Fuller's pub with rooms in a former wharf building at Folly Bridge, with a large riverside terrace and 20 bedrooms upstairs.
Photos
Photos via Google
About The Head of the River
The Head of the River sits at Folly Bridge, where St Aldate's crosses the Thames on the southern edge of the centre. The building was a wharf and warehouse, and the ground floor is still recognisably that - stone floors, exposed brick, a beamed ceiling and the old crane arm still fixed to the wall outside. The terrace runs along the water and is one of the busiest spots in Oxford on a warm evening, with rowing eights going past and punts and boat hire operating from the bank alongside.
The bedrooms are on the two floors above, around twenty of them, and are more restrained than the pub below: plain, comfortable and well kept, with the better ones looking over the river. They are reached by their own entrance and stairs. This is a pub with rooms rather than a hotel, so there is no lift and no room service, and you should expect to hear something of the bar on a Friday and Saturday - ask for a room at the rear if that matters.
Food is Fuller's pub cooking done properly, with a good range of cask beer, and breakfast is included and served downstairs. The position is excellent for walking: Christ Church Meadow starts on the far side of the road, the Botanic Garden and the High Street are ten minutes north, and the Thames path runs south towards Iffley Lock and the Isis Farmhouse. There is a small car park behind the building, which is rare this close to the centre and should be reserved when you book.
Facilities
What guests say
We hosted our wedding welcome drinks and dinner at Head of the River the evening before our wedding, and it was the perfect start to the celebrations. The service was exceptional from beginning to end. The team were incredibly helpful, flexible and accommodating throughout the planning process, and everything ran so smoothly on the evening. The food was excellent, and so many of our guests commented on how delicious it was. The venue itself is beautiful, with such a lovely riverside setting and a fantastic location in Oxford. The staff were warm, attentive and welcoming, which made the whole evening feel relaxed and special. We could not have asked for a better venue for our pre-wedding celebration and would highly recommend Head of the River for a private event.We hosted our wedding welcome drinks and dinner at Head of the River the evening before our wedding, and it was the perfect start to the celebrations. The service was exceptional from beginning to end. The team were incredibly helpful, flexible and accommodating throughout the planning process, and everything ran so smoothly on the evening. The food was excellent, and so many of our guests commented on how delicious it was. The venue itself is beautiful, with such a lovely riverside setting and a fantastic location in Oxford. The staff were warm, attentive and welcoming, which made the whole evening feel relaxed and special. We could not have asked for a better venue for our pre-wedding celebration and would highly recommend Head of the River for a private event. Separately we have also stayed at the hotel and loved our stay there - perfect location, friendly staff and a lovely continental breakfast.
a month ago · via Google
Stayed at The Head of The River for a couple of night a week or so ago. The location is very convenient when visiting Oxford being a short walk to lots of attractions, shops, bus stops etc. The rooms were very well appointed with all you needed for a stay and some nice extra touches to. The semi accessible room was well kitted out with plenty of space (there were a couple of steps to get in). We stopped in the bar a couple of times for drinks and had a roast there as well as our breakfast. The food was nice with good portions and you could tell there was care taken in the cooking and serving of it all. The young, dark haired lady on the breakfast shift was nice, friendly and efficient in the role. The blonde lady on reception was professional and helpful. The real ales were very well kept with the HSB and ESB standing out as fantastic. The only hiccup in what was a nice stay was the attitude of the staff working the Sunday night (I assume they had had a long and stressful day and wanted to go home). They were discussing how they wanted all the guests to leave quickly (in stronger terms with several swear words thrown in for good measure) all whilst I was stood a foot or so away at the bar(I know we all have these conversations in work but this is what back of house/kitchen areas are for) which did not make us feel very welcome. However we sat outside to finish our drinks and went to our rooms after the pub had closed so no real harm done. The rest of the staff we met during the rest of our stay were very good. I would recommend staying here.
2 months ago · via Google
We only stayed for one night but had a lovely time. The pub is situated only a short walk from the all of the sights and has a nice big garden with plenty of seating. Our room was beautifully decorated, very comfortable bed and good air conditioning. The room was stocked with lots of complimentary hot drinks, fresh milk and bottled water. Breakfast was included and had an amazing selection including a buffet of pastries, cereal, toast and fruit juices and a hot cooked menu. We had a lovely stay and would definitely recommend.
2 months ago · via Google
We had booked a table for a drink outside on a hot day. Great buzzing atmosphere and thankfully our table which started off in full sun in a heatwave, gradually ended up in shade which meant we could stay for the full 90 minute booking. Staff were very attentive getting us extra water and ice. Only slight negative was we couldnt see the river at all from where we were sat but not a big deal.
a month ago · via Google
This pub is praised for its delicious food, including excellent Sunday roasts and hearty burgers, alongside a wide selection of drinks and beers. Visitors also appreciate the beautiful riverside location with ample outdoor seating and the friendly staff.
Some reviews mention the service can be inattentive.
Summary via Google
At a glance
- Address
- Folly Bridge, Saint Aldate's, Oxford, OX1 4LB Get directions
- Property type
- Inn
- Location
- Folly Bridge, on the Thames
- Star rating
- 4 star
- Guest score
- 8.5 / 10 (2,200 reviews)
- Prices from
- £130 per night
- Good for children
- Yes
- Booking required
- Yes
- Destination
- Oxford