Plough Inn

You'll find the Plough tucked right on Cornmarket Street, where the chaos of Oxford's retail madness meets something refreshingly straightforward. It's the kind of place where locals actually drink—not the sort of pub that's been Instagram-filtered into oblivion or awkwardly themed around some half-baked concept. The bar does solid pub fare (think proper pies and seasonal specials), decent real ales on tap, and the sort of no-nonsense atmosphere that makes you want to linger over a pint. It's busy without being rowdy, welcoming without feeling forced. Whether you're ducking in for a quick drink after navigating the shops or settling in for an afternoon, the Plough doesn't try to be anything other than what it is: a good pub.