This historic establishment has undergone several transformations over the years. It began as the Blue Man in 1763, changed to the Blue Boy in 1786, became the Green Man in 1821, and finally adopted its current name, The White Hart, in 1834.
Canal Pub on the Oxford Canal
Guide To The White Hart
The White Hart, located at 126 Godstow Road in the heart of Wolvercote, is the village's oldest surviving pub, with a history that dates back to the mid-17th century.
Notably, the building is thought to have been constructed using stone sourced from the ruins of Godstow Abbey, which gives it a fascinating connection to the region’s monastic past. Since 2013, The White Hart has operated as a community pub, managed by The White Hart Community Pub Limited, an organisation established by dedicated residents of Wolvercote to preserve this cherished local institution.
Today, visitors can enjoy a welcoming atmosphere complete with traditional pub amenities. The venue features a games room with pool and darts, multiple TVs broadcasting sporting events, and a classic garden area equipped with table tennis and “Aunt Sally” facilities. The pub is renowned for being exceptionally dog- and family-friendly, making it a central hub of village life.
The White Hart Pictures
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The White Hart Reviews
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Review from Google Places
27 July 2025
Very friendly staff, stopped in for lunch off the A34, driving cross country alone with my one year old baby for some lunch. Very reasonably priced, generous portions, extremely accommodating for us both. Friendly staff, nice atmosphere, good coffee. Informed market in the back yard when we arrived and a playground across the road too. Good music choices too! It’s a journey north I do often and I always prefer a pub to service station so I’ll be back again for sure, thank you.
Review from Google Places
9 July 2025
Best smash burger ever and the chips are amazing
Top compliments to the chef
Didn’t wait too long as well
Review from Google Places
6 May 2025
Great drinks selection, both alcoholic and non-alcoholic. The food is a solid pub offering of burgers, salads and very good pizzas, with good veggie and vegan options. Family friendly with a large garden at the back (with Aunt Sally and sometimes a table tennis table). Dog friendly. Lots of events throughout the week, from a quiz night and live jazz, to a legendary monthly shanty night. Darts and a pool table plus a fireplace make for a cosy atmosphere. Sunday morning community market and a cooked breakfast is a weekly ritual for many locals. Wonderful, friendly staff mostly made up of people who live in the area too, and who give an equally warm welcome to regulars and one off visitors. It’s not fancy, it’s not a gastro pub, it’s just a true community pub which happily serves both locals and weekend visitors to the nearby Port Meadow. I’m very happy it’s my local and always proud to show it off to friends and family.
Review from Google Places
25 August 2024
This is a lovely community pub with a lively atmosphere and delicious food. We went here on a pizza night and were by no means disappointed. The beaded mushrooms were delectable and everyone immensely enjoyed their pizza, who’s base maintained the perfect balance of crunch on the outside, while being firm, tough and chewy on the inside. A truly fine outing!
Review from Google Places
2 July 2024
Wonderful friendly pub, great food, lovely staff and fantastic events. I recently enjoyed Bob Cutting’s Big Band which was so good I nearly cried at several songs; Sea Shanties which I joined in with despite not planning to; a BBQ which was so delicious I ate twice; Aunt Sally where I managed to score a hit; Jazz night which was great fun, and open mic night which was so welcoming my child joined in!
