Good pubs Oxfordshire

Long-serving licensees at vibrant friendly local with a decent mixture of clients, fine selection of drinks and appropriate home cooking

The long-serving licensees give this bustling local many individuality. It's a charming conventional atmosphere and almost always there is a mix of customers of most centuries. The leading door starts into a passage with a little countertop and bookshelves of research books for crossword buffs. This contributes to two rooms: a cosy one in front overlooking the road, and a panelled straight back area housing the key club and standard pub fixtures. Adnams Southwold, Box Clever Old Number 8, Hook Norton Old Hooky and Shotover Scholar on handpump, around 30 malt whiskies and a range of wines because of the glass (including wine and sparkling wine). The pleasant walled and heated straight back courtyard are covered with a huge awning; in the far end is a 12-seater dining/meeting room. The loos are basic.

Club meals times: 12 - 2.15, 6.30 - 9

Relatively priced and honest, the original food includes snacks and baguettes, potted shrimps, meatballs in salsa, ham and eggs, pies eg beef in ale or goats mozzarella cheese, spinach, sweet potato and purple onion, niçoise salad, omelettes, burger with toppings and potato chips and puddings including apple-pie and chocolate dessert.

Prizes

• Good Pub Guide Oxfordshire
• Good pubs Hertfordshire
• Gastropub Oxfordshire