The Victoria Arms — Restaurant in Oxford

This review is about the huge area of meadows and fields surrounding the Victoria Arms public house - not forgetting the river Cherwell that runs past the bottom of the pub’s garden.

Turning into Victoria Arms Drive from Mill Lane there are small fields to the north and south. The northern field is a tiny play area with goalposts. The southern field seems to show signs of ‘ridge and furrow’ farming practised in the middle ages.

Further north of the play area is Cumberlege Close and then Hill View Farm which stretches up to the northern bypass. This is where Oxford City Council (OCC) has decided to build a new housing estate.

South of the ‘ridge and furrow’ field are two/three agricultural fields. In the past these would have been off-limits to the public but they have recently become accessible for those wishing to walk around their periphery.

As visitors head westwards along Victoria Arms Drive they will see, to the south, yet another agricultural field. To the north they will see Almonds Farm Fields and, to its west, Burnt Mill Meadow whose western border is the river Cherwell.

Almond Farm Fields is on an elevated area of land. It looks as if bulldozers have built up an embankment to prevent the area from flooding when the river Cherwell overflows. This elevation provides some delightful views of Marston’s meadows. I’m not entirely clear but either one of these meadows is known as Marston Hamm or, alternatively, all of the meadows in this area might be known collectively by this name.

On the other side of the river are further agricultural fields, meadows.

The agricultural fields to the south of Victoria Arms Drive are quite disappointing in contrast to the green delights of the meadows to the north of the Drive.

The southern limit of these agricultural fields is the Marston Ferry Road beyond which is another succession of meadows (known as New Marston Meadows). These are almost a mirror image of Marston Hamm. It is quite easy for the adventurous visitor to walk along the eastern side of the Cherwell and then cross the Marston Ferry Road to get to the pub.

The Victoria Arms is thus surrounded by meadows and fields. If much of Hinksey and Botley are on the Thames flood plain on the western side of Oxford, then much of Marston is on the Cherwell flood plain on the eastern side of the city.

A few decades ago the public had no access to the meadows on the western and eastern sides of Oxford but in recent years this has changed dramatically. It is now a joy to walk along these meadows.

But its not going to last. The Oxford Flood Alleviation Scheme will turn west Oxford’s meadows into a huge water storage dump. And Marston’s meadows will eventually be drowned under another flood alleviation scheme to prevent the Cherwell from causing flood damage to the new housing estates in the area.

Ironically, as beautiful as these meadows might be, and I do love them, they are next to useless for combatting rising global temperatures. They are just green car parks. Surely if lots of highly efficient water pumps were planted on Marston’s meadows, the OCC wouldn’t need yet another water...

I had the absolute pleasure of visiting this incredible pub recently, and I can honestly say it exceeded all expectations. From the moment we arrived, we were greeted with warm, genuine hospitality that made us feel instantly welcome — the kind of service that’s becoming increasingly rare these days.

The atmosphere is just perfect — a beautiful blend of rustic charm and modern comfort. Whether you’re stopping in for a quiet pint or planning a lively evening with friends, the space caters to both. The interior is thoughtfully designed, with cozy corners, ambient lighting, and plenty of character. Outside, the beer garden was an unexpected delight — spacious, well-kept, and ideal for soaking up the sun or relaxing under the heaters on a cooler evening.

Now, let’s talk about the food. Wow. Absolutely faultless. The menu offers a great mix of traditional pub favourites with some creative seasonal specials. I went for the chicken burger, and it was hands down one of the best I’ve had — perfectly cooked, packed with flavour, and beautifully presented. The portions were generous, and everything tasted fresh and homemade. The sides, especially the fries and coleslaw, were spot-on. My friends had the steak and ale pie and the fish and chips — both were met with silence at the table followed by a round of “you’ve got to try this.”

Drinks-wise, the pub boasts an impressive range. Whether you’re into craft ales, classic lagers, local ciders, or a solid selection of wines and cocktails, there’s something for everyone. And the bar staff really know their stuff — they’re more than happy to recommend something if you’re unsure, and their passion for what they serve is clear.

What really set this place apart, though, was the vibe. Friendly locals, attentive staff, and an all-round feel-good energy that made it hard to leave. It’s rare to find somewhere that gets everything so right — from the little details to the big ones. Even the toilets were spotless, which says a lot about how much care goes into the whole place.

This is more than just a pub — it’s a proper community hub, a place where you instantly feel at home. I’ll absolutely be back, and I’d recommend it to anyone looking for a top-tier pub experience with great food, drinks, and atmosphere. Five stars...

A Culinary Haven by the Riverside: The Victoria Arms

Nestled along the serene banks of the River Cherwell, The Victoria Arms stands as a beacon of culinary excellence and warm hospitality in Oxford. My recent dining experience at this charming establishment was nothing short of exceptional, thanks to the impeccable service of Jess, James, and the remarkable culinary creations of the head chef.

From the moment I stepped through the door, I was greeted with genuine warmth and attentiveness. Their dedication to providing personalized service elevated the entire dining experience, making me feel like a cherished guest rather than just another patron.

Now, let's talk about the food! Every dish that graced our table was a masterpiece, but I must sing praises for their calamari and chicken burger. The calamari was cooked to perfection, boasting a delightful crispy exterior that gave way to tender, succulent squid. Paired with a zesty dipping sauce, it was a true delight for the taste buds. And don't even get me started on the chicken burger – juicy, flavourful, and nestled between two pillowy buns, it was a symphony of textures and tastes that left me craving more.

Of course, these two dishes are just the tip of the iceberg at The Victoria Arms. The menu is a treasure trove of culinary delights, showcasing the chef's commitment to using only the freshest ingredients and innovative flavour combinations.

Moreover, the atmosphere at The Victoria Arms is simply unparalleled. Whether you choose to dine indoors surrounded by the cosy ambiance of the historic pub or opt for a table on the picturesque terrace overlooking the tranquil river, every moment spent here feels like a blissful escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.

In conclusion, if you find yourself in Oxford craving a culinary adventure accompanied by top-notch service and an unbeatable atmosphere, look no further than The Victoria Arms. Jess, James, and the entire team go above and beyond to ensure that every guest leaves with a smile on their face and a belly full of delicious memories. Trust me, you won't be...