About Us

Our 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.

We 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.

We’re proud to receive so much fantastic feedback, in person and online (take a look at our Google reviews at the bottom of this page for a sample). It’s great to know that our 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 we hope you’ll come and join us sometime soon.

Culinary creativity

Eat

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

Our menus are crafted with passion for the food we 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 our menus

A drop of the good stuff

Drink

Along with the traditional favourites, we serve a wide range of excellent crafted beers; on tap, or bottled to take out. Our choice range includes creative and refreshing regulars from the local Loose Cannon Brewery. We also have a wide range of Whisky, Gin, Rum and soft drinks to choose from. Our 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 our Offers and news page or sign up for our newsletter to keep in the loop

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

We’re proud to receive so much fantastic feedback, in person and online – take a look at our Google reviews at the bottom of this page or click on one of the TripAdvisor certificates below for a sample.

It’s great to know that our 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 we hope you’ll come and join us sometime soon.

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

Read All 893 Reviews