About Us

THE CHESTER’s Story

What’s it all about?

The Chester Arms is a community-centered, independent pub in the heart of East Oxford crewed by a talented and friendly team serving fine food and drink 7 days a week.

They aren’t part of a chain or tied to a brewery so the combination of food menus, drinks menus, events and charming character of the Chester Arms is truly unique.

They are receive lots of positive feedback, in person and online (take a look at their Google reviews at the bottom of this page for a sample). It’s great to know that their cosy little pub puts a smile on so many faces. Whether it’s for a good meal, a refreshing drink, friendly service or the just atmosphere, you should definitely pay them a visit!

Culinary creativity

Eat

The Chester offers delicious food served daily (see full opening hours at the bottom of this page) to suit any appetite or preference.

Their menus are crafted with passion for the food they serve, made with the finest ingredients sourced from selected suppliers and prepared with love and care. Every cut of meat is carefully selected, every chip is hand-cut, every baked bean is homemade and every salad is prepared fresh and crisp.

Take a look at the menus

A drop of the good stuff

Drink

Along with the traditional favourites, The Chester serve a wide range of excellent crafted beers; on tap, or bottled to take out. Their choice range includes creative and refreshing regulars from the local Loose Cannon Brewery. They also have a wide range of Whisky, Gin, Rum and soft drinks to choose from. Their coffee is roasted a stone’s throw from The Chester Arms, on Magdalen Road so you’re always guaranteed a fresh brew with first-rate flavour.

See the full drinks menu

Fun and Games

Enjoy

Sunday night is Quiz Night. Fact. (Unless it’s Wine Tasting Night )
The renowned Chester Tester attracts a spritely crowd of weekly hopefuls for lighthearted and enlightening competition. Come bathe in the collective knowledge (and ignorance) of some of the finest company Oxford has to offer. Cash prizes, laughs and banter all for £1 per person. Be sure to arrive early to grab a table!

Wine Tasting at The Chester is another favourite on the calendar. Every 2 months, the fine people at local wine merchants; Welch & Co select an assortment of award winning wines for you to sample. For only £30 per person you can savour the character of 8 excellent wines along with canapés throughout the evening and take a bottle of your favourite home with you. Get in touch for dates and to book your place.

There’s lots more going on all year round, so keep an eye on the Offers and news page.

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

Take a look at The Chester’s Google reviews at the bottom of this page or click on one of the TripAdvisor certificates below for a sample.

Opening Hours

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

The Chester Arms

4.6 out of 5 stars

Triciarob56

5 out of 5 stars

posted 3 days ago

Really enjoyed our night here. Fabulous platters to share. Was lucky enough to get a walk up booking, just a short wait. Friendly and efficient service. Fabulous ambience.

Olivia Williams

4 out of 5 stars

posted 1 month ago

Lovely place with a nice atmosphere. Decent selection of wines, though the food selection is somewhat lacking. Having heard of this place for its food (particularly the steak), there didn’t seem to be a particularly expansive menu, however as a pub it does well for drinks and such. Clean and well presented, however it is a little dark, and the signage on the door is unclear, which leads you to believe it’s closed even if it isn’t.

James Hiscott

posted 3 months ago

What a little find. It's a bit out of the way but food, drinks and service all awesome. We had a big table and all the food was lovely and out at the same time. Good beer options as well! Most of us went for the shared steak plate (see photo) and I can confirm the 2/3 person one is perfect for 2.

C S

posted 3 weeks ago

So many people have commented on the steak platter already, so let's just say that the chips and cabbage with bacon on that platter are also fab! Staff was wonderful! We called in at 2pm on a sunny Saturday and got lucky. They looked after us and brought the food for our youngest out straight away while we waited for the steak platter. We will return!

3 out of 5 stars

Went here on a Sunday for a carvery. Had good reviews. You can not book a table, and it opens at 12pm, so we arrived 11.50 so we were there when it opened to get a table. When we arrived there was already a queue outside. We managed to get a table. Had to keep my coat on for a while as it was cold, this was partly due to the door being open letting the long queue of people in. Lovely decor inside, friendly staff, food was ok. We ordered the chicken to share, one pork and one beef. These best thing about the food was the roast potatoes. We waited ages for the bill at the end also, despite asking 3 times. I didn't feel the food and whole experience lived up to the reviews. Was a nice meal out but nothing that stood out for us to make us rush back.

Read All 993 Reviews