The Perch
A thatched riverside pub reached via a walk across Port Meadow.
The walk to the Perch is half the experience. You take Binsey Lane from the west end of Walton Street, cross Port Meadow, and arrive at what feels like a country pub despite being a mile from the city centre. The thatched roof, the weeping willows, the Thames rolling past — the setting is unusual for a pub a mile from a city centre. Lewis Carroll brought Alice Liddell here by boat.
The garden is large and well kept. On a warm Saturday afternoon it fills with families, couples, and groups of friends who've made the pilgrimage across the meadow. In winter, the interior is cozy with low beams and open fires, though it loses some of its magic when you can't sit outside.
What to order
The food goes well beyond standard pub fare — seasonal menus, proper Sunday roasts, good vegetarian options. The wine list is more extensive than you might expect. Real ales are kept well, though the selection is more conservative than some Jericho alternatives.
The vibe
Relaxed and unhurried. A good pub to bring visitors to — the walk and the setting do the work. The only downside: getting here by car is a pain, and in peak summer the garden can feel overcrowded. Go on a weekday if you can.