Pound notes (and equivalents) and pints in Oxford’s Turf Tavern, December 2017
Originally known as the Spotted Cow, this historic pub is now called the Turf Tavern.
It was born as a drinking tavern in 1381, underwent changes in the 17th century to take on the bar format that it has now and then adopted its current name in 1842.
It is believed to have inspired The Lamb and Flag, a fictional drinking establishment featured in Jude the Obscure by Thomas Hardy. In 1963 it gained less cultural fame when the former Australian Prime Minister Bob Hawke set a Guinness World Record for consuming a yard glass of ale in 11 seconds. In the 1990s it became a regular haunt for fictional Inspector Morse. More recently, it became a popular hangout for the cast and crew of the Harry Potter movies while filming took place at the nearby colleges.
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Copyright Debbie Smyth, 5 December 2017
Posted as part of Cee’s Fun Foto Challenge
Travel with Intent 
I definitely recognise it from Morse 🙂 And don’t forget to chalk up ‘Public’ House too 😉
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Thanks. I hadn’t thought of that.
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What a fabulous, atmospheric old pub! Good day in Oxford? 🙂 🙂
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The Turf? Morse? You don’t say. I loved Morse’s books. He was an excellent character.
Thank you.
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I was never really into Morse, but it’s a great pub. Very friendly – they invited me in to take photos
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Morse, from a (many) (cultural) distance was an interesting “British” view on life and things. Being a quarter Brit myself, made me smile. And it’s nice that they invited you to take the photos. One thing about the old (vs the new) world, a place can be 5 centuries old and it’s normal. Be good Debbie.
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Great photos! Looks like a fun pub. 🙂
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A place I must visit again 🙂
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My kind of bar. Truth be told, any bar is my kind! 🙂 But I don’t frequent them as much as in my youth. I’m married now!
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It seemed a great place – but I only went in for photos, not a drink!!
That is very unusual for me.
Ha ha! That drives many men to visit the bar even more often
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We were in Oxford awhile back. Wish we had known of this place, it’s so cozy. Thanks for sharing.
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It’s hidden away.
I was lucky enough to be visiting a local 🙂
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What a history, Debbie! I guess it’s in for a penny, in for a pound, right? 🙂 But 11 seconds is what wowed me. (Make me feel a bit like burping just to read it.)
janet
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What a brilliant title for my post – love it!
I’ve had a yard or two in my earlier life, but 11 seconds is quite an achievement!
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You were fast on your entry this week. Great post for P’s. 😀 😀
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I had a scheduling evening yesterday!! 😀
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A wonderful establishment. But if I could decide I definitely prefer the “Spotted Cow” as a name!
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