"A thatched 17th-century riverside inn on Port Meadow serving polished modern-British plates to walkers and romantics alike."
About The Perch
The Perch is one of Oxford's oldest inns, a 17th-century plaster-rubble building under a thatched roof, reached on foot across Port Meadow or down Binsey Lane. Its long riverside garden, hard by the Thames, is the real draw: a rare spot where you can walk the meadow and sit down to a proper meal at the end of it. It anchors our Oxford picks for a relaxed day out.
Inside, low beams and open fires make it a year-round room rather than a fair-weather garden pub, and the kitchen takes the food seriously enough to draw diners well beyond the dog-walking crowd.
The Kitchen
The menu is modern British with a strong fish hand: steamed Cornish mussels with cider cream and gremolata at around £12, a grilled fillet of sea bream with cauliflower and Quickes cheddar at around £25, and traditionally made veal-and-pork pies with Oxford Blue mash and onion gravy. There is an unusually generous spread for vegetarians and vegans, and a garden Shed Bar turns out burgers in summer.
The Room
Beamed, candle-friendly snugs give way to that long garden running down to the water. It is genuinely romantic at dusk and easy with children and dogs by day, which is a rare combination. Book a garden table in good weather and an inside table by the fire in winter.
Best for a riverside first date or a relaxed anniversary
Walk across Port Meadow, then settle into the garden for a long lunch: it is a low-pressure first date and an easy anniversary in equal measure.
Not for
A slick city-centre business dinner or anyone unwilling to walk: there is no easy parking, and reaching it means a stroll across the meadow.
Frequently Asked
Where is The Perch in Oxford?
The Perch is on Binsey Lane in Binsey, reached on foot across Port Meadow or down the lane. The postcode is OX2 0NG.
Is The Perch a pub or a restaurant?
Both. It is a historic 17th-century thatched inn with a proper kitchen, serving a modern British menu alongside beers and wines, plus a garden Shed Bar in summer.
What is good to eat at The Perch?
Standouts include steamed Cornish mussels with cider cream, a grilled fillet of sea bream with cauliflower and Quickes cheddar, and traditional veal-and-pork pies.
Is The Perch good for vegetarians and vegans?
Yes. The kitchen keeps an unusually generous spread of vegetarian and vegan dishes alongside its meat and fish menu.
Do you need to book The Perch?
Booking is wise, especially for the riverside garden in summer and for Sunday lunch year-round, as there is no easy parking and the room fills up.
Reserve a Table
Reserve at The Perch
Book ahead for the garden in summer and for Sunday lunch year-round.
Affiliate disclosure: Restaurants for Kings may earn a commission when you book through our reservation links, at no cost to you. Our scores are editorial and never paid for.
Practical Information
AddressBinsey Lane, Binsey, Oxford OX2 0NG
NeighbourhoodBinsey / Port Meadow
CuisineModern British
Price$$$ · mains approx. £18-25
RecognitionOne of Oxford’s oldest inns (17th century)
SignatureGrilled fillet of sea bream
