Traditional Hospitality at The Turnpike

Of all the pubs in Yarnton, The Turnpike is surely the best place to make the most of our weather (come rain or shine) - with a delicious meal, a thirst quenching drink and the cherished company of family and friends. Soak up the warmest of welcomes and explore some of the most popular pub food menus in Three Counties. Try one of our hugely satisfying seasonal dishes with a glass of fine wine or sample a rewarding pint of our regularly changing and highly quaffable cask-conditioned real ales.

A Little Pub History

The Turnpike was built over two hundred years ago, but was originally known as The Bunch of Grapes. In 1719, this section of the Stokenchurch to Woodstock highway became part of the Turnpike Trust. To the south of any existing building, a cottage and toll booth were constructed and a gate was put across the road. The Turnpike Trust was dissolved in 1878 and the toll booth demolished. The pub building is constructed of Cotswold Stone and the roof is Cotswold stone slate, once described as 'the finest in Oxfordshire' by Sir John Betjeman, Poet Laureate, on one of his visits to Mr George Kolkhurst who owned Yarnton Manor. The first registered landlord was a Mr William Tubb who ran the inn from 1784-1785.

This information has been produced in reference to 'The Turnpike Times' by the local historian Frances Page.

Around The Area

Our Cotswold stone inn was built over 200 years ago and originally known as The Bunch of Grapes. Blenheim Palace, the birthplace of Winston Churchill, is nearby, and Oxford is packed with interesting heritage and things to do.

Enjoy Good Company?!

The Turnpike in Yarnton is a member of the Cask Marque Trust in recognition of its excellence in the service of real ale.