Going to a sports bar to watch sports can be a great way to amplify the atmosphere. On top of this, you can choose from a range of drinks and snacks without missing any of the action. You’ll find plenty of pubs in Oxford with TVs. But which are truly the best for watching sports?
Ideally, you want somewhere that is centred around sports and that broadcasts a range of events. Below are 5 examples of pubs in Oxford that truly cater to sports fans.
O’Neill’s
O’Neill’s is a famous Irish pub chain with 49 outlets throughout the UK. They’re known for broadcasting an extensive range of sports throughout their pubs. This includes standard sports like football, but also other niche sports. So if you’re wondering where to watch F1 UK or darts, O’Neill’s could be a good choice.
Oxford’s O’Neill’s pub is located at 37 George Street not far from the Oxford University Faculty of History building. You can grab juicy burgers and tasty pizzas here to eat while watching your favourite sports. The pub also hosts live music, as well as karaoke (for those who like a sing-song!).
J’s Sports Bar
If you want to play pool or snooker, J’s Sports Bar is a good choice. It has 9 pool tables, 3 snooker tables and 2 American pool tables. On top of this, it has 2 dart boards with electronic scoring. However, it’s not just a great bar for playing bar sports – you can also watch all the big sports events here. This includes coverage from Sky Sports and BT Sports.
You’ll find J’s Sports Bar on the first floor of the Ozone Leisure Park on Grenoble Road. On top of selling a range of drinks, you can also buy food here. This bar gets very busy, so make sure to reserve a pool table if you want to play while you watch. You can reserve pool tables online or by calling up the pub.
The City Arms
The City Arms is another pub in Oxford centred around sports. It’s popular among students due to its deals for student card holders. However, you’ll find a range of age ranges here soaking up the vibrant atmosphere. The pub broadcasts a range of live sports from cricket to rugby on a range of screens. You can find information on the sports events they’re showing online.
The City Arms is located on 288 Cowley Road opposite the Athena Guest House hotel. The pub has a garden with outdoor seating, which makes it a very popular spot in the summer. If you’re feeling hungry, they sell burgers and hot dogs at the bar. The City Arms is also a popular venue for live music and also hosts karaoke on select nights.
St Aldate’s Tavern
This traditional Victorian pub welcomes everyone from families with kids to dogs. The pub broadcasts events on both Sky Sports and TNT Sports and has become a popular pub for sports fans to gather. You can check out some of the upcoming events they are showing on their website.
Located on 108 St Aldate’s, this pub is in the historic heart of Oxford near attractions such as Christ Church and The Story Museum, and therefore is a convenient pub for many tourists. St Aldate’s Tavern doesn’t just broadcast sports but also regularly shows movies and is also a popular standup comedy spot. Those who are feeling peckish can choose from a buffet menu.
Wig & Pen
The Wig & Pen is another great option for those wanting to watch sports. You can catch all the big games here on Sky Sports and TNT Sports including every fixture of the upcoming Euros. This pub can get busy, however there is an option to book a table on their website.
You’ll find the Wig & Pen on 9 – 13 George Street (it’s on the same road as O’Neill’s). Beyond its selection of live sports, this pub is popular for its range of ales and cocktails. It also has one of the few bars in Oxford with rooftop seating. Food served here includes a range of tasty classic pub favourites like fish and chips. The pub occasionally hosts live music performances
This is just a small selection of the pubs throughout Oxford that broadcast televised sports. Major sporting events can be watched from most of the city’s pubs. However, the pub’s above are likely to give you some of the best coverage and the most energetic atmosphere due to their reputation as sports bars.