The Head of the River, Oxford

I don't know when this pub opened as it's a warehouse conversion but it has been here since my one last visit, 23 years ago. Unchanged since the reviews below, this is indeed a large split level pub with much brick, both painted and bare. Furniture is conventional as well as button-wingbacked armchairs and leatherette banquettes; the floor is slate, covered with some kilims, the whole punctuated by muted music and friendly service. The overall effect is one of a hotel bar which is no surprise given that this is a hotel pub, except that I doubt other hotel pubs have run out of lavatory paper at just 7.30 pm; does no-one here check the lavs? Ales: the standard Fuller's range with the addition of Shotover's Oxford Prospect at £2.20 a half and ok, the high price being explained by the pub's tourist trap location. The main draw of course is the idyllic location and in this respect it succeeds, but as mentioned below, enthusiasm wanes on a rainy or winter's day when the disincentive of the long slog here from the centre of Oxford is a bit of drag. That said, on a hot summer's day there's no doubting that if you want a great riverside view, this pub gives good head.

This split level Fullers pub has a peerless location on the banks of the Thames, adjacent to Folly's Bridge. There are probably more seats out on the expansive riverside patio than there are inside the pub, which is fair enough, as the views are certainly worth taking in over a pint or two. Numerous tables and chairs cover a deceptively large area which has an old crane as a centrepiece. Two entrances lead into a well kept interior. The lower, right hand door has a porch with some information boards inside, including one which explains the origins of the 'Oxford Eights' - a regatta which takes place on the river outside. The servery runs along the back wall and is split level in the same way as the rest of the room. There is a mix of bare floorboards and quarry stone flooring throughout, with modern wallpaper providing a slightly contemporary slant on an otherwise conservative interior. Lots of comfy button backed banquettes and a fair bit of standard seating is available, with a lovely fireplace to the right of the bar acting as a focal point. Various old photos and items of local interest can be found throughout and are worth a bit of snooping through. There is also a nice first floor balcony outside, decorated with a wonderfully colourful display of flowers, although I couldn't figure out if customers were permitted up there. Three Fullers ales - London Pride, ESB and Oliver's Island - were available alongside a guest from Prospect. I gave the Oliver's Island a try and thought it was okay but not in tip-top condition. Food is also available and the pub is a handy start/finish point for anyone wanting to enjoy a river cruise from any of the numerous companies that operate from Folly's Bridge. If this pub were to be dropped just about anywhere else in Oxford, it would be a fairly unremarkable place but it is the prospect of supping a pint whilst watching inept folk trying their hand at punting on the river that makes the place a draw. Whether the pub stands up to repeat visits in inclement weather is another matter entirely.

Official site of The Head of the River - www.headoftheriveroxford.co.uk

Official site of The Head of the River - www.headoftheriveroxford.co.uk

My second visit here the last time was 10 years ago still as it was like the old saying if its not broken don't try mend it. It was the 10th of July very hot day sat in the beer garden had a couple of pints of fullers pride in fine form with a head to it. Well worth a visit