The Holly Bush — Pub in Oxford

You can find The Holly Bush Pub on Bridge Street in Osney Island, just outside the city. This Victorian-era brick building has served as a pub since 1860 and remains a favourite for students and locals alike. It's best known for its stone-baked pizza and beer garden, which draws people looking for a lively evening spot. The venue is busy from 5pm to 9pm, especially on weekends when it gets packed with groups and solo visitors. You’ll find the indoor space welcoming and accessible with step-free access; there’s also a covered outdoor area where quiz nights happen regularly. Staff remember names and orders, which makes repeat visits feel personal.

About The Venue

The Holly Bush Pub is a listed building from 1860 originally used as a residential and commercial pub. It still has traditional Victorian decor with warm lighting and high noise levels typical of active spaces in Oxfordshire. The interior includes step-free access for wheelchair users and the beer garden runs along Osney Island. Its original brickwork, timber beams and tall ceilings remain intact. Over time it has adapted to modern demand while keeping its core look and feel.

Typical Experiences

Go to The Holly Bush Pub in the evening between 5pm and 9pm for stone-baked pizza and craft beer on tap. You can find people gathering inside or outside the beer garden, enjoying quiz nights that are often held here. Staff remember names and orders, making it feel like a place you’d want to return to. The venue is welcoming for solo visits and groups alike. It gets busy during peak hours so plan accordingly.

Notable Features

  • Stone-baked pizza
  • Beer garden on Osney Island
  • Beer garden with artisan pizzas
  • Quiz nights and staff hospitality

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Information about this venue is based on publicly available sources and may be incomplete. Last updated in April 2026.