To the south are (west to east): Oriel College, University College (including the Boyle-Hooke plaque outside the Shelley Memorial), the Examination Schools, the Ruskin School of Drawing and Fine Art, the Eastgate Hotel (at the original entrance to the city) and the Botanic Garden.
This title is however disputed with 'The Grand Café' Coffee House, which claims that it was established in 1650 and stands opposite Queen's Lane coffee house.Despite an influx of chain stores in nearby Cornmarket Street, the High is home to a number of specialist independent retailers.
These include Shepherd & Woodward (University outfitters), Payne & Son (goldsmiths), Sanders of Oxford (print sellers) and Waterfield's Books.
William Henry Butler, later Mayor of Oxford, was a wine merchant with premises in the High Street during the early 19th century.
Quod Restaurant & Bar is also part of the hotel, located between the junctions with Oriel Street and Logic Lane.