White Horse

You'll find yourself on one of Oxford's busiest streets, but step into the White Horse and there's a refreshing lack of pretension. This is proper pub territory—wooden beams, dark corners, and the kind of crowd that actually lives in the city rather than just visiting it. The drinks list won't blow your mind with craft experimentation, but the pints are well-kept and the wine's reliable. Food-wise, it's straightforward pub fare at sensible prices, the sort of thing that doesn't require explanation or apology. It's the place you return to when you're tired of Oxford's more self-conscious establishments.