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Admire One of Oxford’s Finest Views At The Varsity Club Roof Top Bar

by | Apr 4, 2017

The Varsity Club Oxford

Discover the hidden rooftop bar at the Varsity Club and see why Oxford is known as the ‘City of Dreaming Spires’.

Skyline view rooftop bar The Varsity Club Oxford

The view from the rooftop bar at The Varsity Club Oxford

It would be very easy to visit Oxford and miss this hidden gem. The entrance to The Varsity Club is discreet and promises little to the innocent passer-by. Climb several flights of stairs though and you’ll be richly rewarded with a skyline view of the city. Stop by for coffee and you’ll feel oh so smug as you drink it surrounded by the university’s famous turrets, domes and spires. Better still, Happy Hour and a cocktail as the rooftops bathe in the golden glow of the early evening light. For the perfect Oxford evening, follow it with dinner in the Quod restaurant at the Old Bank, just across the High Street.

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The Varsity Club Oxford

By night, The Varsity Club is where Oxford’s bright young things come to drink cocktails and party the night away. By day, it’s a place for a drink with a view. Look for the doorway on the left as you enter Oxford’s Covered Market from the High Street (first entrance). Climb your way up the stairs and this tall townhouse, once the The King’s Head Tavern, and for many years the Headquarters of the Constitutional Club, will reveal its multiple personalities. Glitter balls and a giant Union Jack flag greet you at the entrance and by the time you reach the upper level, it feels more like a Moroccan souk. Up on the roof it’s all Ibiza – cool vibes, decking, a small bar, white Eames style chairs and cafe tables. Order a cocktail or a chilled glass of wine and lose yourself in the view. It’s not hard to see why they call Oxford the ‘City of Dreaming Spires‘…

Oxford's famous spires

City of Dreaming Spires

Coffee and daffodils at the rooftop bar

Go for a coffee with a view of the city

  • Pick up a postcard in the bar to help you identify Oxford’s iconic buildings including the Radcliffe Camera, All Souls College and Magdalen College tower
  • For a different perspective, climb St Mary the Virgin on the High Street followed by lunch in The Vaults café beneath the church
  • Visit Oxford’s Ashmolean Museum and go for afternoon tea in the rooftop restaurant

 

Dog Policy Mr Hendricks says, “Not one for me. Take me for a walk in Christchurch Meadows instead.”


How to Find the Varsity Club

The Varsity Club Oxford, 9 High Street, Oxford, OX1 4DB

The Varsity Club

 

The Foodie Travel Guide

The Foodie Travel Guide

Sally is the founder and editor of The Foodie Travel Guide. She travels around the UK and beyond in search of the best foodie days out, tasting experiences and delicious places to stay. She loves a glass of English sparkling wine, afternoon tea with friends and escaping London for gastronomic adventures. 


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