Is an education in itself
but what makes the place special are the snippets of university club ties adorning the walls and ceiling.
Landlord Alan Course began the tradition in 1952, when he’d snip off the end of a gentleman’s tie in exchange for half a pint of beer.
STAY
With 104 rooms, The De Vere Oxford Thames (01865 565251/ devere.com) is a sprawling medieval bolthole tucked away on the River Thames. It was once the headquarters of the Knights Templar before being passed through various owners including religious figures, lords and kings.
It’s been sympathetically brought up to modern standards without losing its original character.
Exposed brick walls and original beams feature in the balconied Crusaders Bar, while the conservatory-style roof of the stylish dining room with rattan chairs and shutter screens is far more contemporary.
Dinner is created by BBC MasterChef star Claudio Costea in the River Room which also has two AA Rosettes. Meat lovers will be indulged with their grass-fed fillet steak and rump of English lamb.
The cheese board featuring local produce from Oxford is hugely popular. Rooms are stylish with patterned fabrics, prints and photographs of local scenes and accents of brights such as orange throws and teal velvet club chairs.
But for me, the simple pleasures of a peaceful walk by the river, watching electric-blue dragonflies dancing over the water were just magical. Doubles from £159, B&B.
Oxford tourism: experienceoxfordshire.org