Semi-Private Hire at Head of the River

Bar in a Pub
·
Semi-private area
The Head of the River, Folly Bridge, St. Aldates, Oxford, OX1 4LB –
Oxford City Centre

About this space

For large groups, we’re pleased to offer semi-private hire of our lower bar and riverside restaurant, providing a relaxed and informal setting for your event.

Our cosy pub can accommodate up to 75 guests seated or up to 60 guests for a standing buffet. You’ll have exclusive use of the lower bar area and riverside restaurant, giving your group its own dedicated space to enjoy during the event.

The upper bar and reception area will remain open for walk-in guests and hotel residents, but the bar area will feel separate and private from the entrance of the pub.

The space is arranged in an informal style, with tables positioned around the bar and smaller tables available for dining. This flexible layout works well for relaxed drinks, informal dining, celebrations and group gatherings.

With its cosy pub atmosphere, riverside setting and flexible layout, the Head of the River offers a welcoming space for groups looking to get together in a relaxed and sociable environment.


Event offers and packages

Christmas Party Offers

Celebrate Christmas by the river with a 3-course festive menu and optional arrival Prosecco or Christmas G&T.

Christmas Party Package – Semi-Private Hire
£45 per person

• Three-course Christmas set menu
• Vegetarian and plant-based choices included
• Optional arrival drinks: Prosecco or Christmas G&T
• Drinks packages available (wine packages, cocktail reception)

STARTERS
1. Maple roasted parsnip & bramley apple soup
2. Whipped chicken liver parfait
3. Beetroot cured Scottish salmon
4. Croxton Manor cheddar & leek tart

MAINS
1. English turkey breast
2. Wild mushroom & spinach wellington
3. Pan roasted sea bream
4. Slow braised beef cheek
5. Roasted celeriac & truffle ravioli

PUDDINGS
1. Chocolate & coffee opera cake
2. Sticky toffee Christmas pudding
3. Mulled wine apple & plum crumble
4. Cinnamon bun cheesecake


Prices

Monday
Closed
Alcohol licence until 23:00. Extension available. All prices include VAT.
Tuesday
Closed
Alcohol licence until 23:00. Extension available. All prices include VAT.
Wednesday
Closed
Alcohol licence until 23:00. Extension available. All prices include VAT.
Thursday
17:00 – 23:00
from £3000 min. spend
Per evening
17:00 – 23:00
from £3000 min. spend
Alcohol licence until 23:00. Extension available. All prices include VAT.
Friday
17:00 – 23:00
from £3000 min. spend
Per evening
17:00 – 23:00
from £3000 min. spend
Alcohol licence until 23:00. Extension available. All prices include VAT.
Saturday
17:00 – 23:00
from £3000 min. spend
Per evening
17:00 – 23:00
from £3000 min. spend
Alcohol licence until 23:00. Extension available. All prices include VAT.
Sunday
Closed
Alcohol licence until 23:00. Extension available. All prices include VAT.
Best price guarantee
Pricing updated by venue 1 month ago

Capacity

  • Standing
    up to 60
  • Dining
    up to 75

Catering and drinks

In-house catering available
Venue can organise food and drink
Extensive vegan menu
Extensive vegetarian menu
British cuisine
No external catering allowed
Venue provides alcohol
Venue can supply alcoholic beverages
No BYO alcohol allowed

Facilities

  • Wi-Fi available
  • Flatscreen TV
  • Natural light Room has windows or a skylight, so daylight comes in
  • Accommodation is available on-site On-site accommodation
  • Paid parking facilities available nearby
  • Unavailable: Projector
  • Unavailable: Whiteboard
  • Unavailable: Flipchart
  • Unavailable: PA system / speakers
  • Unavailable: Conference call facilities
  • Unavailable: Air conditioner
  • Unavailable: Photo equipment
  • Unavailable: Video equipment
  • Unavailable: Lighting equipment
  • Unavailable: Greenscreen
  • Unavailable: Backdrops
  • Unavailable: Storage space
  • Unavailable: Quiet space
  • Unavailable: Dance floor
  • Unavailable: Soundproof
  • Unavailable: Mirrors

Music & sound equipment

  • Space has noise restriction after 21:00
  • Own music not allowed
  • Bring your own DJ not allowed

Accessibility

  • Wheelchair accessible Step-free access throughout the venue for wheelchair users
  • Accessible toilets Toilet(s) adapted for guests with disabilities
  • Ground level Guests can enter without using stairs
  • Unavailable: Accessible parking spot available
  • Unavailable: Lift to all floors
  • Unavailable: Cargo lift

Rules of the space

Allowed events

  • No promoted and ticketed events allowed
  • Temporary Event Notices (TENs) available
  • No wedding licence

Host rules

• Private hire and events must be agreed and confirmed in advance with the venue
• The space must be left in a clean and tidy condition after the event
• All food and drinks must be provided by the venue; external catering is not permitted
• Decorations are welcome but must be agreed with the venue in advance. No confetti, glitter or items that may damage the space are permitted
• Guests must respect the venue, staff and other customers at all times
• Music and entertainment must be approved by the venue and kept at an appropriate volume
• The venue operates a responsible alcohol service policy, and guests must comply with all licensing requirements
• Final guest numbers and event arrangements must be confirmed with the venue in advance
• The venue reserves the right to refuse service or end an event where these rules are not followed

Cancellation policy: Flexible

Show cancellation details

Head of the River is a Tagvenue Partner. This business has registered with Tagvenue and agreed to our venue partner standards.


Other spaces and event packages at this venue


Location

Location map

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Member of Tagvenue since September 2026
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