One of the most famous aspects of England are its historical pubs- drinking and eating establishments that authors and historical figures ate at, drank at, and discussed issues of the day in. As a visitor to England, there are so many pubs, but it can be really cool to have visited some famous ones (at the very least, you can be sure you'll get good food and beer). Here is a list of three of the most famous historical pubs in Oxford, England.
1. Turf Tavern
Also known as "the Turf" this historical pub is very well hidden in the streets of Oxford. In order to get to it, you'll have to go well off the beaten path and through a maze-like series of side streets. However, the trouble of finding it is well worth it when you get inside. The quaint atmosphere with stone walls and heavy wooden tables is very welcoming, although you may have to wait for a table if you plan on eating. First built in 1381, this pub is possibly one of the oldest in England. Famous people who visited there include CS Lewis, Margaret Thatcher, Stephen Hawking, Bill Clinton, and Richard Burton. Fun fact for the Harry Potter fans: the cast and crew often frequented this pub while filming on location at the nearby colleges. It also inspired the next pub on the list: the Lamb and Flag.
2. Lamb and Flag
This pub has been in operation since 1566, although it moved from its original location in 1613. Since then, it has been operating on St. Giles' St., directly opposite the last pub on this list. Thomas Hardy drafted and wrote much of his novel, "Jude the Obscure" in the pub, and even mentions it several times in the book. Also, the pub was featured multiple times on the popular TV series, "Inspector Morse". What frequenters of the pub know it for, though, is its wide variety of real ales.
3. Eagle and Child
This pub, affectionately referred to as the "Bird and Baby", is on St. Giles St., right across from the Lamb and Flag. Though the year the pub was constructed is unclear, there is a record of it existing during the English Civil War (approximately 1642). This pub is perhaps most famous for being where "The Inklings" met. The Inklings were a literary writers group from Oxford, and members included JRR Tolkein (Lord of the Rings, The Hobbit), CS Lewis (The Chronicles of Narnia), Charles Williams (Descent Into Hell, War in Heaven), and Hugo Dyson. At the Eagle and Child, they read drafts of their books and discussed pertinent issues of the day. If you go there, you can actually eat in the room they met in, the Rabbit Room, and even eat at the table they ate at (which I recently found out we did!). The Eagle and Child is also famous for their pies, which I highly recommend based off of personal experience (the broccoli, spinach, and cheese one is amazing).
On a personal note, it was truly incredible to be in the same pub, let alone the same room, as these incredible authors were. Also, if you have read James A. Owens' "The Chronicles of the Imaginarium Geographica" series, all of those names, along with the pub, will be familiar to you.
Going to pubs is a social event, and these historical pubs only make the experience even better. Grab some friends and visit! Cheers!
