This is one of Oxford’s finest pubs, situated in the heart of a city full of delightful drinking establishments.

The Venue
Getting to the Turf Tavern is a little like stepping into another world. There are two narrow alleyways, one on either side, that lead to the pub. Neither are signposted, making it almost impossible to find it unless you already know where it is.

Under the Bridge of Sighs, St Helen’s passage leads you in from one direction, while from Hollywell street, you enter the charming 16th-Century tavern through Bath Place.

From the latter entrance, you pass the wooden terraces which are heated in the winter under huge patio heaters, and shaded in the summer by equally enormous umbrellas. This area is popular with ale drinkers who sit talking and sipping at all times of the day.

When you get inside you are immediately hit by the squashed nature of the whole thing, or, if particularly unlucky, the ceiling itself. Indoors, the low-slung ceiling, oak beams, comfortable seats and whitewashed walls remind you that this place has been running for more than 400 years, and it is all the better for it.

One bar opens out onto two different rooms, which is helpful as the place is so crowded, with the kitchen placed further back. The Turf Tavern is isolated, small and almost maze-like in its layout - it's an incredibly charming place.

The People
Here, dons and students mix freely with tourists, sixth formers and locals, all enjoying the homely atmosphere of the pub. All sorts of people drink in the Turf Tavern, and there is no difference between those who choose to sit in the warm and cosy inside, and those who prefer the equally warm and cosy outside.

Tuesday's quiz night is always popular as is their open mic night, although this is usually only held during term time. If you don't get there early, don’t expect a seat. The place is always packed, and the bar is always busy. The slow bar service, due to the extreme overcrowding, is made up for by a very friendly and agreeable bar staff.

The Food
Standard pub fare seems to be the rule. Fish and chips is £7.95, as is their pie of the day, which may seem overpriced but you won't be able to find pub food for much less anywhere else in the centre of town, and certainly not anywhere as pleasant to spend an evening. Their other meals are slightly less expensive, and tasty enough. Food is not what you come to the Turf Tavern for however.

The Drink
There is a reason why the Turf Tavern won the 2007 Abbot Ale Perfect Cask Ale pub award and the Greene King Cask Ale Pub award - its large and varying selection of ales. Weekly guest ales (£2.80 to £3) sit alongside regulars such as White Horse, and there are always new ales to sample.

Prices are not unreasonable, and the drinks are excellent, although there is the ever-present danger of running out of the ale or cider you are drinking. If this happens to you, don't worry, simply switch to another ale (there are 11 guest ales) and carry on your night.

The Last Word
The Turf Tavern is one of the most enjoyable and relaxing pubs around. It doesn't have the latest chart hits pumping out of a stereo, and doesn't really do lager, and is, by all accounts, a thoroughly enjoyable place to be.

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