|
The Turf Tavern is a historic pub located alongside the University of Oxford colleges. Its foundations date back to the 14th century and its city centre location makes it a firm favourite for both town and gown.
With its combination of excellent cask beer, a superb seasonal menu, special events throughout the year and vibrant atmosphere, the Turf was crowned Overall Winner of the Abbot Ale Perfect Pub Awards 2007. Not surprisingly, it’s a popular spot and can get very busy. The quirky layout includes twisting passageways and courtyards covered in awnings, warmed in the evenings by outdoor heaters. Here students, tourists and locals sit, stand and vie for space in lively surroundings.
The Turf made a robust claim to win the title of Perfect Cask Pub based on an uncompromising commitment to cask beer. As licensee Darren Kent explains, “We campaign about beer. We educate people about beer. For me it is a passion not a job. At the Turf we specialise in offering a wide variety of real ales. We have around 11 on offer every day, enough to keep even the hardiest drinker busy. The important thing is to make sure we always have a good selection of beer styles so that we can satisfy most people’s tastes.”
He continued, "I will only employ people who are passionate about beer – I don't want someone who simply wants a part- time job behind the bar. Our role is to educate our customers. In fact, we see ourselves as offering an education in intoxication. It’s not about getting people drunk, but helping them to develop a better understanding about beer.
"With so many cask ales on sale some might say that everyday at the Turf is a festival. But we also run regular beer festivals that offer something different again. We may showcase several beers from a brewery, culminating in a meet-the-brewer evening, chance to find out more about the brewing process and a tour of the pub’s cellar. For instance, this summer White Horse brewer Andy Wilson will be hosting tutored beer tastings on a weekly basis.”
A student at the Turf summed it up beautifully when he walked in and said, “Doesn’t this place make you want to have a pint, it’s just perfect”.
For a deeper insight into what makes the Turf so special, take a look at the website, which reinforces the sense of community and loyalty that it inspires. It is in recognition of the all-round passion and commitment shown by Darren Kent and his staff to all the key elements that make the Perfect Pub that convinced the judges’ to name it the Overall Winner of the Abbot Ale Perfect Pub Awards 2007.
7 Bath Place, Oxford
Tel: 01865 243235
www.theturftavern.co.uk
Tourist information:
www.oxford.gov.uk/tourism
Brimming with history, Oxford’s world-famous university, medieval architecture and dreaming spires attract visitors from around the world. Enjoy excellent shopping, wonderful walks or simply punting on the river.
Regional Winners
Anglia
Dove Inn, Ipswich
Borders
Rosedene, Queen Alexandra Road, Sunderland
Granada
Smugglers Den, Morecambe
London
Skinners Arms, Kings Cross, London
Meridian
Gribble Inn, Oving, Near Chichester, West Sussex
Scotland
Ship Inn, Elie, Fife
Tyne Tees
Twenty 2, Coniscliffe Road, Darlington
Wales
Blue Anchor Inn, East Aberthaw, Barry
West Country
Turtley Corn Mill, Avonwick, Devon
Yorkshire
Holly Bush, Makeney, Belper, nr Derby
Back
|
