The King's Arms
Oxford's quintessential student pub — Young's ales on Holywell Street, opposite the Bodleian.
If any pub is "the" Oxford student pub, it's the King's Arms — or "the KA" as everyone calls it. Sitting at the junction of Holywell Street and Parks Road, opposite the Bodleian and the Clarendon Building, it occupies the most central possible location in the university quarter.
The interior is large by Oxford pub standards — a big main bar, a quieter back room, and booths along the windows that are prime revision territory during exam season. The walls are lined with old Oxford photographs and rowing memorabilia.
What it's actually like
During term, this is wall-to-wall students. In the vacations, it's tourists. Weekday afternoons hit a sweet spot where you can actually get a seat and enjoy the atmosphere. Young's ales are consistently well-kept, and the food is a cut above typical pub grub.
What to drink
Young's Bitter and Special are always on. Guest ales rotate weekly. Decent wine selection for a pub. Good coffee if you're here during the day.
Practical notes
Opens early for coffee and breakfast. Gets loud in the evenings during term. The back room is quieter and often overlooked. Wi-Fi available. One of the few central pubs with notably good food.
Nearby
Within a few minutes' walk
