Two historic taverns dating back more than two centuries stand in tucked-away alleyways close to Carfax Tower in Oxford.
The Crown can be found adjacent to Cornmarket Street, whereas The Chequers occupies a side turning that leads off the High Street.
Both venues fall under Nicholson’s operations, with The Chequers having undergone extensive works costing £400,000 in 2022. The establishment has received recognition as Oxford Mail Pub of the Week.
The refurbishment prioritised the site’s heritage features, maintaining centuries-old timber dating from the 1500s.
University college crests adorn the interior walls, and the venue is celebrated for its cask ales alongside traditional pub dishes, including fish pie at £17.50, steak and ale pie priced at £18, fish and chips for £21, and sausage and mash at £15.50.
Kerry Skrzypiec serves as manager of The Chequers in 2025.
The pub possesses a remarkable history, as highlighted by Nicholson’s: their Grade II-listed establishment stretches back to 1279 and formerly functioned as a display area for animals and inventors, in addition to operating as offices for money lenders.
In the 1500s, Alderman Richard Kent rebuilt the property, transforming it from a moneylender’s residence into an inn.
The narrative continued. During the mid-1700s, the venue accommodated a semi-permanent collection of 14 unusual animals, among them a camel, an opossum, and reportedly a shark.
The unusual creature exhibitions from 17th-century explorers have disappeared, though features such as stained glass windows and decorative woodwork above the bar continue as evidence of the building’s colourful history.
Stories circulate that the venue also features a hidden corridor linking to another public house on the High Street, supposedly used as an escape route for Catholic priests conducting unlawful masses during King Henry VII’s era.
Oxford’s CAMRA (Campaign for Real Ale) branch has praised the establishment’s ale offerings.
They commented: now under Nicholson’s stewardship, the pub generally provides a dependable selection of real ales, often with two extra choices during the later part of the week.
Every Oxford college crest appears on the ceiling, except for Corpus Christi, as the crest displayed corresponds to Corpus Cambridge.
The venue holds a rating of 3.9 out of five on Tripadvisor.
One recent visitor posted: my favourite pub in Oxford – love it. Superb drinks – ideal spot to watch sporting events. I’ll definitely return. Stay as you are.
Another patron travelling from Cardiff noted: I stopped by for a drink while discovering the finest cask ale venues in the attractive city of Oxford. I was not let down when I visited The Chequers. The limited edition Maverick from St Austell brewery was superb. Expertly looked after, served at cellar temperature and perfectly poured. I thoroughly recommend visiting this uniquely characterful pub. The cuisine appeared superb as well.