The Head of the River
A big riverside pub at Folly Bridge — the terrace over the Thames is the whole point.
The Head of the River occupies a converted wharf building right at Folly Bridge, where St Aldates meets the Thames. The building is large and the pub matches — this is not an intimate local but a sprawling riverside venue with a vast terrace that hangs over the water.
The pub from St Aldates side, terrace running along the river. Photo: OxfordLocal.
The terrace is the reason to come. On a sunny day, sitting beside the Thames watching punts and rowing boats drift past, a cold pint in hand, is one of Oxford's simple pleasures. The interior is a big open room built for volume — roomy when quiet, lively when the terrace overflows.
What to order
It's a Fuller's pub, so London Pride and ESB are the anchors, with guest ales and the usual lager options. The food is standard Fuller's pub fare, and it does the job for an afternoon by the river. On a warm day, the view is the star of the show.
The vibe
Location-dependent. On a summer afternoon, the terrace is a strong draw — right over the water with good views. In winter the appeal shifts indoors and it's a quieter, more functional stop. Time your visit accordingly. Popular with tourists, Eights Week rowing crowds, and anyone who wants to sit by the water without committing to a punt.
Nearby
Within a few minutes' walk
