Historic pub hidden in Oxford city centre alleyway

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It's hidden away at the end of an alleyway, close to the busy junction with Carfax.

Thousands of tourists pass the signposted entrance every day but not all of them venture along the narrow passageway.

READ MORE: Detectorist finds English Civil War coins from Oxford

If they do, they are guaranteed a warm welcome in one of the city's oldest pubs, which is run by Nicholson's.

The Chequers has been chosen as the Oxford Mail Pub of the Week.

(Image: Andy Ffrench) Manager Kerry Skrzypiec has been working at the pub for the past decade.

"The Chequers is a very friendly pub which can be found down the alleyway," she said.

"There are lots of cubby holes and snugs inside and plenty of tables outside."

" We get a real mix coming here - students, regulars, and lots of tourists.

"I've been here for 11 years - it's a very friendly pub with a good range of cask ales and good pub food."

Pies are the most popular dishes on the menu, including the British Steak and Nicholson's Pale Ale £17.50).

Fish Pie and Rabbit Pie are also featured £17).

(Image: Andy Ffrench) The Oxford branch of CAMRA (Campaign for Real Ale) has provided details of city pubs' history on its website.

For The Chequers it says: "Down a narrow medieval passageway off the High Street, the Chequers is a fine old pub, much of which dates back to the early 16th century when a money-lender's house was rebuilt as a tavern.

"The name Chequers was first recorded in 1605. Note the fine carvings and the ceiling in the lower bar.

(Image: Andy Ffrench) "Now in the hands of Nicholson's, the pub usually has a good selection of real ales with often two more on in the later part of the week. All of Oxford's College crests are displayed on the ceiling, except for Corpus Christi."

Big screens are installed throughout the pub to show sports including football, and jazz sessions on a Sunday evening are a new feature.

Nicholson's also runs The Crown off Cornmarket - described by staff as "their sister pub".

The chain is keen to highlight the unusual history of The Chequers.

(Image: Andy Ffrench) It said: "Dating back to 1279, our Grade II-listed pub was once an exhibition hall for animals and inventors, and a base for money lenders.

"In the 1500s, the building was rebuilt by Alderman Richard Kent, transforming it from a moneylender's tenement to a tavern. And, as they say, the rest is history.

"In the mid-1700s, the pub was home to a semi-permanent zoo of 14 exotic animals, including a camel and a shark."

The pub company adds: "Features such as the stained glass windows and carvings above the bar remain as a reminder of the building's rich history.

"Rumour has it, the pub also has a secret tunnel that leads to another pub on the High Street. It is said to have acted as an escape route for Catholic priests illegally celebrating mass during the reign of King Henry VII."

The pub has a 3.9 out of five rating on reviews site Tripadvisor.