Set at the foot of the Pennines, The Oxford is one of those proper, family-run pubs that does everything right. Since it opened in 2013 under the stewardship of Alison and Phil McNeeny – the leaders of ‘Team McNeeny’ – the place has steadily built a reputation for its cosy fireplaces in winter, a large beer garden for sunny days, and a wonderfully inclusive atmosphere that works in every season.
The interior has all the hallmarks of what make a great country pub – warm lighting, flagstone flooring in the bar and a nod to traditional pub heritage. The bar side offers pints of bitter and rotating cask ales from local breweries, while the restaurant side serves up generous plates of well-cooked food. The McNeeny team make it clear from the outset that this isn’t just business but family: every pot washed, every meal cooked and every pint poured is handled with pride and care.
The menu captures the spirit of the place beautifully: familiar favourites with a bit of character. Among the stand-outs is the pub’s famed cheese and onion pie — an unmistakable house special served with chips and mushy peas. Other favourites include fish and chips, steak and ale pie, and liver and onions, alongside more adventurous dishes like salt and pepper Korean-style chicken and char-grilled tikka kebab on garlic naan. The layout also caters cleverly for different appetites, with smaller-plate versions of many dishes making it easy to drop in for a quick bite or a casual drink.
Outside, the large beer garden gives you room to spread out — an ideal spot in good weather for a pint, a glass of wine or something from the specials board, with cute sheds and bunting bringing the festive vibes, as do the food festivals, Christmas markets and the other community events they host. Inside, the fireplaces and relaxed layout invite you to linger, whether you’re catching up with friends or settling in for a slow Sunday lunch.
The Oxford isn’t just about serving food and drink: it’s about building a local hub where people feel known, welcomed and well-looked after.
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