East of Magdalen Bridge
Cowley Road &
East Oxford.
Record shopping, independent cinema, live music and places to eat east of Magdalen Bridge.
At a glance
- Start here
- The Plain, across Magdalen Bridge from High Street.
- Getting there
- Walk from the centre or check current buses to your specific venue.
- When to come
- Afternoon browsing, followed by a booked film or gig.
- For a shorter visit
- Choose the UPP, record shopping or one meal.
Cross Magdalen Bridge and follow Cowley Road from The Plain for another side of Oxford: record sleeves in shop windows, restaurant menus from many kitchens and posters for the next gig. Come in the afternoon and leave room for the evening.
More about this guide
This is a neighbourhood to explore on foot, not a single destination. Browse along the main road, then turn into Jeune Street for the cinema or towards Magdalen Road for a quieter pub stop.
For a timed dinner-and-show plan, use our separate Cowley Road evening guide. Here, start with the places that catch your interest.
Meet East Oxford
Records, films,
food and a good night.
Independent cinema
The Ultimate Picture Palace
On Jeune Street, just off Cowley Road, the UPP has an art deco-inspired auditorium and a bar inside. The box office opens 30 minutes before screenings. There are few adverts, so be seated by the advertised film time.
Records and live music
Truck Store and The Bullingdon
Browse records at Truck Store, then choose a gig, comedy show or club night from The Bullingdon’s programme. They make a strong pairing for music fans without requiring a dash across town.
Neighbourhood pubs
Turn off the main road
The Chester Arms on Chester Street and The Star just off Cowley Road are places to consider for a pub stop. Use the directory to choose your route and check current food or event plans.
Time for dinner
Indian food at Majliss
Majliss at 110 Cowley Road offers tandoori dishes, biriani and vegetarian choices. It’s near the street’s music venues for dinner before a show. Ask the restaurant about dietary requirements.
A quieter turn
Magdalen Road and the Rusty Bicycle
Continue into the residential streets around Magdalen Road for a different pace. The Rusty Bicycle gives you a neighbourhood pub stop away from the busiest stretch of Cowley Road.
Editor’s note
Make one booking the anchor.
A gig or film gives the evening shape. Leave time to eat beforehand: venue doors and kitchen hours are different things.
Cowley Road extends well beyond the venues near The Plain. Save the full address and your return bus stop before setting out.
Questions & Advice
Frequently asked questions
before you go.
Is Cowley Road the same place as Cowley?
Cowley Road begins at The Plain in East Oxford and continues towards Cowley. Check the address: a venue near The Plain and one in Cowley can be a substantial walk apart.
Where can I hear live music on Cowley Road?
The Bullingdon publishes current gigs, club nights and comedy. Check the individual event for age restrictions, door time and tickets.
How should I plan the trip home after a show?
Check the operator’s timetable for your date and destination before the show. Do not assume a daytime route or frequency continues late at night.
Know before you go
The practical bit.
- Start here
- The Plain, across Magdalen Bridge from High Street.
- Getting there
- Walk from the centre or check current buses to your specific venue.
- When to come
- Afternoon browsing, followed by a booked film or gig.
- For a shorter visit
- Choose the UPP, record shopping or one meal.
- Reviewed
- 12 October 2026.
Sources & visitor information 5 sources
We use the linked sources for practical visitor details. Each date shows when we checked a source. Confirm opening times, prices and booking arrangements before you travel.
- Majliss: restaurant and menu Source checked 12 Oct 2026
- Oxford Bus Company: current timetables Source checked 24 Sept 2026
- The Ultimate Picture Palace: visiting and access Source checked 12 Oct 2026
- Truck Store: independent record shop Source checked 12 Oct 2026
- The Bullingdon: gigs, clubs and comedy Source checked 12 Oct 2026
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