The New Oxford - Salford - Pub Reviews

Stepping into The New Oxford feels like entering a slice of Victorian Salford. This two-room corner pub dates back to the 1830s and has been thoughtfully restored to highlight its old-world charm. In fact, the pub is a multi-award winner and proudly advertises itself as an “award winning Real Ale and Belgian Beer bar”. Located on Bexley Square in Salford’s Chapel Street area, its vintage exterior and copper-topped bar retain a sense of history. Behind the counter, you’ll find an impressive array of taps – 11 traditional hand-pumps for cask ales and over 20 beer fonts – serving dozens of ever-changing brews. The focus on beer is unmistakable: locals and visitors alike flock here for the friendly, unpretentious atmosphere and the stellar drink selection. As one guide notes, The New Oxford is considered “one of Salford’s finest boozers,” up there with favourites like The Eagle Inn and The King’s Arms. It holds a strong reputation (about 4.4/5 on review sites) for its beer quality and warm vibe, making it a must-visit for real-ale enthusiasts.

Facilities & Entertainment

The New Oxford’s facilities are simple and beer-centric. Being in central Salford, there is no dedicated parking on-site – most patrons arrive on foot, by bus or train. True to its focus on drinks rather than games, you won’t find darts boards or pool tables here. Instead, the pub offers entertainment around the bar and community. There is a weekly pub quiz on Tuesdays and a monthly open-mic night on the last Sunday, where local musicians and poets take the mic. The pub also regularly hosts small beer festivals and tastings, featuring guest ales and brews from local microbreweries. Sports fans are catered for as well – multiple TVs in the bar show live football and rugby matches on game days. In warmer months you can spill outside: tables and chairs are set up in Bexley Square (the old market square outside the pub), giving it a beer-garden feel, while in winter a heated shelter is provided for smokers. Notably, there is a separate function room at the rear (converted from the old kitchen) that can accommodate about 50 people for private bookings. The venue is also equipped with basic amenities – free Wi-Fi is available, and it welcomes families and dogs. According to WhatPub (CAMRA’s guide), The New Oxford has “Disabled Access” and is “Dog Friendly”, reflecting its inclusive, community-oriented approach.

Food on Offer

Food at The New Oxford is very much secondary to the beer. During the recent refurbishment, the former kitchen was turned into a cosy snug, so there is no full kitchen turning out hot meals. Instead, the pub offers a handful of bar snacks and cold bites – think crisps, pork pies or a cheese board – meant to complement the drinks rather than replace a proper dinner. You’ll likely find seasonal specials or shareable platters rather than a full menu. As review sites note, the “limited food options” mean this is not a place to come for a sit-down feast. Most visitors agree: come hungry for great beer, not for gourmet cooking. That said, the snacks that are served are generally fresh and well-prepared, and the casual, pub-grub style fits the overall no-frills vibe. In short, if you want a hearty meal you’d head elsewhere, but if you want a pint with a side of something salty, The New Oxford has you covered. (Patrons often mention that the pub is best paired with one of Chapel Street’s many nearby restaurants or takeaways, thanks to its central location.)

Beers on Tap

Beer is The New Oxford’s true specialty. The central bar is dominated by its tap system: eleven hand-pumped cask ales (Real Ales) and over twenty keg fonts. These pumps are continuously refreshed with new brews, keeping the line-up exciting. Typically up to 15–18 different cask ales are available on any given day, sourced mainly from regional breweries. You might see familiar British bitters and pale ales on some pumps, alongside seasonal or one-off casks from local craft breweries. There’s usually at least one dark beer or stout on tap, ensuring variety. Notably, The New Oxford also maintains an exceptional bottled beer list – especially Belgian beers. Over fifty Belgian-style and other European bottles are stocked, a selection that few pubs in the area can match. This emphasis on Belgian and continental brews makes it something of a Belgian beer destination for Manchester beer enthusiasts.

Every pint here is carefully served. Many reviewers praise the establishment for its “well-kept real ales” and note that the beer is always fresh. Bartenders know the full line-up and are happy to recommend a pint, whether you’re in the mood for a hoppy IPA, a malty ale or something more niche. The quality control is part of the draw: patrons often mention that each beer tastes properly conditioned, indicating well-maintained lines and casks. Alongside the casks and bottles, there is also a good range of other beverages – a handful of lager taps, some craft keg brews, and a fine selection of whiskies and spirits visible on the back bar. But it’s really the rotating cask ales and the Belgian beer collection that get everyone excited. If you’re a beer aficionado visiting Salford, The New Oxford almost demands a spot on your pub crawl.

Price Range & Value

The New Oxford sits in the mid-price bracket for Salford/Manchester pubs. A typical pint of bitter or lager will cost in the £4–£5 range, with more uncommon or specialty beers (imported ales, small-batch brews) reaching closer to £6 or £7. Bottles and craft keg beers can be a bit higher, but even those are generally seen as reasonable for a city-centre pub. Snacks like crisps or pork pies are very affordable (a few pounds each). Customers frequently note that the pub’s beers are “reasonably priced” for the quality and variety on offer. In other words, you feel you get good value for what you pay. Compared to fancier bars or tourist hotspots, The New Oxford’s pricing is fair – especially given that you’re supporting independent brewers and enjoying a top-notch ale scene. Many guests comment that a night here (a few pints and some snacks) represents good value: honest pricing with no gimmicks, just solid pours. There is no automatic service charge unless you sit at a table and request it, so the only extras are what you tip. Overall, diners and drinkers tend to come away feeling satisfied that the experience and products were worth the expense.

Customer Service

Friendly, knowledgeable staff are a hallmark of The New Oxford. Multiple reviews highlight the warmth and expertise of the bartenders. Even during busy periods, staff are praised for keeping the beers flowing and chatting about the brews. One reviewer enthused that the team “always [pour] with care” and will readily assist if you’re unsure which ale to pick. The pub is family-run (as are many independent boozers) and that familial pride shows. Regulars note that staff often remember names and favourite drinks, which adds to the community feel. Service is generally prompt: glasses are kept filled and tables cleared, and food orders (for the snacks that do exist) come without fuss. Of course, at peak times – Friday nights or during big games – you might queue up for a minute or two. But even then, guests report that the wait is worth it for a proper pint. In summary, customer feedback emphasises the exceptional service here: knowledgeable bar staff, quick pouring, and a personal touch that makes newcomers feel welcome. It’s this combination of quality beer and friendly service that keeps patrons coming back.

Events & Special Nights

The pub’s events calendar revolves around its beer culture. As noted, regular quiz nights and open-mic evenings form the core social events. These are always free to attend and draw a mixed crowd of locals. Beer festivals or “tasting evenings” are held on occasion – for example, tapping one-off brews or hosting guest brewers (keep an eye on their social media for announcements). Unlike some pubs, The New Oxford doesn’t host weekly live music or DJ nights as a rule. However, it does participate in larger local events: during Salford’s annual Sounds From The Other City festival, The New Oxford often puts on live music nights, ranging from acoustic sets to indie bands. Outside of these, the stage is quiet most nights. Note also that sports on TV are common – for big games (football, rugby, Six Nations, World Cup, etc.) the pub will usually put on the match, sometimes with extra seating or screens. In short, beer-related activities (tastings, festivals, CAMRA promotions) and community nights (quiz, open mic) are the draw, rather than nightclub-style entertainment. This fits the overall laid-back pub vibe – the “special nights” are the ones that complement the beer selection, not overshadow it.

Atmosphere & Accessibility

Inside The New Oxford, the mood is friendly and unpretentious. The two front rooms (now more seamlessly connected by the reversed copper bar) have retained many period touches. You’ll notice vintage elements – like the old clock mounted behind the bar – sitting alongside fresh paint and green leather bench seats. The result is a classic pub interior that feels both cosy and lively. On any night, you might find a mix of long-time local regulars, young professionals grabbing an after-work pint, and craft-beer fans from further afield. Conversations range from local gossip and sports to excited chatter about the latest brew of the week. The overall vibe is welcoming and down-to-earth: not too loud or cramped, but certainly buzzing with energy. Pubs games do pop up on the tables for a quiet diversions (some visitors have spotted board games tucked away for customers), but generally people focus on chatting or watching sports.

As for accessibility, The New Oxford does a good job considering its historic building. The ground floor is all one level; the entrance has only a small step (there is a ramp/alternate side entrance for wheelchairs). Once inside, the layout is straightforward with wide walkways. The former upstairs area is now fully integrated (no stage or separate floor), so everything is on the level of the main bar. Facilities include a wheelchair-accessible restroom. The pub explicitly welcomes dogs, with many customers noting their four-legged friends tucked under the table. During warm months, the outdoor seating area offers fresh air and sunlight (great for summer afternoons). In winter, the snug section (once the kitchen) can be quite cosy. In all, The New Oxford aims to be inclusive: it’s “Disabled Access” and “Dog Friendly” according to CAMRA’s pub guide. Whether you’re popping in after a show, bringing a dog, or rolling up in a wheelchair, the staff are generally accommodating.

Location & Nearby Attractions

Situated on Bexley Square off Chapel Street, the New Oxford is right in the heart of Salford’s bustling city centre. The pub benefits from excellent public transport links: Salford Central railway station is only about 300 meters away, and numerous bus routes run along Chapel Street. Many patrons find it convenient to combine a visit here with other nearby attractions. For example, the popular People’s History Museum and Old Fire Station are just a ten-minute walk on Cambridge Street. Salford’s Chapel Street itself has grown into a lively leisure area, with independent bars, cafes and shops. Notably, The New Oxford stands literally in view of fellow CAMRA-favourite pubs like The Eagle Inn and The King’s Arms – pub-hoppers often do a circuit of these historic boozers in one evening. A short stroll will also bring you to Oldfield’s Bakehouse (for great bread) and McHale’s Fish & Chips. If you venture a bit further, the Bridgewater Canal and Ordsall Hall are within walking distance, and Manchester’s Spinningfields district is just across the bridge on Deansgate. All in all, this location puts you near the best of Salford and Manchester – whether you’re exploring local history, catching a performance (the Lowry Theatre and Opera House are nearby), or simply meeting friends for a drink.

Overall Impression

The New Oxford Pub is a gem of Salford’s real-ale scene. Its combination of historic charm and excellent beer selection makes it stand out in a city known for quality pubs. Whether you’re a CAMRA member or simply a beer lover, you’ll appreciate the care taken with every pint here. The pub wears its accolades proudly: it’s a multi-time CAMRA award winner and often cited as “one of Salford’s finest boozers”. That reputation comes down to delivering on what it promises – a proper Victorian-style public house where the ales take centre. stage. There are minor quirks (limited food menu, small size at peak times), but regulars accept these as the cost of authenticity. Importantly, none of that detracts from the friendly, communal atmosphere; instead it reinforces that this is a no-nonsense pub where quality and character matter.

If you’re in Salford looking for a genuine slice of pub tradition – great beer, a warm welcome, and a dash of history – The New Oxford should be top of your list. It may not serve a fancy meal or host loud sports crowds, but it does do something special: it understands the art of beer and the art of convivial pub company. For locals, it’s a beloved local haunt; for visitors, it’s a chance to experience Salford’s “Other City” spirit over an expertly poured pint. In short, The New Oxford offers a memorable, authentic pub experience – one that lives up to its rave reviews and keeps customers coming back to this historic corner of Chapel Street.