The City Arms

288 Cowley Rd, Oxford OX4 1UR, United Kingdom
+44 1865 725299
$$$ Pub
(1304 Reviews)
Price Range £20–30

Located at the vibrant heart of Oxford on Cowley Road, The City Arms is not just a pub; it’s a beloved institution that celebrates the essence of British pub culture with a modern twist. Known for its warm atmosphere and welcoming service, this pub has become a go-to spot for both locals and visitors alike.

Walking into The City Arms, you are instantly embraced by its cozy ambience—a perfect blend of traditional charm and contemporary style. Wooden beams and vintage decor create an inviting space that is ideal for catching up with friends or enjoying a leisurely afternoon. The lively atmosphere is often amplified by live music on Saturdays, making it a vibrant hub for socializing and merriment.

The culinary offerings at The City Arms are as diverse as the crowd it attracts. With a menu that caters to a variety of tastes, it’s a haven for food lovers. Start your meal with one of their delightful grilled sandwiches; the Mac & Cheese and Vegan Grilled Sandwich both promise a comforting experience that will leave you wanting more. For a brunch experience that is worth raving about, their The Big Breakfast and Smashed Avo Crumpets come highly recommended, providing a hearty start to your day.

If you have a sweet tooth, don’t miss out on their indulgent desserts, such as the Chocolate Fudge Cake and the more experimental Sweet & Salty Donut Stack. These sweet treats are a perfect way to conclude your meal, offering a delightful contrast to the savory mains.

The City Arms’ reputation for excellent service is consistently echoed in customer reviews. Diners frequently praise the staff, with mentions of the attentive and friendly service provided by Anna and Ed, who have been noted for their ability to elevate the dining experience. “It’s the best bottomless brunch we’ve ever been to,” raved one guest, reflecting the satisfaction and enjoyment that permeates every visit.

With a menu filled with heartwarming options, friendly service, and a bustling atmosphere, The City Arms is a must-visit for anyone looking to savor the local pub scene in Oxford. So whether you're planning a casual lunch, a bottomless brunch with friends, or simply a place to unwind with a drink in hand, The City Arms has got you covered.

Accessibility
Has wheelchair-accessible entrance
Has wheelchair-accessible toilet
No wheelchair-accessible car park
Service options
Has outdoor seating
Offers delivery
Serves dine-in
Highlights
Has bar games
Has great beer selection
Has karaoke
Has live performances
Good for watching sport
Popular for
Good for solo dining
Offerings
Serves alcohol
Serves beer
Serves cocktails
Serves food
Serves food at bar
Serves spirits
Serves wine
Dining options
Has seating
Amenities
Has toilet
Atmosphere
Casual
Trendy
Crowd
Good for groups
Planning
Accepts reservations
Payments
Accepts credit cards
Accepts debit cards
Accepts NFC mobile payments
Openings Hours
Checking

Monday

12:00 PM - 12:00 AM

Tuesday

12:00 PM - 12:00 AM

Wednesday

12:00 PM - 12:00 AM

Thursday

12:00 PM - 12:00 AM

Friday

12:00 PM - 12:00 AM

Saturday

12:00 PM - 12:00 AM

Sunday

12:00 PM - 12:00 AM

1304 Reviews
Elleigh Lewis

19 Sep 2025

Certainly! Here’s a positive and professional review focused on Anna’s service. If you have more context (what kind of service she provided—customer service, hospitality, freelance work, etc.), I can tailor it further. For now, here’s a versatile version: ⸻ Review of Anna’s Service I recently had the pleasure of receiving service from Anna, and I was thoroughly impressed by her professionalism, attentiveness, and dedication to excellence. From start to finish, Anna demonstrated a strong commitment to making sure everything ran smoothly and that all of my needs were met with care and efficiency. What stood out most was Anna’s attention to detail and her warm, welcoming attitude. She made the experience not only easy but also genuinely enjoyable. It’s clear she takes pride in her work and goes the extra mile to ensure customer satisfaction. I would highly recommend Anna to anyone looking for top-quality service. Her reliability, positive demeanor, and high standards make her a standout in her field.

Keira Leigh

13 Sep 2025

had the absolute pleasure of being served by Anna during a recent bottomless brunch, and I can confidently say that her service elevated the entire experience. From the moment we arrived, Anna greeted us with a warm smile and genuine enthusiasm that set the tone for the rest of our visit. She was incredibly attentive without being intrusive—our drinks were always topped up before we even had to ask, and she checked in regularly to make sure we had everything we needed. What really stood out was how effortlessly she managed to balance professionalism with a fun, friendly attitude that perfectly matched the vibe of brunch. She even remembered individual preferences at our table, which made us feel truly taken care of. In a setting where things can easily get hectic, Anna stayed calm, organized, and gracious throughout. Her energy and attention to detail turned a great brunch into a memorable one. She’s a standout, and I’d come back just to be served by her again. If you’re lucky enough to have Anna as your server, you’re in for a top-tier experience.

poppy wells

04 Sep 2025

Anna was an amazing server, food and service was lovely. i couldn’t have asked for a better bottomless brunch & food was superb!!

Danny Cameron

14 Aug 2025

I visited The City Arms in Oxford, and it’s one of the best pub experiences I've had. Situated in the heart of the city, it offers a warm, traditional atmosphere with friendly staff. The menu features hearty classics and modern dishes, especially their flaky, savory pies. The drinks selection includes craft beers, local ales, and cocktails. Its cozy interior with wooden beams and vintage decor creates a relaxing vibe. The lively yet relaxed atmosphere makes it perfect for casual drinks or intimate dinners. If you're in Oxford, The City Arms is a must-visit for great food, drinks, and ambiance.

Narysse Birtwell

11 Aug 2025

Came here with some friends for a bottomless brunch and WOW!! Ed went above and beyond it make our experience that extra special, the food was hot and well presented. The service from the whole team was impeccable. Honestly cannot recommend enough.

E Crowdy

09 Aug 2025

Had the bottomless brunch at 1pm on a Saturday. Was great service and had our fill of drinks in the 2 hour window. The server man was very attentive and even gave us the option of having a bottle of fizz to end the experience! Live in Reading but will 100% come back to the city arms for another. The price and quality was brilliant Live music aswell if you go on a Saturday! Happy bonus

Harriet Lahel

27 Jul 2025

The guy behind the bar (manager?) who looked like Matthew Baynton was unbelievably brilliant! Best bottomless brunch we’ve ever been to, really attentive, the drinks didn’t stop flowing! Food all came out on time, great atmosphere, a screen in every corner with every sport we could possibly want to watch. Shame we don’t live in the area or we’d be back every week!

Bethany West

15 Jun 2025

If you're looking for a bottomless brunch in Oxford I'd highly recommend booking City Arms. Food was lovely and they were always back at the table asking for our next drinks! Lovely atmosphere. Well looked after by Anna

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