Oxford, a city renowned for its prestigious university, stunning architecture, and rich history, offers more than just academic pursuits and sightseeing. As the sun sets over the dreaming spires, a different side of the city comes to life – its vibrant rooftop bar scene. These elevated venues provide the perfect blend of sophisticated ambiance, creative cocktails, and breathtaking views that showcase Oxford’s iconic skyline.

Best Rooftop Bars in Oxford

Whether you’re a local looking for a new hangout or a visitor seeking to experience the city from a unique perspective, these rooftop bars offer an unforgettable experience. Let’s explore the best rooftop bars Oxford has to offer, starting with the crown jewel of the scene.

1. Sixes Oxford

Perched atop the Westgate Shopping Centre, Sixes Oxford takes the top spot on our list for its unparalleled combination of entertainment, cuisine, and panoramic views. This innovative venue isn’t just a bar – it’s a social cricket experience that has quickly become a favorite among locals and tourists alike. It’s the perfect venue to chill and watch cricket in Oxford or watch football in Oxford.

Atmosphere: Sixes Oxford boasts a sleek, modern interior that seamlessly blends into an expansive rooftop terrace. The space is designed to accommodate both the indoor cricket nets and the outdoor seating area, creating a unique atmosphere that’s both sporty and sophisticated.

View: The rooftop offers a stunning 360-degree view of Oxford’s historic skyline. From here, you can spot the iconic spires of the University of Oxford colleges, the dome of the Radcliffe Camera, and the sprawling green spaces that surround the city.

Signature Drinks: While Sixes is known for its cricket experience, its bar doesn’t fall short. Try their “Bowled Over” cocktail, a refreshing mix of gin, elderflower, and cucumber, or the “Sixer,” a potent blend of rum, passion fruit, and lime that packs a punch worthy of its name.

Food: The menu at Sixes is a cut above typical bar fare. Enjoy gourmet burgers, artisanal pizzas, and a range of small plates perfect for sharing. Their “Cricket Tea” platter, a nod to the sport’s traditional mid-game refreshment, is a must-try.

Unique Selling Point: What sets Sixes apart is its indoor cricket nets. Even if you’ve never played before, the staff are happy to show you the ropes, making it a fun activity for groups or a unique date night.

Best Time to Visit: Sixes is busiest in the evenings, especially on weekends. For a quieter experience, try visiting on a weekday afternoon. Sunset is particularly magical here, as the fading light paints the Oxford skyline in golden hues.

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2. The Varsity Club

A long-standing favorite among Oxford’s rooftop bar scene, The Varsity Club offers a more traditional take on the rooftop experience.

Atmosphere: Spread across four floors, The Varsity Club culminates in a stylish rooftop terrace. The decor is chic and minimalist, allowing the views to take center stage. Comfortable seating and heat lamps make it a year-round destination.

View: The Varsity Club offers what many consider the best view in Oxford. From here, you can see the iconic Radcliffe Camera, the spires of All Souls College, and on a clear day, the rolling Oxfordshire countryside beyond.

Signature Drinks: The bar is known for its extensive cocktail menu. Try the “Oxford Blue,” a gin-based cocktail with blue curaçao and elderflower, or the “Varsity Royale,” their take on a classic champagne cocktail.

Food: While the focus here is on drinks, they do offer a selection of bar snacks and small plates. The charcuterie board is particularly popular.

Unique Selling Point: The Varsity Club’s central location makes it perfect for a post-shopping or post-sightseeing drink. Its multi-level setup also means you can start your night in the cozy ground floor bar and work your way up to the rooftop as the evening progresses.

Best Time to Visit: The rooftop can get crowded on summer evenings, so consider an afternoon visit or a weekday evening for a more relaxed experience.

3. Ashmolean Rooftop Restaurant

For those who prefer their drinks with a side of culture, the Ashmolean Rooftop Restaurant offers a sophisticated rooftop experience atop one of the world’s oldest public museums.

Atmosphere: The restaurant exudes elegance, with its glass walls providing a bright, airy feel during the day and a romantic ambiance at night. The terrace, while smaller than some others on this list, feels intimate and exclusive.

View: From here, you can enjoy views of Oxford’s historic center, including St. Michael’s Street and the iconic spire of St. Mary’s Church. The perspective from this height offers a unique view of the intricate architectural details of nearby buildings.

Signature Drinks: The bar offers a curated selection of wines and cocktails. Their “Ashmolean Spritz,” a refreshing blend of prosecco, elderflower, and mint, is perfect for summer afternoons. For something stronger, try the “Curator’s Choice,” a rotating cocktail inspired by current exhibitions.

Food: Unlike many rooftop bars, the Ashmolean Rooftop Restaurant offers a full dining experience. The menu changes seasonally but always features modern British cuisine with a focus on local ingredients.

Unique Selling Point: The combination of world-class art and a rooftop bar is hard to beat. You can spend an afternoon exploring the museum’s collections before heading upstairs for drinks with a view.

Best Time to Visit: The restaurant is popular for lunch, especially on weekends. For the best experience, book a table for late afternoon and watch the sun set over Oxford while enjoying dinner and drinks.

4. The Alchemist Oxford

While not strictly a rooftop bar, The Alchemist’s top floor location and outdoor terrace earn it a spot on this list.

Atmosphere: The Alchemist is known for its theatrical cocktails and quirky decor. The Oxford branch maintains this theme with a sleek, copper-accented interior that opens onto a spacious terrace.

View: From the terrace, you can enjoy views of Magdalen Street and the eastern part of Oxford’s city center. While not as elevated as some other options, it still offers a pleasant perspective on the bustling streets below.

Signature Drinks: The Alchemist is all about the cocktails. Their menu is extensive and each drink is a performance in itself. Try the “Smokey Old Fashioned,” dramatically presented in a smoke-filled dome, or the color-changing “Bubblebath” for a true spectacle.

Food: The food menu is as creative as the cocktail list, with a range of globally-inspired dishes. Their “Nibbles to Share” platters are perfect for groups.

Unique Selling Point: The Alchemist’s theatrical approach to mixology sets it apart. Even if you’re not seated on the terrace, the bar itself is a show worth watching.

Best Time to Visit: The Alchemist can get busy in the evenings, especially on weekends. For a more relaxed experience, visit during their weekday happy hours.

5. Westgate Social

Part of the Westgate Shopping Centre’s recent redevelopment, Westgate Social offers a more casual rooftop experience.

Atmosphere: Westgate Social has a modern, industrial-chic vibe. The rooftop area is expansive, with plenty of seating options from tables to lounge areas. It’s a more relaxed atmosphere compared to some of the other bars on this list.

View: The terrace provides a sweeping view of Oxford’s western skyline. From here, you can see the castle mound, St. George’s Tower, and on a clear day, the distant hills of the Cotswolds.

Signature Drinks: While each of the bars within Westgate Social has its own specialties, the rooftop area is serviced by a central bar with a good selection of beers, wines, and classic cocktails. Try the “Oxford Mule,” their local take on the Moscow Mule.

Food: One of the advantages of Westgate Social is the variety of food options available. From pizza to sushi, burgers to vegan fare, there’s something for everyone.

Unique Selling Point: Westgate Social’s rooftop is more than just a bar – it’s a social hub. With various seating areas, games, and occasional live music or events, it’s a great place for group gatherings.

Best Time to Visit: The rooftop can get busy on weekends, especially during shopping hours. For a quieter experience, visit on a weekday evening after the shops have closed.

Conclusion

Oxford’s rooftop bar scene offers something for everyone, from the sports-entertainment fusion of Sixes Oxford to the cultural elegance of the Ashmolean Rooftop Restaurant. Each venue provides a unique perspective on this historic city, allowing visitors and locals alike to appreciate Oxford’s beauty from new heights.

When planning your rooftop bar adventure, consider the time of your visit. Many of these venues are popular and can get crowded, especially during peak tourist seasons and on weekends. It’s often worth calling ahead to reserve a table, particularly if you’re hoping to catch the sunset or have a larger group.

Also, keep in mind that Oxford’s weather can be unpredictable. While many of these venues offer covered or indoor areas, it’s always a good idea to check the forecast and dress accordingly. Some bars provide blankets or heat lamps for cooler evenings, but a light jacket is often a good idea, even in summer.

Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion, looking for a unique date night spot, or simply want to enjoy a drink with a view, Oxford’s rooftop bars offer an experience that goes beyond the typical pub scene. From the sporty excitement of Sixes to the refined ambiance of The Varsity Club, these elevated venues showcase a side of Oxford that’s both historic and thoroughly modern.

So next time you find yourself in the City of Dreaming Spires, don’t forget to look up – some of Oxford’s best experiences are waiting for you on the rooftops.