The turf Tavern has not always been a corner pub, but when Laverack Street was built the neighbouring blacksmith's shop was demolished along with the stunted old oak tree that had grown there for years.
It is possibly the connection with the horses next door led to the pubs name.
At the beginning of the 20th century it was a Rawson's house, but with takeovers it first went to Gilmour's and finally Tetley's.