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Turf Tavern

The Turf Tavern is a historic Grade II listed public house in the Holywell district of central Oxford, England, renowned for its medieval origins and enduring popularity among students, locals, and visitors. Established as an alehouse by at least 1381 during the reign of King Richard II, the site traces its roots to a 13th-century malt house built against the old city walls, initially known as the Spotted Cow before adopting its current name in reference to the "turfmen"—bookmakers who frequented the area for discreet gambling away from authorities.^[1]^[2]^[3] Accessed via narrow back alleys off Bath Place between New College and Hertford College, near landmarks like the Bodleian Library and Radcliffe Camera, the pub features a cluster of low-beamed rooms, flagstone courtyards, and a low front door that requires visitors to duck to enter, evoking its centuries-old charm.^[1]^[2] Over the centuries, it has served as a gathering spot for illicit activities like cockfighting in the Middle Ages and later became a favored haunt for Oxford's intellectual elite, including authors C.S. Lewis and J.R.R. Tolkien.^[4]^[3] The Turf Tavern gained modern fame through high-profile patrons such as actors Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton, physicist Stephen Hawking, and former Australian Prime Minister Bob Hawke, who set a Guinness World Record in 1954 by consuming a yard of ale (1.4 liters) in just 11 seconds while a Rhodes Scholar at Oxford, an event commemorated by the pub in 2024.^[1]^[5] It is also reputed to be the spot where future U.S. President Bill Clinton, during his time as a Rhodes Scholar at University College, Oxford, famously "did not inhale" marijuana.^[2] Today, owned by Merton College and operated by Greene King, the pub offers traditional British fare, a selection of real ales, and family-friendly amenities like beer gardens and free Wi-Fi, while preserving its role as a vibrant piece of Oxford's cultural heritage.^[1]^[6]^[7]

History

Origins and Early Development

The Turf Tavern occupies a site in Bath Place, Oxford, developed as a malt house by 1381 (14th century), positioned adjacent to the medieval city walls near the former town moat.^[8] This location, accessible only via narrow passages like St Helen's Passage (formerly known as Hell's Passage), placed it just outside the walled city, facilitating activities beyond direct oversight by authorities.^[8] The earliest documented evidence of the site functioning as a drinking establishment appears in 1381 tax records from the reign of King Richard II, confirming its role as a malt house and tavern during the late medieval period.^[8] The pub's sign claims origins in the 12th century, though this is unconfirmed.^[8] In medieval Oxford, the Turf Tavern's courtyards served as venues for illicit gatherings, including gambling, which were popular among patrons seeking to evade the strict regulations of the nearby colleges.^[9] By the late 18th century, the establishment had transitioned into a recognized public house under the name "The Spotted Cow," reflecting its evolution from a basic malt and drinking venue into a more formalized inn.^[8] Early patrons included Oxford University students, drawn to its secluded setting for socializing away from institutional scrutiny.^[9]

Name Evolution and Key Milestones

The Turf Tavern's current structure was largely assembled in the late 18th century, incorporating 17th-century elements such as the low-beamed front bar, and built upon foundations dating to 1381, adjacent to the 13th-century construction of Oxford's outer city walls.^[10]^[8] These foundations supported the assembly of several cottages around a central flagstone courtyard, creating the pub's distinctive warren-like layout of small rooms and narrow passages.^[8] Archaeological evidence confirms activity on the site from the 14th century onward, while 18th-century brickwork and stone slabs indicate the primary building phase that transformed it into a cohesive public house.^[10] Originally operating as a public house under the name The Spotted Cow by the late 18th century, the establishment underwent a significant identity shift in 1842 when it was renamed the Turf Tavern.^[8] This change was intended to distance the venue from its prior association with illegal gambling activities, particularly those involving "turfmen"—bookmakers who gathered there to place bets on horse racing.^[9] The new name reflected this historical connection to turf betting while aiming to rebrand the pub as a more respectable establishment.^[8] Documented records affirm the Turf Tavern's status as one of Oxford's oldest continuously operating pubs, with operations as a public house traceable to at least the late 18th century.^[8] Its early roots as a malt house in the late medieval period provided a foundation for this enduring role, evolving into a dedicated drinking venue by the 18th century.^[10] In the 20th century, the Turf Tavern endured the challenges of both World Wars, remaining operational amid broader wartime disruptions in Britain, though Oxford itself avoided significant bombing damage. Post-war years saw periodic maintenance to preserve its historic fabric, culminating in notable interior renovations in the early 21st century that emphasized real ale offerings while retaining the traditional atmosphere.^[6] These developments underscored the pub's resilience and adaptation, ensuring its continued prominence as a landmark in Oxford's pub culture.^[11]

Location and Physical Description

Site and Accessibility

The Turf Tavern is located at 7 Bath Place, Oxford, OX1 3SU, in the heart of the city's historic center.^[12] It is tucked away in a narrow alley off Holywell Street, positioned behind the remnants of Oxford's old city walls, which adds to its secluded charm.^[3] The pub can also be accessed via St Helen's Passage from New College Lane, a winding pedestrian route that enhances its hidden allure. Its placement offers close proximity to several iconic landmarks, including the Bodleian Library just across New College Lane and the colleges of Exeter and Brasenose within a short walking distance in central Oxford.^[1] This strategic location amid academic institutions has historically drawn students and scholars, contributing to the tavern's enduring reputation as a "secret" spot that requires deliberate navigation through tight passageways.^[2] Access to the Turf Tavern is pedestrian-only, with no direct vehicle entry due to its position in Oxford's car-free historic zone.^[1] The entrances via Bath Place or St Helen's Passage are notably narrow—described as so constricted that visitors may struggle to extend both arms—posing challenges for individuals with mobility impairments or those using wheelchairs.^[2]

Architectural Features

The Turf Tavern is constructed from a cluster of 17th- and 18th-century cottages, originally built against the outer city wall, with foundations dating back to the 13th century. These cottages, integrated into the pub's structure over time, feature timber-framing faced with cement render and topped with Welsh slate roofs, reflecting traditional English vernacular architecture. The buildings were substantially remodelled in the 18th century, incorporating elements like a brick chimney shaft on a moulded stone base, which contributes to the site's cohesive historic appearance.^[13]^[14]^[8] At the heart of the pub lies a central flagstone courtyard, paved with durable local stone, which serves as the primary outdoor seating area and enhances the venue's intimate, enclosed character. This courtyard, surrounded by the clustered cottages, provides a sheltered space that echoes the site's medieval origins while accommodating modern gatherings. The layout emphasizes seclusion, with the courtyard accessible only through narrow passages, reinforcing the pub's hidden quality.^[15]^[8] Inside, the Turf Tavern embodies classic English pub aesthetics through low-beamed ceilings—particularly in the 17th-century front bar area—exposed stone walls in select sections, and a warren of small, irregularly shaped rooms connected by tight passageways. These features create a maze-like interior that fosters a cozy, labyrinthine atmosphere, with elements like 18th-century-style sash windows and a barrel-vaulted cellar adding to the historical depth. The narrow entrance passageway, often just a few feet wide, funnels visitors into this compact network of spaces, preserving the building's organic evolution from its cottage origins.^[13]^[8]^[14]

Cultural and Historical Significance

Notable Patrons and Visitors

The Turf Tavern has long attracted a diverse array of prominent figures, particularly during their time in Oxford. Former U.S. President Bill Clinton, while studying at University College, Oxford as a Rhodes Scholar in the late 1960s, was a frequent visitor to the pub, where he reportedly experimented with marijuana—famously later claiming he "did not inhale."^[16]^[17] Among political leaders, former Australian Prime Minister Bob Hawke, also a Rhodes Scholar at Oxford in the 1950s, was a regular patron of the Turf Tavern during his student days.^[18] The pub has also drawn celebrities and intellectuals from the worlds of film and science. Actors Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton, who often visited Oxford in the 1960s, dined and drank at the Turf Tavern during their stays in the city.^[19] Physicist Stephen Hawking, a Cambridge alumnus who spent significant time in Oxford circles, was a known visitor, with the pub's management recalling his appreciation for being listed among its famous patrons.^[6] Literary figure C.S. Lewis, the renowned Oxford academic and author, is recorded as having been a patron in the mid-20th century.^[20] Beyond these individuals, the Turf Tavern maintains a tradition of patronage by Oxford University students and academics, serving as a longstanding hub in the university's social life.^[16]

Famous Events and Anecdotes

One of the most celebrated anecdotes associated with the Turf Tavern involves Australian politician Bob Hawke, who achieved a Guinness World Record in 1954 while a Rhodes Scholar at Oxford University. Hawke downed a yard of ale—equivalent to 2.5 pints—in just 11 seconds at the pub, a feat that propelled him into the record books and cemented the Turf's reputation as a site of legendary student exploits. The event, stemming from a spontaneous challenge during a night out, has since drawn generations of Australian tourists to the venue, where it is commemorated with signage and remains a point of local pride despite some debate over the exact circumstances.^[21]^[5] The Turf Tavern's flagstone courtyards, dating back to medieval times, have long been hotspots for rowdy undergraduate antics, evolving from earlier illicit activities like cockfighting and gambling into 19th- and 20th-century scenes of brawls, pranks, and boisterous gatherings amid Oxford's enduring "town and gown" rivalries. These incidents, often fueled by the pub's hidden location and appeal to students seeking escape from academic rigors, contributed to its lively, sometimes chaotic atmosphere that persists in local lore.^[2]^[22] Throughout its history, the pub has facilitated informal literary and scientific discussions among Oxford dons and visiting scholars, serving as an off-campus retreat where ideas flowed freely over ales. Figures such as C.S. Lewis, known for his contributions to fantasy literature, and physicist Stephen Hawking, a frequent patron during his time in Oxford, exemplify the intellectual exchanges that unfolded in its cozy rooms, blending scholarly debate with the relaxed pub setting.^[1]^[2]

Modern Operations and Legacy

Ownership and Current Management

The Turf Tavern is owned and operated by the Greene King brewery, a major British pub company, which holds the freehold of the property.^[23] Greene King's stewardship has emphasized preservation of the venue's heritage while integrating modern operational standards, aligning with its broader portfolio of approximately 2,700 pubs across the UK.^[24]^[1] Following acquisition, Greene King undertook significant renovations to balance historical integrity with contemporary functionality. A notable £250,000 interior revamp in 2021 focused on the larger rear rooms, introducing soft lighting, heritage-inspired murals depicting local history such as horses and figures like Jane Burden, while leaving the characterful front bar untouched.^[6] Earlier updates, including a 2015 exterior repainting and signage refresh, further preserved architectural features like the 17th-century cottages and flagstone courtyard without altering the site's Grade II listed status.^[25] Current management under Greene King prioritizes efficient operations to accommodate diverse clientele, including high volumes of tourists and Oxford University affiliates. As of 2024, the pub was managed by Bev Vanstone.^[5] The venue's capacity of approximately 200 across indoor and outdoor spaces supports its role as a bustling hub, contributing economically to Oxford's vibrant pub ecosystem by drawing locals, students, and international visitors year-round.^[6]^[26]

Atmosphere, Offerings, and Visitor Experience

The Turf Tavern maintains a traditional British pub atmosphere, with cozy, dimly lit rooms linked by narrow passages that foster an intimate and historic feel.^[1] Its Grade II listed structure enhances this setting through low ceilings and a warren-like layout.^[1] In favorable weather, the outdoor courtyard and beer garden come alive, offering a vibrant space for al fresco drinking and dining that complements the indoor warmth.^[27] The pub's offerings center on classic British fare, such as golden crispy fish and chips and hearty steak and ale pie, with additional vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free choices to accommodate diverse preferences.^[28] Beverages include a range of Greene King ales, alongside gins, cocktails, wines, and spritzes, all served in a casual pub style without full restaurant service.^[29] Visitor experiences vary by time of day and season, with the pub attracting families during quieter daytime hours thanks to its dog-friendly policy and relaxed vibe, while evenings and weekends draw larger, student-dominated crowds amid Oxford's academic community.^[2] High demand often results in long bar queues, particularly in summer when no table reservations are accepted from May to September.^[1] To streamline visits, the Greene King app enables pre-ordering and queue-skipping, alongside limited booking options during off-peak periods.^[30] In recent years, the Turf Tavern has continued to build its legacy, recognized as the Oxford Mail Pub of the Week in December 2024 and serving as a filming location for the TV series Maxton Hall in 2025.^[26]^[31]

References

[1]
The Turf Tavern Pub Restaurant in Oxford - Greene King
The Turf Tavern in Oxford has a rich history after first opening its doors way back in 1381. In the many centuries that have passed, we have served everyone ...
[2]
Turf Tavern: A Hidden and Historic Oxford Pub - TripSavvy
Aug 24, 2019 · In the Middle Ages, these courtyards were venues for cockfights and worse. The pub's name comes from the turfmen or turf accountants (bookies) ...
[3]
Visiting The Turf Tavern in Oxford - What You Need to Know
The Turf Tavern dates back to the 13th century, when it was originally used as a malt house. Its location, adjacent to the old city walls of Oxford, adds to its ...
[4]
The Famous Turf Tavern in Oxford - Day Tours London
In the Middle Ages, it was known for a place to hold illegal activities like gambling, cockfighting and worse. The pub's name references the “turfmen” (bookies) ...
[5]
Seventy years on, Oxford pub pays tribute to Bob Hawke's legendary ...
Jun 8, 2024 · Australian students at Oxford gathered at the Turf Tavern this week to mark 70 years since Bob Hawke's world-record skol. Hawke – the longest- ...
[6]
Turf Tavern revamp puts focus on real ale - Oxford Drinker - CAMRA
Jun 23, 2021 · Even more renowned are former US president Bill Clinton, actors such as Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton, rock icon David Bowie and physicist ...
[7]
[PDF] Heritage Statement Turf Tavern 4-5 Bath Place OXFORD OX1 3SU
The Turf Tavern is also where future Australian Prime Minister Bob Hawke set a Guinness. World Record for consuming a yard glass of ale in 11 seconds in 1963.
[8]
The amazing history behind 5 of Oxford's oldest pubs
Sep 17, 2024 · (Image: Oxford Mail) The Turf Tavern in Bath Place off Holywell Street dates back to 1381 when it was used as a malt house and drinking tavern.
[9]
[PDF] Turf Tavern Oxford A rc h a e o lo g ic a l Ev a lu a tio n R e p o rt
... Turf Tavern dates from the late 18th century ... north following the construction of the outer curtain wall in the late-13th century. ... Context (103) Spot-date: ...
[10]
A new look for the iconic Turf Tavern (and other Oxford building ...
Jul 3, 2021 · Renovations to an iconic Oxford pub, a cheese company moving into the city centre, and a new entrance into a university's campus from a hidden footpath.
[11]
Contact Us | Turf Tavern Pub in Oxford - Greene King
Call Us +44 1865 243 235 Location 7 Bath Place Oxford Oxfordshire England OX1 3SU Get Directions © Woosmap © OpenMapTiles © OpenStreetMap contributors
[12]
Turf Tavern - Wikipedia
14 June 2019. ^ C. J. Coventry, Sedimentary Layers: Bob Hawke's Beer World Record And Ocker Chic, Journal of Australian Studies, 2023, https://www ...Missing: date | Show results with:date
[13]
Frequently Asked Questions | Turf Tavern, Oxford - Greene King
Location. 7 Bath Place Oxford Oxfordshire England OX1 3SU. The Turf Tavern. Contact Us ... Accessibility · Cookie Policy · Privacy · Sitemap · Terms and ...
[14]
THE TURF TAVERN, Non Civil Parish - 1369443 | Historic England
List entry 1369443. Grade II Listed Building: The Turf Tavern. May include summary, reasons for designation and history.
[15]
Bath Place (between 55 and 56 Holywell Street) - Oxford History
The seven houses in Bath Place (including the Bath Place Hotel now at Nos. 4–5) as well as the Turf Tavern (formerly the Spotted Cow) are owned by Merton ...
[16]
A Brief History - Bath Place Hotel Oxford
The Turf Tavern neighbours the hotel, and is reputedly the oldest inn in the city. Originally known as the Spotted Cow, it was renamed in the nineteenth century ...
[17]
In Oxford, with a pub crawl through the centuries
Apr 14, 2008 · Here, allegedly, Bill Clinton didn't inhale. Here, too, Bob Hawke most affirmatively did swallow a yard of ale (two and a half pints) in 11 ...
[18]
Old school: Europe's historic college towns - BBC
Feb 15, 2011 · ... pub where Oxford alumnus Bill Clinton is rumoured to have tippled a pint or two. Come late spring, graduation fever rules at Oxford. Imagine ...
[19]
Bob Hawke's beer-drinking record may be marked by Oxford blue ...
Jun 13, 2019 · Hawke was a Rhodes scholar at Oxford between 1953 and 1956. In 1954 he skolled a yard of ale – two-and-a-half pints, or 1.4 litres – in 11 ...Missing: date | Show results with:date
[20]
https://www.guardian.co.uk/travel/2009/jun/07/morse-oxford-walking-guide1
[21]
Fond memories of 1966 when Burton and Taylor visited Oxford
Aug 22, 2023 · Elizabeth Taylor is thought to have visited the Turf Tavern, in Oxford, a number of times and regularly enjoyed stays at the Bear Hotel, in ...
[22]
Bob Hawke's Oxford yard of ale feat was a claim to fame
Jun 21, 2021 · He set a world record after drinking a yard of ale (2½ pints) in 11 seconds. His feat, at the Turf Tavern in 1954, earned him a place in the ...Missing: date | Show results with:date
[23]
The Turf Tavern Oxford - Britain's Historic Pubs
Apr 5, 2017 · In modern times, The Turf is where in 1963, the former Australian Prime Minister, Bob Hawke, entered the Guinness Book of Records for downing a ...
[24]
A January Oxford Walk - Westmount Magazine
Mar 31, 2017 · Oxford entered the post-war era unscathed – however rebuilding ... Turf Tavern Oxford WestmountMag.ca Turf Tavern. At the end of St ...
[25]
Turf Tavern, Oxford - CAMRA - The Campaign for Real Ale
7 Bath Place, Oxford, OX1 3SU (View on Google Map) · (01865) 243235 · Email ... Accessibility Statement · Articles of Association · Cookie Policy; Manage ...
[26]
Oxford's Turf Tavern to be repainted and given new signs under ...
Dec 21, 2015 · The Turf Tavern, hidden away in Bath Place, off Holywell Street, is to have its exterior redecorated by owner Greene King.
[27]
'Hidden' hostelry in city is our pub of the week | Oxford Mail
Dec 7, 2024 · One of Oxford's most secluded pubs is popular with tourists, residents and students. Run by Greene King, the Turf Tavern is not that easy to ...
[28]
The best pubs in Oxford - Lonely Planet
Jul 8, 2022 · The Turf Tavern is a must on any Oxford pub crawl. It's especially appealing in the warmer months, when you can sip your lager in the pretty ...
[29]
Enjoy delicious pub food at Turf Tavern in Oxford - Greene King
From pub classics like steak and ale pie to golden, crispy fish and chips, there's something for every appetite. You'll also find contemporary dishes that put a ...
[30]
Menu | Turf Tavern, Oxford - Greene King
Join us for our delicious selection of food and drinks at Turf Tavern in Oxford. Enjoy one of our selection of pub favourites or try something new!Missing: website | Show results with:website
[31]
Book | Turf Tavern, Oxford - Greene King
Book your table online at Turf Tavern in Oxford and enjoy our selection of food and drink available throughout the week.