Run by Jon and Ang Evans for the past 16 years, The Oxford is that increasingly rare thing – a proper community pub that welcomes everybody who drinks there.
Early on Saturday night, there was a rich mix of locals in the bar, from families with toddlers to groups of students. Others were grabbing tables near the permanent stage to get the best spots before the live music that makes the pub an additional draw at weekends.
There are plenty of other reasons people visit The Oxford throughout the week. The Thursday evening and Sunday afternoon open mic sessions are well supported in this south Bristol favourite and have been running since the Evans family took over the pub in 2009.
The Oxford is also regarded as one of the best pubs when it comes to atmosphere for the Six Nations rugby due to the sound running through the PA and across four large screens.
A large Victorian corner pub with a U-shaped room and central bar separating the two main areas, the decor is eclectic. There are colourful murals and paintings of various music stars – from Motorhead’s Lemmy to rapper Tupac – and plenty of clues to the landlord’s Mancunian roots, whether it’s the musical map of Manchester or the Man City flag on the wall.
But when it comes to the beer, there is staunch support for West Country breweries. Walls are plastered with old beer clips from local breweries including New Bristol Brewery and Bristol Beer Factory.
And it was Bristol Beer Factory whose beers dominated the handpumps when I visited this week. The choice included Independence, Challenge Accepted, Right to Roam and Milk Stout, with Butcombe Original on offer for more traditional ale drinkers.
And the big news for The Oxford regulars is that the pub’s legendary Sunday lunches are coming back. They restart on Sunday February 2 and booking is recommended as owner Jon says ‘demand for them has been pretty relentless’.
As to the pub’s enduring success and popularity, Jon says it’s all about sticking with his original plan to keep The Oxford ‘a proper pub’.
“Having lived in Totterdown for well over 30 years, I frequented The Oxford for about half that time as a customer. The pub was a real gem back then and was always packed to the rafters with so many colourful characters.
“Sadly Phil, the landlord back then, passed away and through various changes of management the place lost its way. Things got so bad that the pub spent a period of time boarded up.
“Low on budget but with bags of belief and enthusiasm, I convinced my partner that we could breathe some fresh life into the place. With very little investment the whole family rolled their sleeves up and gave it a scrub and nearly 16 years later and countless awards here we still are!
“Whilst the demographic of the community has changed massively over the years I’d like to think we’ve stuck with our game plan since day one and kept the place as real to a ‘proper pub’ as we can. Here’s to many more happy years ahead!”
The Oxford, 120-122 Oxford Street, Totterdown, Bristol, BS3 4RL.