed wooden beams, open fireplaces and historic wood‑panelled rooms – including the richly decorated “Globe Room” which dates from the 17th century. The inn serves hearty, classic British fare alongside a fine selection of real ales from Hook Norton Brewery.
Traditional oval pastries filled with spiced currants, a local delicacy since the 16th century.
Award-winning real ales brewed using traditional Victorian methods at the tower brewery.
Farm-fresh ingredients from Oxfordshire's fields and farms feature heavily on local menus.