Chipping Norton is a charming market town in the Cotswolds with plenty of fun things to do. Apart from the excellent pubs, visitors can enjoy the weekly farmers’ market, picturesque Almshouses, Bliss Tweed Mill, and the historic Rollright Stones—something for everyone.
I’m fortunate to have friends in the Cotswolds, and we often take day trips to Chipping Norton, stopping by some local pubs. Whether you’re looking for a bite to eat or a refreshing drink, there are plenty of options. You might even find yourself dining next to a local celebrity! Chipping Norton offers a range of pubs, from historic spots like the 16th Century Chequers Inn to the lively Fox, The Blue Boar, and Bitter and Twisted. With so many places to choose from, you certainly won’t go thirsty or hungry in this beautiful town.
After numerous visits, I’ve compiled a list of my favorite pubs based on atmosphere, food quality, drinks, service, and customer reviews.
The Blue Boar
This cozy country pub, established around 1461, features oak beams and an open fire, perfect for winter evenings. The bar offers a wide range of beers, ciders, and wines. The restaurant serves pub classics, Sunday lunches, European dishes, and vegan options. The pub is dog-friendly, and the staff is welcoming.
– Address: 1 Goddard Lane, Chipping Norton, Oxfordshire, OX7 5NP
– Phone: +44 (0)1608 643108
– Hours: 11 am-11 pm, Mon-Thu; 11 am-11:30 pm, Fri-Sat; 11 am-10 pm, Sun
– Must-Try: Local cask ales, cider, ale-battered fish and chips
– Average Cost: £4-£6 per pint, £7.50 per cocktail, £15-£22 per main
The Fox
Located in the heart of town, The Fox is a lively pub known for its live music on weekends and regular events like burger night on Tuesdays. It serves a broad menu of pub classics and contemporary British cuisine. The Fox also offers accommodation, making it a great place to stay in Chipping Norton.
– Address: Market Place, Chipping Norton, Oxfordshire, OX7 5DD
– Phone: +44 (0)1608 638535
– Hours: 7:30 am-11 pm, Mon-Fri; 8 am-11 pm, Sat; 8 am-10 pm, Sun
– Must-Try: Off the Hook IPA, Hooky Gold, roast Atlantic cod
– Average Cost: £4-£6 per pint, £7 per cocktail, £11-£22 per main
Chequers
Dating back to 1444, Chequers boasts old oak beams and rooms full of character. The pub has a large conservatory for dining and a function room that hosts events like comedy nights. The menu offers traditional pub grub with a modern twist, using locally sourced ingredients.
– Address: Goddard Lane, Chipping Norton, Oxfordshire, OX7 5NP
– Phone: +44 (0)1608 644717
– Hours: 11 am-11:30 pm, Tue-Sun (closed Mon)
– Must-Try: Local cask ales, Fullers London Pride, Chequers beef burger
– Average Cost: £4-£6 per pint, £7.50 per cocktail, £16-£30 per main
The Red Lion
This cozy pub dates back to 1684 and offers a wide selection of award-winning craft beers and ales, thanks to the local Hook Norton Brewery. It features an enclosed beer garden, perfect for a summer’s day.
– Address: 8 Albion Street, Chipping Norton, Oxfordshire, OX7 5BJ
– Phone: +44 (0)1608 644641
– Hours: 4 pm-11 pm, Mon-Thu; 3 pm-12 am, Fri; 11 am-12 am, Sat; 11 am-6 pm, Sun
– Must-Try: Off the Hook IPA, Hooky Original Cider, Old Hooky
– Average Cost: £4-£5 per pint, £6 per cocktail
Kings Arms
Ideal for sports fans, the Kings Arms broadcasts live sporting events across six screens. It offers a variety of local and imported beers, ciders, and wines. While food isn’t currently served, there are plenty of bar snacks. The pub is also dog-friendly.
– Address: 18 West Street, Chipping Norton, Oxfordshire, OX7 5AA
– Phone: +44 (0)1608 642668
– Hours: 12 pm-11 pm, Mon-Sun
– Must-Try: Local cask ales and ciders
– Average Cost: £4-£6 per pint, £7 per cocktail
Bitter and Twisted
This family-run bar and kitchen offer a vast drinks menu, real ales, local ciders, and hand-picked wines. It has a terrace for al-fresco dining with great town views and serves breakfast from 10 am.
– Address: 1a Middle Row, Chipping Norton, Oxfordshire, OX7 5NH
– Phone: +44 (0)1608 644466
– Hours: 10 am-11 pm, Wed-Thu; 10 am-12 am, Fri-Sat; 10 am-11 pm, Sun (closed Mon-Tue)
– Must-Try: Local guest ales, Cotswold Mule, Scampi and chips
– Average Cost: £4-£6 per pint, £10 per cocktail, £17-£22 per main
The Gate Hangs High
Located six miles from Chipping Norton, this pub offers stunning views of the Cotswolds and serves excellent Sunday lunches. Run by the Hook Norton Brewery, it provides top-quality local beers and ciders.
– Address: Whichford Road, Banbury, Oxfordshire, OX15 5DF
– Phone: +44 (0)1608 504003
– Hours: 12 pm-10:30 pm, Wed-Fri; 11 am-11 pm, Fri-Sat; 11 am-6 pm, Sun; 4 pm-9 pm, Tue (closed Mon)
– Must-Try: Off the Hook IPA, Hooky Original Cider, Sunday roast
– Average Cost: £4-£6 per pint, £7.50 per cocktail, £12-£22 per main
The Wild Rabbit
Just a five-minute drive from Chipping Norton, this pub in Kingham features an exposed stone interior and an open log fire. It offers traditional pub classics and fine dining options, using ingredients from British farmers and artisan food producers.
– Address: Church Street, Kingham, Chipping Norton, Oxfordshire, OX7 6YA
– Phone: +44 (0)1608 658389
– Hours: 12 pm-11 pm, Mon-Fri
– Must-Try: Hawkstone IPA, Hook Norton’s Hooky, smoked haddock fish pie
– Average Cost: £2-£4 per pint, £7 per cocktail, £19-£34 per main
Crown and Cushion
This 15th Century coaching inn features a selection of local beers and ciders and offers classic pub fare. It also provides an all-you-can-eat Sunday buffet and has an indoor, heated pool for guests.
– Address: 23 High Street, Chipping Norton, Oxfordshire, OX7 5AD
– Phone: +44 (0)1608 642533
– Hours: 11:30 am-11 pm, Mon-Sat; 11:30 am-10 pm, Sun
– Must-Try: Local cask ales, beer-battered fish and chips, Sunday banquet
– Average Cost: £3-£5 per pint, £6 per cocktail, £8-£15 per main
Falkland Arms
In the village of Great Tew, this country pub features a traditional thatched roof, suntrap terrace, and original features. It offers picturesque village views and a wide selection of local beers and ciders.
– Address: 19-21 The Green, Great Tew, Chipping Norton, Oxfordshire, OX7 4DB
– Phone: +44 (0)1608 683653
– Hours: 12 pm-11 pm, Mon-Sat; 12 pm-9 pm, Sun
– Must-Try: Wadworth Ale, Henry’s IPA, Sunday roast
– Average Cost: £4-£6 per pint, £8 per cocktail, £13.95-£16.50 per main
The Tite Inn
Located in Chadlington, just 3.6 miles from Chipping Norton, The Tite Inn offers a beer garden with village views and a seasonal menu. It’s known for its hand-pulled ales and cozy atmosphere.
– Address: Mill End, Chadlington, Chipping Norton, Oxfordshire, OX7 3NY
– Phone: +44 (0)1608 676910
– Hours: 12 pm-10 pm, Wed-Thu; 12 pm-11 pm, Fri; 11 am-11 pm, Sat; 11 am-7 pm, Sun (closed Mon-Tue)
– Must-Try: Oxford IPA, Oxford Pale Ale, Sunday roast
– Average Cost: £3.50-£5.50 per pint, £7.50 per cocktail, £16-£20 per main
The Kingham Plough
This gastro pub in Kingham offers a large selection of locally brewed beers and ciders and an excellent menu from bar snacks to fine dining. The menu includes pub classics and more upmarket options like wood-fired tiger prawns.
– Address: The Green, Kingham, Chipping Norton, Oxfordshire, OX7 6YD
– Phone: +44 (0)1608 658327
– Hours: 12 pm-11 pm, Mon-Sun
– Must-Try: Local cask ales, fish and chips, wood-fired tiger prawns
– Average Cost: £4-£6 per pint, £8 per cocktail, £16-£30 per main
White Hart Royal
This pub in Moreton in Marsh, just over the county border, is a 17th Century coaching inn with a bar, restaurant, and guest rooms. The menu focuses on seasonal and local produce, and afternoon tea is available daily.
– Address: High Street, Moreton in Marsh, Gloucestershire, GL56 0BA
– Phone: +44 (0)1608 650731
– Hours: 12 pm-11 pm, Mon-Sun
– Must-Try: Local cask ales, full English breakfast, Sunday roast
– Average Cost: £4-£6 per pint, £8.50 per cocktail, £15.95-£21.95 per main
Crown Inn, Enstone
This country pub in Church Enstone offers a relaxed setting with local beers, ciders, imported bottled beers, wines, and cocktails. It has welcomed visitors for over 300 years.
– Address: Mill Lane, Church Enstone, Chipping Norton, Oxfordshire, OX7 4NN
– Phone: +44 (0)1608 677262
– Hours: 12 pm-11 pm, Mon-Fri
– Must-Try: Local cask ales, local cider, lamb chop
– Average Cost: £4-£6 per pint, £7 per cocktail, £16-£24 per main
The Boxing Hare
This gastro pub near Chipping Norton offers fine dining with a modern twist. The á la carte menu includes British and European dishes, and the bar serves a variety of local beers, ciders, and wines.
– Address: Banbury Road, Chipping Norton, Oxfordshire, OX7 4AP
– Phone: +44 (0)1608 683212
– Hours: 12 pm-10 pm, Wed-Sat; 12 pm-4 pm, Sun (closed Mon-Tue)
– Must-Try: Local cask ales, Thai-spiced mussels, Sunday roast
– Average Cost: £2-£4 per pint, £7 per cocktail, £18-£23 per main
FAQs
Chipping Norton offers many excellent pubs, with The Blue Boar, The Fox, and Chequers being top choices. Nearby options also include the Falkland Arms, Gate Hangs High, and Kingham Plough. Tipping isn’t necessary for drinks, but a 10-15% tip for good food and service is appreciated. Most of the best pubs are located in the town center, but there are lovely country pubs in nearby villages. The average price of a pint in Chipping Norton is around £5. The Crown and Cushion is famous because it was once owned by Keith Moon from The Who, and Chequers is the oldest pub, dating back to 1444.
With so many great options, you’ll enjoy exploring Chipping Norton’s delightful pubs. Which one will you try first? If you love a rustic, country pub, you’re in the right place. Enjoy some of the best local and seasonal pub grub in the area.
