PUBS have reopened for the first time this year - under the condition that customers sit outside. 

With grey skies and indoor drinking not on the table until at least mid-May, what Oxford beer gardens can offer shelter and warmth?

Here we take a look at the best-rated pubs with outside heating in Oxford, according to Google reviews:

  • The Bear Inn, Alfred Street, Oxford

Google reviews:

Phillip Marques: “Myself and my wife were on holidays in Oxford for the weekend from London. Fantastic food and service, great outdoor beer garden with gas fire. It was good to see social distancing and NHS track and trace.”

Ding Alingalong shared a picture of the fire, saying: “Surprising amount of outdoor marquee space at the back, booked for groups of 6. With heaters and table waiting service and online ordering.”

Call: 01865 728164

  • Turf Tavern, Bath Place, Oxford

Google reviews:

Yasmin Jordan: “Love the mulled cider and wonderful service. Super covid friendly and has outdoor heaters.”

Book at: Greeneking-pubs.co.uk

  • The Fishes, North Hinksey, Oxford

Google reviews:

Panayiota Chrysi: “Lovely food and service. Great selection of G&Ts. We were sitting on the terrace, as per covid restrictions, with heaters. It’s a family favourite for a Sunday roast.”

Ju Williams: “Amazing pies. We were sat outside, they offered us blankets which was a nice touch. The food came quickly and was the best pies we have ever had.”

Book at fishesoxford.co.uk or call 01865 249796

  • The Angel and Greyhound, St Clement’s Street

Google reviews:

Nick West: “Attentive bar staff. Outside seating, however only half the heat lamps worked.”

Hannah: “They even provide blankets for chillier evening and the heat lamps out the front make it possible to sit out even when it’s not warm.”

Book at angelandgreyhound.co.uk or call 01865 242660

  • The Victoria Arms, Mill Lane, Oxford

Google reviews:

Scott Fjordbotten: “Nice pub on the river. Covered tables by the pub are heated but require bookings. Tables on the grass do not need a booking.”

To book call 01865 201958.

  • The Crown, Cornmarket Street

Google reviews:

Oskar Lukasik: “Clean and warm pub, good sitting undercover outside with heaters.”

Bekzie G: “Lovely pub, nice and old fashioned but very small inside. Not many tables inside but the outside is a nice enclosed courtyard with outdoor heaters.”

To book visit nicholsonspubs.co.uk, thefork.co.uk or call 01865 256047

  • The Jericho Tavern, Walton Street, Oxford

Google reviews:

Steve Povey: “My local pub closest to work. Nice outside area that have heaters. Food is really good for the price.”

To book visit thejerichooxford.co.uk

  • The Perch, Binsey Lane, Binsey

Google reviews:

Heidi Asbury: “Lovely food and staff. We sat outside with heaters, very friendly and had a lovely time. Thank you.”

Julia Ainsworth: “An intimate hideaway pub with heated, covered patio and truly delicious food. I highly recommend dinner here.”

To book visit: the-perch.co.uk

  • The White Rabbit, Friars Entry, Oxford

Google reviews:

Jeniben1: “Please, please go to the White Rabbit. We popped in for a pint on a cool Tuesday afternoon in April and discovered that the seats in the beer garden are HEATED. What’s more is as soon as you place an order via the QR scan beer appears instantly as if by magic. Seems like the pandemic has made a good pub even better.”

Ben Bilefield: “So speedy with lovely staff. Heated seats and good outdoor tents protected us from the blustery British weather. Yummy pizza too.”

To book call: 01865 241177

  • The Magdalen Arms, Iffley Road, Cowley

Google reviews:

Ana M: “We are big fans of the Magdalen Arms and have been visiting for many years. Their food is consistently excellent and so is the hospitality. It’s great to see they are open again. They have loads of space outside, and have obviously worked really hard to make it both Covid safe and comfortable for customers. They have heaters by the tables, too.”

Book by calling 01865 243159

  • Jude The Obscure, Walton Street, Oxford

Google reviews:

Sam Wilson: “Really cute and cosy place. Heat lamps outside to keep you warm.”

To book call 01865 557309