A popular riverside pub on the edge of Oxford is competing to be named the best in the country.

The Victoria Arms in Old Marston has been named a county winner in the National Pub & Bar Awards for 2024.

It is one of 94 pubs and bars across England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland that have scooped up a prestigious County Winner title.

READ MORE: Fear over plan for new five-storey science lab 

The pubs, which have been selected on overall best practice across several operational categories, will be officially crowned at a red carpet celebration in London in June.

A total of 15 regional winners, Pub Group of the Year, Bar Group of the Year, The Tyrrells Tyrrellbly Good Taste Award – presented by the event’s headline sponsor – and, finally the overall National Pub & Bar of the Year, will be announced.

“The fact that we had record entries for the 2024 National Pub & Bar Awards tells us two things,” said Tristan O’Hana, editor of Pub & Bar magazine, which runs the event.

“One is how highly the industry regards these accolades, which is fantastic.

Oxford Mail: "But, also, it shows that more operators are in need of really positive and strong publicity to help drive business at the moment.

"Pubs and bars are facing some of the biggest challenges in recent history, so if the National Pub & Bar Awards can help by lifting sales across these venues, then we’re delighted to play our part.”

The Victoria Arms is one of the area's most popular riverside pubs.

Its website says: "Situated on the banks of the River Cherwell in Old Marston, The Victoria Arms is a stunning riverside pub and restaurant with mooring available for punts on the River Cherwell.

"Full of local history, the building dates back to the 17th century as the ferryman’s cottage, and once hosted a certain Oliver Cromwell."

The website adds: "The Victoria offers traditional pub charm with beautiful interiors, a heated pergola terrace, and huge beer gardens overlooking the river.

"In the kitchen, our focus is hearty seasonal dishes and elevated pub classics, with local produce and ingredients at the heart of the menu.

READ MORE: Oxford wine store targeted by burglars 

"In the warmer months, it’s all about street food inspiration, served up from our garden kitchen kiosk to the busy terrace and garden.

Oxford Mail: The Victoria Arms"Behind the bar, we’re proud of our beer selection, with a great range of ale, lager and cider courtesy of our award-winning Butcombe Brewery, along with our cocktail menu.

"We’re child-friendly and dog-friendly, both indoors and outside, with plenty of space for small and large groups."

The National Pub & Bar Awards 2024 is sponsored by Tyrrells, ICRTouch, Kerrymaid, Panasonic, Santa Maria and Sky Business.

Help support trusted local news 

Sign up for a digital subscription now: oxfordmail.co.uk/subscribe 

As a digital subscriber you will get: 

  • Unlimited access to the Oxford Mail website 
  • Advert-light access 
  • Reader rewards 
  • Full access to our app 

About the author 

Andy is the Trade and Tourism reporter for the Oxford Mail and you can sign up to his newsletters for free here. 

He joined the team more than 20 years ago and he covers community news across Oxfordshire.

His Trade and Tourism newsletter is released every Saturday morning. 

You can also read his weekly Traffic and Transport newsletter.