Oxford has quite a few pubs with large riverside gardens.

Now the warm weather is returning after a seemingly endless winter, pub staff are welcoming customers back into their outdoor spaces. 

And while The Perch, The Trout, The Head of the River, The Victoria Arms in Old Marston, and The Fishes in North Hinksey immediately spring to mind, there are other pubs not so well known for their gardens and outside spaces.

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You could call them 'secret' gardens.

Take for instance the Holly Bush on Osney Island - it does have some outside space but you can't really see if from the road.

thisisoxfordshire: The same applies to the Rose & Crown in North Parade Avenue - from the front of the pub there is no indication of any garden space.

Other pubs with 'secret' garden seating include The  Jericho Tavern in Walton Street, and The Harcourt Arms in Cranham Terrace - both popular music venues.

The Harcourt Arms website promises: "Something of a hidden gem in the city, our secret beer garden offers a blissful spot for alfresco drinks in summer. Once found, never forgotten."

The Jericho's website says: "Just a five-minute walk from the old city gates of Oxford – and a short stroll from Oxford University Museum of Natural History and Port Meadow, The Jericho is the very definition of urban cool, mixing a stylish contemporary bar, classic pub features and a handful of quirky touches.

thisisoxfordshire: Serving burgers at The Jericho Tavern"Pop out the back and you’ll discover the pub’s best-kept secret – our spacious beer garden.

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"No wonder this has been the home of live music and rock stars since the 1980s."

You could also try the Turf Tavern  off Holywell Street which has a spacious outdoor patio.

The Turf Tavern is run by pub company Greene King.

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Its website says: "The Turf Tavern sits at the heart of academic Oxford, between New College and Hertford College, surrounded by distinguished landmarks including The Bodleian Library, Sheldonian Theatre and the iconic domed Radcliffe Camera library.

thisisoxfordshire: Reggie at The Turf Tavern"This charming Grade II listed tavern is an intriguing warren of small rooms connected by narrow passages and small staircases, surrounded on three sides by delightful patio courtyard beer gardens.

"You’d be wise to duck when entering The Turf, as the ancient front door of this tavern is designed for smaller guests.

"Located against the medieval remains of Oxford’s city walls across the site of the former moat that surrounded the town, and reached only by exploring the back alleys and cobbled passageways of Oxford’s Holywell district, The Turf Tavern is truly a hidden gem."

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About the author 

Andy is the Trade and Tourism reporter for the Oxford Mail and you can sign up to his newsletters for free here. 

He joined the team more than 20 years ago and he covers community news across Oxfordshire.

His Trade and Tourism newsletter is released every Saturday morning. 

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