Chipping Norton is a charming market town in the Cotswolds that’s full of plenty of fun things to do. As well as the excellent pubs in Chipping Norton and the surrounding areas, guests can enjoy visiting the weekly farmers’ market, the picturesque Almshouses, Bliss Tweed Mill, the historic Rollright Stones, and much more – there’s something for everyone.
I’m lucky enough to have friends who live in the Cotswolds and we often take day trips to Chipping Norton and stop in one or two of the local pubs. If you’re looking for a bite to eat, there are plenty of places for pub food in Chipping Norton and you might just find yourself dining next to one of the celebrities that live in the town.
There are plenty of options from historic pubs like the 16th Century Chequers Inn to the lively Fox, The Blue Boar, and Bitter and Twisted. One thing’s for sure, with so many places to drink in Chipping Norton you won’t go thirsty (or hungry) on a trip to this gorgeous Cotswolds town.
After eating and drinking my way around Chipping Norton many times, I’ve compiled this list of my favorite pubs in the town based on the atmosphere, quality of the food and drinks, service, location, my personal opinion, and customer reviews (so that it’s not only based on my experience!).
Best Pubs in Chipping Norton
Quick Look – Best Pubs in Chipping Norton
- Top Choice Overall: The Blue Boar
- Best Historic Pub: The Chequers
- Cheapest Pint Of Beer: The Red Lion Inn
- Fun Atmosphere: The Fox
- Top Pub For Live Music: The Fox
- Awesome Views: The Falkland Arms
- Best Pub To Watch Sports: The Kings Arms
1. The Blue Boar: Top Pub in Chipping Norton Overall
The Blue Boar is a cozy country pub that’s been serving customers since at least 1461; making it one of the oldest pubs in Chipping Norton. The pub features traditional oak beams and has an open fire for warming up on winter evenings. The bar is well stocked with beers, ciders, and wines from across the region and popular imports.
The restaurant serves up a delicious selection of pub classics, Sunday lunches, and European dishes using the freshest local ingredients, and there are vegan options available too. The pub is dog-friendly (Milo the pub pup loves meeting other friends), and you’ll receive a warm welcome from the friendly staff.
This is one of my favorite places for a few pints and a bite to eat in Chippy as it has all the characteristics of a proper British pub (and does one of the best Sunday roasts in town).
The Blue Boar Information
Address: 1 Goddard Lane, Chipping Norton, Oxfordshire, OX7 5NP. Click here for directions.
Phone: +44 (0)1608 643108
Operating Hours: 11 am-11 pm, Mon-Thu, 11 am-11:30 pm, Sat-Sun, 11 am-10pm, Sun
Must-Try Items: Local cask ales, cider, ale-battered fish and chips
Average Cost: £4-£6 per pint, £7.50 per cocktail, £15-£22 per main
Website: blueboarpub.co.uk
2. The Fox
The Fox is another of the most popular Chipping Norton pubs in the heart of the town. This lively venue hosts live music on weekends, has regular promotions (Tuesday is burger night), and serves an extensive menu of pub classics and contemporary British cuisine.
This is a great place to come for a night out with an excellent selection of craft beers and a bite to eat that isn’t going to break the bank (with mains from £11). The Fox also offers accommodation above the pub and is a great place to stay in the town thanks to its central location. Click here to check prices for your stay.
The Fox Information
Address: Market Place, Chipping Norton, Oxfordshire, OX7 5DD. Click here for directions.
Phone: +44 (0)1608 638535
Operating Hours: 7:30 am-11 pm, Mon-Fri, 8 am-11 pm, Sat, 8 am-10 pm, Sun
Must-Try Items: Off the Hook IPA, Hooky Gold, roast Atlantic cod
Average Cost: £4-£6 per pint, £7 per cocktail, £11-£22 per main
Website: foxchippingnorton.co.uk
3. The Chequers
Dating back to at least 1444 the Chequers is a contender for the oldest pub in Chipping Norton and has a wealth of history as can be seen from the old oak beams and rooms full of character. The Chequers is another hugely popular pub in Chipping Norton and is somewhere I love to pop in for a pint (or three) whenever I’m in town.
Inside, there’s a large conservatory for dining, and the old barn to the rear has been turned into a function room that hosts regular events such as the monthly comedy night (last Thursday of the month). The menu features traditional pub grub with a modern twist and uses locally sourced ingredients.
The Chequers Information
Address: Goddard Lane, Chipping Norton, Oxfordshire, OX7 5NP. Click here for directions.
Phone: +44 (0)1608 644717
Operating Hours: 11 am-11:30 pm, Tue-Sun (closed Mondays)
Must-Try Items: Local cask ales, Fullers London Pride, Chequers beef burger
Average Cost: £4-£6 per pint, £7.50 per cocktail, £16-£30 per main
Website: chequerschippingnorton.co.uk
4. The Red Lion Inn
The Red Lion is a cozy pub that dates back to 1684. Along with The Fox, it’s run by the local Hook Norton Brewery so you can expect a wide selection of award-winning craft beers and ales when you visit. Although small, there’s an enclosed beer garden here which is the perfect place to enjoy a refreshing pint on a hot, summer’s day.
The Red Lion Information
Address: 8 Albion Sreet, Chipping Norton, Oxfordshire, OX7 5BJ. Click here for directions.
Phone: +44 (0)1608 644641
Operating Hours: 4 pm-11 pm, Mon-Thu, 3 pm-12 am, Fri, 11 am-12 am, Sat, 11 am-6 pm, Sun
Must-Try Items: Off the Hook IPA, Hooky Original Cider, Old Hooky
Average Cost: £4-£5 per pint, £6 per cocktail
Website: thefoxchippingnorton/thered/
5. The Kings Arms
This excellent pub, restaurant, and hotel in the heart of Chipping Norton offers a cozy space with a real fire to spend the evening. If you’re a fan of rugby or football this is the place to come for live sporting events as Sky and BT sports are broadcast across six screens throughout the pub.
If, like me, you love a game of pool with your beer, then the Kings Arms is a great option. The pub has a great selection of local and imported beers, ciders, and wines served in the homey bar, and there are 12 rooms that you can book to stay in. Click here for the Kings Arms accommodation.
Food isn’t currently served at the Kings Arms, however, they have a range of bar snacks to go with your beer if you’re feeling peckish. The pub is dog-friendly so you can also bring your furry friend along.
The Kings Arms Information
Address: 18 West Street, Chipping Norton, Oxfordshire, OX7 5AA. Click here for directions.
Phone: +44 (0)1608 642668
Operating Hours: 12 pm-11 pm, Mon-Sun
Must-Try Items: Local cask ales and ciders
Average Cost: £4-£6 per pint, £7 per cocktail
Website: kingsarmschippingnorton.co.uk
6. Bitter and Twisted
If you’re looking for a fun evening with a great selection of drinks and top-notch food, then look no further than the Bitter and Twisted bar and restaurant. This family-run bar and kitchen has a vast drinks menu of real ales (craft beer), local ciders, and hand-picked wines. They make some killer cocktails too (the Cotswold Mule is a must-try).
With a sun-trap terrace for al-fresco dining, this is one of the best pubs in Chipping Norton with great views of the town. Pop in for breakfast from 10 am or make an evening of it with a range of pub classics, pasta, and mouthwatering steaks. This is one of my favorite places in Chippy for dinner and drinks.
Bitter and Twisted Information
Address: 1a Middle Row, Chipping Norton, Oxfordshire, OX7 5NH. Click here for directions.
Phone: +44 (0)1608 644466
Operating Hours: 10 am-11 pm, Wed-Thu, 10 am-12 am, Fri-Sat, 10 am-11 pm, Sun (closed Monday and Tuesday)
Must-Try Items: Local guest ales, Cotswold Mule, Scampi and chips
Average Cost: £4-£6 per pint, £10 per cocktail, £17-£22 per main
Website: bitterandtwistedchippingnorton.co.uk
7. The Gate Hangs High
This excellent country pub is located down the road from the Rollright Stones, one of the top things to do near Chipping Norton. On my last visit to the Stones, I stopped in the Gate for an awesome Sunday lunch of roast chicken with all the trimmings (Yorkshire puddings, veggies, and lashings of gravy).
The pub is 6 miles (9.6 km) from Chippy and you’ll need your own transport to get there but trust me, it’s worth it. With a location overlooking the rolling hills of the Cotswolds, this gorgeous traditional inn is a must-visit when in the area. The pub is run by the local Hook Norton Brewery so expect only the best local beers and ciders.
The Gate Hangs High Information
Address: Whichford Road, Banbury, Oxfordshire, OX15 5DF. Click here for directions.
Phone: +44 (0)1608 504003
Operating Hours: 12 pm-10:30 pm, Wed-Fri, 11 am-11 pm, Fri-Sat, 11 am-6 pm, Sun, 4 pm-9 pm, Tue (Closed Monday)
Must-Try Items: Off the Hook IPA, Hooky Original Cider, Sunday roast
Average Cost: £4-£6 per pint, £7.50 per cocktail, £12-£22 per main
Website: hooky.co.uk
8. The Wild Rabbit
This modern, British inn with old-school rustic charm in Kingham is just a five-minute drive from Chipping Norton. With a beautiful exposed stone interior, open log fire, and charming patio for outside dining, this is one of the best pubs near Chipping Norton if you’re looking for a taste of the countryside.
The bar and terrace serves traditional pub classics such as fish and chips and burgers, or you can opt for fine dining in the restaurant where the menu utilizes ingredients from British farmers and artisan food producers. Choose from the á la carte or tasting menu, and be sure to pair whatever you opt for with one of the pub’s signature cocktails.
The Wild Rabbit Information
Address: Church Street, Kingham, Chipping Norton, Oxfordshire, OX7 6YA. Click here for directions.
Phone: +44 (0)1608 658389
Operating Hours: 12 pm-11 pm, Mon-Fri
Must-Try Items: Hawkstone IPA, Hook Norton’s Hooky, smoked haddock fish pie
Average Cost: £2-£4 per pint, £7 per cocktail, £19-£34 per main
Website: thewildrabbit.co.uk
9. The Crown and Cushion
This original 15th Century coaching inn has one of the best bars in Chipping Norton and it was once owned by Kieth Moon, (drummer of the legendary band the Who). The bar serves a selection of local beers and ciders which can be enjoyed along with local cuisine either inside or out on the sun terrace.
You can choose to eat classic pub fayre from the bar menu offering beer-battered cod and chips, rump steak, and much more, or indulge in the all-you-can-eat Sunday banquet (highly recommended). The Sunday buffet costs just £11.95 for adults and £7.95 for kids making it an absolute bargain. Offer valid Sundays only between 12 pm and 3 pm.
The Crown and Cushion also has 40 traditional guest rooms and is an excellent place to stay in the Cotswolds. There’s also an indoor, heated pool for guests to take advantage of. Click here to check the prices.
The Crown and Cushion Information
Address: 23 High Street, Chipping Norton, Oxfordshire, OX7 5AD. Click here for directions.
Phone: +44 (0)1608 642533
Operating Hours: 11:30 am-11 pm, Mon-Sat, 11:30 am-10pm, Sun
Must-Try Items: Local cask ales, beer battered fish and chips, Sunday banquet
Average Cost: £3-£5 per pint, £6 per cocktail, £8-£15 per main
Website: crown-cushion.co.uk
10. The Falkland Arms
The Falkland Arms is located in the gorgeous village of Great Tew, just a ten-minute drive from Chipping Norton. This country pub is made of Cotswold stone and features a traditional thatched roof, suntrap outside terrace, and many original features that date back centuries.
This is one of the best pubs near Chipping Norton if you want picture-perfect views of a village scene that has barely changed in hundreds of years. This is one of my favorite places in the Cotswolds for a pint on a summer’s day as it feels familiar to the village I grew up in.
The Falkland Arms Information
Address: 19-21 the Green, Great Tew, Chipping Norton, Oxfordshire, OX7 4DB. Click here for directions.
Phone: +44 (0)1608 683653
Operating Hours: 12 pm-11 pm, Mon-Sat, 12 pm-9 pm, Sun
Must-Try Items: Wadworth Ale, Henry’s IPA, Sunday roast
Average Cost: £4-£6 per pint, £8 per cocktail, £13.95-£16.50 per main
Website: falklandarms.co.uk
11. The Tite Inn
The Tite Inn is one of the best pubs near Chipping Norton and is located in an absolutely gorgeous setting in the small village of Chadlington. The pub is just 3.6 miles (6 km) from Chippy and has a wonderful beer garden that overlooks the village. Pop in for a pint or something from the seasonal menu.
With a great selection of hand-pulled ales available straight from the Chadlington Brewery, this is a proper country pub with a warm and cozy feel to it that’s perfect at any time of the year. It’s also a great place for a Sunday roast.
The Tite Inn Information
Address: Mill End, Chadlington, Chipping Norton, Oxfordshire, OX7 3NY. Click here for directions.
Phone: +44 (0)1608 676910
Operating Hours: 12 pm-10 pm, Wed-Thu, 12 pm-11 pm, Fri, 11 am-11 pm, Sat, 11 am-7 pm, Sun (closed Monday and Tuesday)
Must-Try Items: Oxford IPA, Oxford Pale Ale, Sunday roast
Average Cost: £3.50-£5.50 per pint, £7.50 per cocktail, £16-£20 per main
Website: thetiteinn.co.uk
12. The Kingham Plough
This quaint country pub in the heart of the Cotswolds is located in the small village of Kingham just 4.7 miles (7.5 km) from Chipping Norton. In addition to its large selection of locally brewed beers and ciders, there’s an excellent menu offering everything from bar snacks to fine dining in the pub’s restaurant.
This is one of the best gastro pubs near Chipping Norton and the menu includes pub classics from a plowman’s lunch (one of my favorites) to fish and chips and burgers. If you’re looking for something a little more upmarket, the wood-fired tiger prawns and garlic aioli dish is a clear winner.
The Kingham Plough Information
Address: The Green, Kingham, Chipping Norton, Oxfordshire, OX7 6YD. Click here for directions.
Phone: +44 (0)1608 658327
Operating Hours: 12 pm-11 pm, Mon-Sun
Must-Try Items: Local cask ales, fish and chips, wood-fired tiger prawns
Average Cost: £4-£6 per pint, £8 per cocktail, £16-£30 per main
Website: thekinghamplough.co.uk
13. The White Hart
This charming pub in the picturesque Cotswold village of Moreton in Marsh is just over the county border in Gloucestershire and is 8.4 miles (13.5km) from Chipping Norton. It’s a 17th Century coaching inn that has a bar, restaurant, and rooms for guests.
The menu focuses on seasonal and local produce and afternoon tea is also available daily between 2 pm and 6 pm.
The White Hart Information
Address: High Street, Moreton in Marsh, Gloucestershire, GL56 0BA. Click here for directions.
Phone: +44 (0)1608 650731
Operating Hours: 12 pm-11 pm, Mon-Sun
Must-Try Items: Local cask ales, full English breakfast, Sunday roast
Average Cost: £4-£6 per pint, £8.50 per cocktail, £15.95-£21.95 per main
Website: whitehartroyal.co.uk
14. The Crown Inn
This cozy country pub made of honey-colored Cotswold stone is the perfect place for a pint. The pub has been welcoming visitors for over 300 years and has a fully stocked bar with local beers and ciders as well as imported bottled beers, wines, and a great selection of cocktails.
The Crown Inn Information
Address: Mill Lane, Church Enstone, Chipping Norton, Oxfordshire, OX7 4NN. Click here for directions.
Phone: +44 (0)1608 677262
Operating Hours: 12 pm-11 pm, Mon-Fri
Must-Try Items: Local cask ales, local cider, lamb chop
Average Cost: £4-£6 per pint, £7 per cocktail, £16-£24 per main
Website: crowninnenstone.co.uk
15. The Boxing Hare
This picturesque Cotswold stone gastro pub is the place to come for fine dining in Chipping Norton. As well as a fully-stocked bar of local beers, ciders, and wines, the á la carte menu includes pub classics with a modern twist as well as contemporary British and European cooking.
This is definitely one of the best gastro pubs near Chipping Norton and is somewhere I love to go for a bite to eat as the menu is very reasonably priced considering the quality and location.
The Boxing Hare Information
Address: Banbury Road, Chipping Norton, Oxfordshire, OX7 4AP. Click here for directions.
Phone: +44 (0)1608 683212
Operating Hours: 12 pm-10 pm, Wed-Sat, 12 pm-4 pm, Sun (closed Monday and Tuesday)
Must-Try Items: Local cask ales, Thai-spiced mussels, Sunday roast
Average Cost: £2-£4 per pint, £7 per cocktail, £18-£23 per main
Website: theboxinghare.co.uk
Chipping Norton Pubs: FAQs
Here are answers to popular questions about the best pubs in Chipping Norton:
There are so many excellent pubs in Chipping Norton, but The Blue Boar, The Fox, and Chequers are the top three. If you want to go a little further afield then the Falkland Arms, Gate Hangs High, and Kingham Pluogh are also great options just a few miles away.
It’s not necessary to tip for drinks in Chipping Norton, however for good food and service, a tip of 10% to 15% is appreciated by staff.
The town center has the best pubs in Chipping Norton, however, there are plenty of wonderful country pubs just a short drive away in villages like Kingham and Chadlington.
The average price of a pint in Chipping Norton is around £5 ($6.25USD).
The Crown and Cushion is one of the most famous pubs in Chipping Norton as it was once owned by Keith Moon of the Who.
The Chequers is the oldest pub in Chipping Norton and dates back to 1444. Many of the other pubs in the town also date from the fifteenth and sixteenth centuries.
Many of the pubs in Chipping Norton are centered around the High Street, Goddard Lane, and Market Place.
Final Thoughts
Now you know about the best pubs in Chipping Norton, which one will you try first (hint, it should definitely be either the Blue Boar, Fox, or Chequers)? If, like me, you love a pint in a rustic, country pub, then you won’t have to travel far to find one in or around Chippy.
With quaint village locations, picturesque beer gardens, and some of the best, local, and seasonal pub grub in the country, eating and drinking around Chipping Norton is an absolute pleasure.
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