Historical version 20 of King's Arms (view current version)
- 242369
- 40 Holywell Street
- OX1 3SP
- food until 9pm - now open 10:30am - midnight every day
The King's arms or KA is located at the corner of Holywell Street and Parks road. It's not my favourite Young's pub in Oxford (I prefer the Angel and Greyhound) and really isn't somewhere I'd go for a quiet drink with a friend. Saying that, I've never been here and not enjoyed myself but it's probably best avoided when it becomes packed with students. My favourite Young's beer is probably Waggledance and the Double Chocolate Stout must be tried.
The KA is owned by Wadham College and it appears that the same staff run the confusingly named Next Door, a Young's bar/restaurant.
They do food; be a little careful of their "Beer sausages" - they aren't anything special. On one occasion, despite being advertised in the plural, they provided just one (fairly small) sausage - but they did add another one when we complained. While in November 2004, of 3 dishes only the salad was brought out at the correct temperature. When we complained they took them back, but 3 minutes later re-appeared with a still cold shepherds pie. We didn't wait for a thrid attempt.
The K.A. is a great place for an after-lunch drink on Sundays. The small back bar is a great place for meeting new friends from all walks of life.
Has a wireless access point.