I’ve been a bit busy recently and not kept things up to date, so here’s a quick round up of pub related things that have happened around town over the last few weeks
The Kings Head and Bell reopened on 30th October. This is everything I expected it to be, good beer, reasonably priced food. It has retained the traditional feel to it, but is more welcoming than previously. Judging by its popularity over the last couple of weeks it fits in with what many people want in a pub. Beers are mainly from Hook Norton and Adnams and Fullers London Pride arrived this week. It is good to see a regular outlet for Hook Norton in Abingdon. Hook Norton is Oxfordshire’s oldest brewery and has recently been winning lots of awards
The Brewery Tap has had a 6th hand pump fitted, and has a lot of beers from local breweries including West Berkshire Brewery, Hook Norton, White Horse Brewery, Vale Brewery. The list of beers on last week were:
- Maggs mild
- Morland original
- Hardy’s and Hanson Bitter
- Hook Norton’s Flagship
- White horse Wayland smithy
- vale Brewery Grumpling ale
They are having a Winter ‘Beer, Cider & Sausage’ festival between 4th-6th December. Featuring 30 different cask ales, 5 real ciders and live music from Big Boys Blues Band on the Sunday from 4pm.
Morland’s Old Speckled Hen recently celebrated its 30th birthday. I’m sure most people already know its history. For more info see this article in the Oxford Times and this youtube video of Ode To Joy being performed on Speckled Hen bottles.
The Old Anchor has a charity event on 5th December in aid of stroke survivors. The main event is sold out. However there will be live music at 9pm to which people will be admitted for a £3 entrance fee.
The Nags Head is continuing to maintain a good variety of real ales which change on a regular basis, although I understand that Fullers London Pride may become a permanent offering.
The Broad Face has a new sign depicting a broad faced man’s head more in keeping to how it was few years ago. They are serving a guest beer alongside the regular Morland Original and Abott Ale
The Stocks Bar is continuing to maintain a good range of real ales, and has just some refurbishment including new flooring in the bar. They also now have a facebook page
White Horse has a good range of beers and live music most Saturdays.
The Cross Keys has a good program of live music and serving good beer including St. Austell’s Proper Job.
Punch Bowl had a Morris Dancing folk music jam session last Sunday afternoon.
The Blue Boar appears to be having some interior refurbishment going on
The Plough is serving a reasonable pint of beer, serves lunchtime food and has live music most weeks
The Black Swan has had some outside refurbishment, but seems the same inside
