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

Paul Fitchett

5 out of 5 stars

posted 1 month ago

I have visited twice recently since it reopened and was really impressed.

I had been a little unsure about the fact that it was walk ins only and thought it might mean the pub was lackluster on covid controls but not at all. We all felt incredibly safe.

First visit was with friends and our babies for the Sunday roast and the staff were very helpful. Fast service and the nut roast wellington was excellent, with crispy roast potatoes which you hardly ever get out! We were delighted with what was our first meal out since July 2020.

I then went again with my baby and my parents on a Tuesday afternoon. Again, the staff were accommodating and kind. They let us order some food (excellent chips) even though we got there just as the kitchen was closing. We were under no pressure to leave and spent a lovely afternoon in their beer garden. They went out of their way to make us comfortable and provided me with warm water to heat up my baby's bottle.

All in all, highly recommended.

Elizabeth Nestor

posted 1 week ago

Dog friendly. Incredible food -we shared the steak platter and the veggie platter, both so flavourful, mouth watering. Reasonably priced. Will definitely be back.

Matthew Leigh

4 out of 5 stars

posted 8 months ago

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

David Hughes

posted 7 months ago

Great food. Well known in the area for the "steak platter" an amazing dish, quality steak cooked perfectly.
A great selection of beers and good service make this pub a "must" to visit.

Ruth Chester

posted 3 weeks ago

The steak platter is delicious, we ordered the steak rare and it was perfect with the fries, salad and cabbage with bacon. Restaurant is really cosy and there is a nice selection of drinks on the menu (the ciders and gins are great)! Would recommend booking a table in advance as it’s usually full but you can sit in the bar and have a drink whilst waiting. Vegan & veggie options are available.

Read All 840 Reviews