The Isis Farmhouse
Reachable only on foot or by boat — a riverside pub at Iffley Lock that feels like a secret.
The Isis Farmhouse is one of Oxford's most unusual pubs, and getting there is half the adventure. There's no road access — you walk along the Thames towpath from Iffley Lock or from Donnington Bridge. This enforced remoteness gives it a character that no urban pub can match. In summer, you arrive along a tree-lined path with the river glinting through the leaves, and the pub appears like something from a children's book.
The building is rustic and low-key. The garden is large and runs down to the river, with picnic tables scattered under trees. Dogs are everywhere. Children run around. Somebody is probably mooring a narrowboat. The whole scene has a timeless, pastoral quality that feels improbable given that you're within the city boundary.
What to order
Keep expectations modest — this is a simple pub with a short menu and a basic bar. A pint of something cold on the riverbank is the correct order. The food is straightforward pub fare. Nobody comes here for the gastronomy; they come for the setting.
The vibe
Idyllic and unhurried. The walk-in-only access filters out anyone who isn't committed to the experience, which means the crowd is always relaxed. A summer afternoon here, with the river sliding past and the swans doing their rounds, is one of Oxford's great simple pleasures. Dress for mud in winter.