The OXINABOX FOOD AWARDS are back! We will be celebrating our sixth OXINABOX FOOD AWARDS ceremony at The North Wall on June 29, with a fabulous after party at OXTWO in Summertown, and the famous ‘morning after’ breakfast at Dishoom on June 30 in Oxford.
Sponsored by headliners Wise Investment, Jolly Foods, The Oxford Collection and SOMA Collab, as well as Oxford Fine Dining, Grape Minds, Dishoom and Tap Social, the voting has kicked off, with a different category released every day.
Here to give Oxfordshire’s hospitality industry a much needed boost, a massive pat on the back and the recognition and attention it deserves after such a difficult year, we have really pushed the boat out. And all we need you to do is vote for your favourites.
So welcome to the OXINABOX FOOD AWARDS 2026 and here is our seventh category BEST PUB/BAR 2026. VOTE HERE: https://www.surveyhero.com/c/ibma7yvn
In alphabetical order, the Best Pub/Bar 2026 nominees are:
Bull, Great Milton – this former community pub has been bought back to life, and with Flora Noble as the landlady. A real village hub with a great beer garden and lots of community events. The perfect antidote to the majestic Manoir up the road. Vote here https://www.surveyhero.com/c/ibma7yvn
Chester, East Oxford – Still going great guns, its fame spreading far and wide, locals and students alike racing here for its infamous steak platters and Sunday roasts, wannabe customers happily queueing up the road. It’s also a really lovely boozer, which is why it’s won this category before! Vote here https://www.surveyhero.com/c/ibma7yvn
Chequers, Chipping Norton – with new chef Nick Pullen at the helm, this has gone from a popular drinker’s pub to something a bit more special, bridging that difficult balance between pub and restaurant with great ease. Keen to keep it as a proper pub that serves great food, either way you’re in for a treat! https://www.surveyhero.com/c/ibma7yvn
Duke, Woodstock – Just that little bit out of town, this historic pub more than makes up for it with some great food: from Burger Tuesdays, Sunday Pizza Night and Steak Fridays to a BBQ summer series and DukeFest, as well as a more refined offering by head chef Alan Dann. Throw in some live music, lots of events and a huge beer garden, and you know where you’ll be heading this summer. Vote here https://www.surveyhero.com/c/ibma7yvn
Farmer’s Dog, Asthall – No list would be complete without Jeremy Clarkson’s proper British pub, globally notorious and a tourist destination in its own right. Vocal about the hardships the pub industry is experiencing in the UK, he has become an unexpected champion for the hospitality industry as a whole, and we are here for it! Plus the sausage and mash is renowned! Vote here https://www.surveyhero.com/c/ibma7yvn
Flight Club, Oxford – If it’s fun you’re after or just somewhere to hang out with friends, family and groups, this Westgate bar will ply you with drink, entertainment and a popular bottomless brunch, in this high octane darts-focused bar. Vote here https://www.surveyhero.com/c/ibma7yvn
James Street Tavern, off Cowley Road – an absolute classic and a proper boozer, it opened when we were still students and is still going strong, attracting a stellar mix of students and locals for their packed live event programme, Caribbean food TJ Naturals Jerk Hut, BBQ and award-winning beer garden. It’s even got a wood panelled pavilion with a retractable roof. All the toys! https://www.surveyhero.com/c/ibma7yvn
Jojos, Cowley Road – packing them in with that deadly cocktail of mixology, pizza and themes nights, from arum club Ito weekly live music, trivia nights, comedy and open mic, if it’s fun you’re after, its student vibe is buzzing. Vote here https://www.surveyhero.com/c/ibma7yvn
Jolly Farmers, Oxford – Continuing to celebrate and entertain Oxford’s LGBTQ population with great panache and a cracking events menu, from bookclubs and cabaret to live music and quiz nights, no wonder it attracts the likes of Ian McKellen and Craig Revel Horwood when they’re in town. Its inclusive and friendly vibe is magic and when PRIDE comes around there’s nowhere else to be. Vote here https://www.surveyhero.com/c/ibma7yvn
Lamb and Flag, Oxford – not just a pub but an institution! Back in business after a long closure, it’s now packed to the rafters again. You might find a retired prof reading the papers in the panelled front bar, while students carouse at the back discussing everything from quantum physics to college gossip. So quintessentially Oxford it’s hard to know where to start, the history oozes from its walls! But with the Eagle & Child currently being refurbed over the road it will have some erudite competition soon. Vote here https://www.surveyhero.com/c/ibma7yvn
Lynrace, Jericho – Oxford’s sexiest cocktail bar, the reverence to mixology here is off the scale, which is why people book tables to make sure they get a look in. Downstairs the absinthe bar attracts a more relaxed crowd. Definitely one to try. Vote here https://www.surveyhero.com/c/ibma7yvn
Market Cellar Door and Teardrop, Covered Market, Oxford – a quick stroll past will find wine and beer lovers congregating, sipping away on the barrel tables outside enjoying a glass of highly recommended vino from independent wine merchants Eynsham Cellars, Market Cellar Door proud of their ‘Oxford’s tiniest wine shop & bar’ tag, whilst next door at Teardrop offers Church Hanbrewery’s finest range. Vote here https://www.surveyhero.com/c/ibma7yvn
Market Tavern, Bampton – Now a proper village pub with rooms. Serving some really delicious food and offering excellent service, it’s a great example of what a local hostelry should be whether you pop in for a pint, a roast or some of Stuart Banks’ specials. VOTE HERE http://Vote here https://www.surveyhero.com/c/ibma7yvn
Old Bookbinders, Jericho – Utterly unique due to its unabashed Gallic vibe. Despite being hidden away at the back of Jericho, it’s always hard to get a table, its Breton dressed staff serving the likes of escargot, steak hache and crepes. On its infamous quiz night it’s hard to even get in the door. Beloved by all and eccentric even by Oxford standards. Vote here https://www.surveyhero.com/c/ibma7yvn
Oxford Blue, East Oxford – exactly what a pub should be, this hip, laid-back hostelry, taken on by one half of the Green Routes posse, fits in perfectly, it’s plant-based menus drawing in appreciative crowds. From their jazz Sunday lunch to yoga, and everything in between, it’s the perfect place to hang out. Vote here https://www.surveyhero.com/c/ibma7yvn
Oxford Wine Cellar, Oxford – There are so many lovely Oxford Wine Company cafes now to choose from that we’ve picked our favourite – on Oxford High Street which fits in perfectly, catching the post work, tourist and wine lovers trade, or anyone who’s just thirsty. Intimate, discerning and welcoming, the sharing plates are popular but the onus is always on the wine. Vote here https://www.surveyhero.com/c/ibma7yvn
Plough, West Hanney – Always a contender, this previous winner never rests on its laurels. For such a rural pub it’s a hive of activity, from its food to the bonhomie and fantastic events (we’re still recovering from the Apres Ski party! 🔥). Headed up by landlords Owain, (the infamous) and Luke whose food is top notch, it continues to go from strength to strength. Never a dull moment it’s our idea of a fantasy pub! Vote here https://www.surveyhero.com/c/ibma7yvn
Port Mahon, St Clements this is another hidden gem. Those in the know understand that it’s a proper boozer serving up some really interesting and diverse food. So whether you want to watch the rugby with some great nibbles, hang out with your mates or tuck into great Sunday roast or the rotisserie Port Mahon special, it’s got it all going on. Vote here https://www.surveyhero.com/c/ibma7yvn
Popina, Jericho – if it’s wine and charcuterie you’re after, there’s lots of places to choose from now in Oxford, but amidst the cocktail bars, pubs and restaurants on Walton Street, Popina fits in with ease, offering something a bit different, its discerning wine list a cut above. Vote here https://www.surveyhero.com/c/ibma7yvn
Rickety Press, Jericho – tucked away down a side street, this Dodo pub is still a favourite, and after a recent revamp, it’s still on point. Although its menu is restricted to burgers and pizzas, they are both legendary, and you can dine in the quaint, quirky bar area or the funky, contemporary dining room at the back where locals, students and tourists mix with ease. Vote here https://www.surveyhero.com/c/ibma7yvn
Rusty Bicycle, East Oxford – another Dodo entry, and a real neighbourhood hostelry, their annual summer street festival celebrating local talent packs out Magdalen Road, while their relaxed pub welcomes everyone, its beer garden a rare asset. Vote here https://www.surveyhero.com/c/ibma7yvn
Sandy’s, Oxford – Always a top night out, Sandy’s continues to entice a high energy crowd after a good time, thanks to its late night licence and piano bar sing-alongs, with a bit of dancing thrown in if you’re lucky. Impeccably run, you need to book to guarantee some sophisticated revelry. Vote here https://www.surveyhero.com/c/ibma7yvn
Star, East Oxford – another classic Oxford tavern has upped its game recently with its new, excellent, in house pizza offering, as if you needed an excuse because its huge beer garden, warm welcome and eclectic beer range are enticement enough. Vote here https://www.surveyhero.com/c/ibma7yvn
Tap Social Taproom, Botley – Still got it, still up there, still cool. Apart from providing a hip bar from which to serve their mighty fine Tap beer, its unlikely location on a Botley industrial estate pulls in the masses whether you pop in for a drink or to enjoy the live music, pop-ups, exhibitions and its fabulous independent beer festival. It’s what independents are all about. Vote here https://www.surveyhero.com/c/ibma7yvn
Three Horseshoes, Witney – Mike and Tommy continue to steer this mighty ship onwards and upwards, winning numerous awards along the way. Such a Witney staple, always on top of their game, the food is immense, from Sunday roasts to Tommy’s tapas and summer BBQs, its biggest talent is appealing to everyone from the older regulars to a more vibrant, young crowd who enjoy the outdoor bar and events at the back. Vote here https://www.surveyhero.com/c/ibma7yvn
Victoria Arms, Marston, its riverside location sets it apart, with lawns stretching down to the water, providing some stunning views. There’s nowhere finer to be on a summer’s day with a pint and a sandwich, or something more ambitious from their pub classics. Vote here https://www.surveyhero.com/c/ibma7yvn
White Rabbit, Oxford – Where to start? Last year’s winners continue to thrive, its city centre location enviable. But more than that, the eclectic clientele range from thespians to students, pizza lovers and everyone in between, all vying for a seat in the casual but friendly interior or the famous heated seats outside. As popular as ever. Vote here https://www.surveyhero.com/c/ibma7yvn
Woodstock Arms, Woodstock – exactly what a good pub should be; a hybrid of drinkers enjoying the bar area, a busy restaurant at the back and a charming beer garden. Perfect for an early coffee and catch up, a lunch with friends, or a proper night out. Take your pick. Vote here https://www.surveyhero.com/c/ibma7yvn
There are 10 categories and we will be announcing one every day for the next 10 days. These include BEST NEWCOMER, BEST PUB/BAR, BEST CAFE, BEST RESTAURANT, BEST VEGGIE/VEGAN OFFERING, BEST CHEF, BEST GASTROPUB, BEST CASUAL DINING, BEST INTERNATIONAL and OXFORDSHIRE HOSPITALITY WOMAN OF THE YEAR
The top four nominations from each category will be invited to the glittering ceremony where the winners will be announced, so get voting and pick your favourite.
You can only vote once in each category, so keep voting every day in all 10 categories! Voting ends mid June. Vote here https://www.surveyhero.com/c/ibma7yvn
