The Magdalen Arms
A serious kitchen in a proper pub — nose-to-tail cooking, popular Sunday roasts, and not a gastro cliche in sight.
The Magdalen Arms is a restaurant that calls itself a pub. The kitchen, which has connections to the St. John nose-to-tail school of British cooking, turns out well-sourced dishes with a confidence and simplicity that most restaurants would envy. Whole roast meats, offal done properly, seasonal vegetables treated with respect, and puddings that remind you why British desserts exist. The menu changes frequently based on what's good, which is how it should be.
The setting is a plain Victorian pub on the Iffley Road, away from the tourist circuit. There's no pretension here — bare tables, a proper bar, and a crowd that's there because they know good food. The Sunday roast books out weeks in advance.
What to order
Whatever's on the daily menu — this is a kitchen that cooks what's seasonal and available. The whole roast meats (for sharing) are a signature. The Scotch egg, when available, is well known. The Sunday roast is popular enough to book out well in advance. Puddings are worth ordering — the treacle tart and the chocolate mousse are both well made.
Good to know
Book ahead for dinner and absolutely book for Sunday lunch — it sells out. The Iffley Road location is a 15-minute walk from Magdalen Bridge, or a quick bus ride. Tuesday to Saturday for lunch and dinner, Sunday lunch only. Closed Mondays. The wine list is thoughtful and fairly priced. This is a food-first pub — come hungry.