Before I even start this review I need to confess that before this evening, I had never been to the Star. I KNOW. It's unacceptable. I don't know why. I blame the ridiculous amount of pubs in Oxford (a good thing, obvs). However, I have admired it from afar, and heard very good things about its very good vibes, so when my friend was having birthday drinks there the same … [Read more...]
The Chequers, Berrick Salone and a stay at The Crown Inn, Benson
I was very happy to be spending a weekend revolving around good pubs. This one took us across two sister spots: a cosy overnight at The Crown in Benson and dinner at The Chequers Inn in Berrick Salome - just four minutes down the road. We arrived at The Chequers just as the rugby was wrapping up - peak "village pub energy". Not rowdy, not chaotic. Just merry. Buzzy. That … [Read more...]
Review: The Mole Inn
The Mole Inn in Toot Baldon has been a favourite countryside pub for as long as I've lived in Oxford. Graced with a beautiful garden patio, and surrounded by rural walks in most directions, it's just a temptingly short drive out of town in the summer. Somehow, I'd never been there in winter, so was really pleased to have the chance very recently. And what a warm welcome we … [Read more...]
Review: The Greyhound Inn, Letcombe Regis
There are some pubs that just feel right the moment you walk in, and The Greyhound is one of them. We arrived to a warm welcome from the team, a gentle Saturday buzz, and the kind of cosy, fire-lit atmosphere that instantly softens the shoulders. Most tables were full, the rooms varied and characterful, and the whole place hummed with that relaxed, lived-in … [Read more...]
Review: Part & Parcel Roast Dinner
Hats off to the Dodo Pub chain, which just keeps on giving. From their Burger Monday nights (burger and fries for £7.99) to their Rotisserie Chicken Wednesdays, and now their newly launched Sunday Roast menu, they’re the kind of neighbourhood pub that just gets it right. We went along to try it, and they’ve absolutely smashed it. They’ve kept things intentionally … [Read more...]
