Oxford city centre has plenty of quirky historic pubs to choose from but it’s worth heading over to East Oxford to sample the hostelries on the other side of Magdalen Bridge.

Start your walk at Carfax and begin by walking down the High Street.

On your left, you will pass The Mitre, one of Oxford’s most historic pubs, which was shut by Lincoln College in 2019. It has not yet reopened.

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If you tire of walking there are plenty of buses to get you closer to The Plain, where you will find The Cape of Good Hope.

The pub’s website says: “The Cape of Good Hope is the very definition of urban cool - mixing a stylish contemporary bar, classic pub features and a handful of quirky touches - with colourful wood panelling, statement chandeliers, plush seating and local artwork adorning the walls.

“Pop out the back and you’ll discover The Cape of Good Hope’s best-kept secret - its spacious beer garden, a rare treat for a city pub and an ideal spot to take time out.”

For your next pub, cross Cowley Road and then turn right into St Clement’s before choosing between The Angel and Greyhound and The Port Mahon

The Angel and Greyhound website says: “A beautiful and charming pub, just ten minutes walk from Oxford city centre, popular with locals, students, diners and real ale enthusiasts alike.

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“We are family and dog friendly, with the River Cherwell and meadow situated directly behind the pub we offer the perfect rest bite exploring the sites of Oxford or after a relaxing stroll by the river. Relax in our secret pub garden with a pint of what you fancy and enjoy one of our best of British pub classics, it’s what the simple pleasures are all about.”

A short distance away is The Port Mahon.

One visitor on TripAdvisor said: “Nice outside area and tasty beer. Will revisit soon! Friendly staff and good Sunday roast.”

If you still have time and energy to visit more pubs, there are lots of other options if you head up the Cowley Road.

You can get a beer at Big Scary Monsters Social Club, and buy records at the same time.

Kevin Douch opened the cafe bar in 2021 and it sells alternative punk and indie records and craft beer, so there was a ready-made customer base among the student population of east Oxford.

Sourcing craft beer from different breweries is one of the challenges staff enjoy, and the club now stocks 150 different beers, mostly from around the UK.

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If you are a fan of Scottish craft beer giant BrewDog, it has its own pub further along Cowley Road.

BrewDog’s brewery was crowdfunded by 15,000 investors and its pub in Oxford opened in 2017. In 2018 staff at the bar handed out free glasses of Indie Pale Ale. You could move on to the James Street Tavern, off Cowley Road, if you have time, before returning to the city centre.

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This story was written by Andy Ffrench, he joined the team more than 20 years ago and now covers community news across Oxfordshire.

Get in touch with him by emailing: Andy.ffrench@newsquest.co.uk

Follow him on Twitter @OxMailAndyF