Come on in

Welcome To The Chester Arms

A cosy, truly local pub where you can relax with friendly drinkers and diners from the heart of East Oxford and beyond. We are an independent house with no ties to any breweries giving us the freedom to serve some of the finest craft beers and real ales from local and regional breweries.

Our delicious, wholesome (and sometimes indulgent) menus are crafted using a range of local suppliers. The finest cuts of meat, wonderfully fresh fish and handpicked vegetables all feature in pleasing portions for enjoyment with great company.

Only the Best

Fresh Ingredients, Tasty Food

simple, well-prepared food, made with local ingredients

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Know your Cru from your Cuvée?

Wine tasting

You don’t have to be a complete cork dork to enjoy a good glass of wine. Join us every 2 months to sample fine and award winning wines from specialist wine merchants – your ticket price even includes canapés and a bottle of your choice!

Eyes down

The Chester Tester

Join us every Sunday night for 7.45pm start (excluding Wine Tasting evenings). Flex your trivia filled noggin against the infamous Chester Tester. Cash prizes, laughs and the chance to reign supreme for only £1 per person – arrive early and grab your table!

Al fresco

Summer garden bar

How better to enjoy warm sunshine than with a cold drink? We take the bar outside all summer (weather permitting) for the perfect al fresco drinking atmosphere, salute!

See something you like?

Local artistic flair

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Who’s a good boy?

We dogs

Our four-legged friends are welcome at the Chester Arms; little ones, big ones (as long as they’re well behaved ones).
Dogs are not allowed in our dining areas, however guide dogs are of course welcome in any public area of the Chester Arms

Testimonials

What People are Saying

“The food was fantastic and the service was exceptional.”

"The staff were friendly and cheerful and nothing was too much trouble. Will certainly come again and recommending to my friends and family.
THANK YOU FOR A WONDERFUL MEAL."

Jovo

“Will definitely be coming back.”

Came here as a recommendation from some friends, so worth it. We had the steak platter and it did not disappoint. The steak was booked perfectly, chips were amazing and even the sides (cabbage and bacon?!) were incredible. Will definitely be coming back.

Harriet

“Warmly recommended”

"The slow cooked pork Sunday roast is just amazing and delicious! Warmly recommended"

Julie

"Top spot"

"Food was superb the local beers amazing and the huge portions are served in a chillout settings .. top spot"

Stefano

Find out

What’s New?

Stay up to date with the latest news and events from The Chester Oxford

Opening Hours

Opening hours are subject to change due to recent restrictions.

Monday	12pm – 11pm
Tuesday	12pm – 11pm
Wednesday – Friday	12pm – 11pm
Saturday	12pm – 11pm
Sunday	12pm - 10pm

Our Newsletter

Keep up to date with news and events from The Chester Arms

The Chester Arms

4.6 out of 5 stars

Greg Davis

5 out of 5 stars

posted 1 month ago

We ordered the whole roast chicken which is suitable for 2/3 - but I think it could serve 4 easily. We had lots of chicken left over and asked for a doggie bag. Very tasty chicken in herbs, and very good veggies. Served with gravy and bread sauce.

Very friendly staff and very attentive. Highly recommended. Glad I found this hidden gem- it’s down a back street.

Get there early if you want a table and roast - they sell out early. Get in the queue at 1145 to get your table.

Tim Morgan

posted 4 days ago

Easily one of the more special pub experiences in the UK. Known for its steak platter, cooked to order and served on a bed of (triple cooked?) Chips and accompanied by green salad on one end and cabbage at the other. An amazing meal to share and the outdoor garden feels very Covid safe.

Weston Struwe

1 out of 5 stars

posted 2 weeks ago

Visited the Chester last night and easily found a table outside. Went inside to order but was told it was table service only which is perfectly fine. Waitstaff came out and took our order (2 pints and some peanuts). Long story short - we didn’t get our beers after waiting 35 minutes. We were told they were coming, then they didn’t and after asking again we were told our “ticket” would be another 10 minutes….for two pints! As we were leaving we were told one of the bartenders was being trained. I’ve come to the Chester three times in the last year. The other two times they were 1) randomly shut and 2) not serving food outside because it may rain (didn’t rain). I want to love this place but it is easily the MOST POORLY RUN PUB IN OXFORD and couldn’t care less about its patrons or locals.

Matthew Leigh

4 out of 5 stars

posted 1 year ago

Table service. As I just walked in. And a great atmosphere.

Harlz H

posted 5 days ago

The £5.50 bread was two small slices sliced in half that had star anise in it leaving an awful taste of liquorice in the mouth. Moving on to the main. We had the 3-4 person steak sharing platter and
unfortunately was the worst steak I have ever had the displeasure of trying to eat. The steak knife struggled cutting through it, Cooked medium rare one slither of steak was taken from this plate and when we complained of the poor quality we were told they would charge us for the serving o 2-3 people instead. Even though we had only consumed a few chips.
As pictured on the bill £59.40 and left extremely hungry. They are also advertising for a full time chef so not sure if the previous chef who got the good reviews has left. But I have had better steak at a beefeater.! I hope this establishment can better their quality and cuts. The menu does specify its a butchers piece of meat so they can swindle charging above £50 for meat I wouldn't consider putting into a stew

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