Oxford

[RogerB]

Another cheapo rail offer on the go centred on Oxford http://response.pure360.com/interfac...03353134531268

I've just booked up for a day out next Tuesday (28th) for £8 return. I've compiled a schedule of pubs but if anyone has any tips on the must do's/avoids, I am all ears. Naturally if anyone wants to join me, feel free.

[Quinno]

Damn you I haven't been to Oxford for ages but I suspect that I can't get that date off, I would join you otherwise!

The Eagle and Child - worth a half for the front interior but don't plan your day round it

Turf Tavern - The big tick box pub in OX1

The White Horse - my personal Oxford favourite

Lamb & Flag - good beer and has Betty Stoggs

Far From the Madding Crowd - very good for ale though a lot of people says it lacks charm

The Kings Arms - decent beer but I've never been over-keen on the inside

Not been to these but meant to be very good: The Grapes and The Royal Blenheim

[Grailhunter]

I would say that on a day in Oxford the 'must do' pubs within the city centre are;
Far from the Madding Crowd
Turf Tavern
The Royal Blenheim
All three have a good choice of real ales. FFMC is a free house and usually has five fairly unusual ales and Brakspears. Turf is Greene King but unusually is allowed a free hand with guest ales (and the building and location is fabulous). Blenheim is a good town boozer run by the White Horse brewery as their brewery tap.

The Crown is worth a look if time permits (often has Jaipur IPA).
The Mitre is an historic coaching inn but the ale choice is poor.
Both of the Wetherspoons are fairly average

For a special treat jump on a number 7C or 8 bus and go to the Masons Arms in Headington. It brews its own beer (Old Bog brewery) and is a great community pub, but be warned it is hard to find and check it doesn't close in the afternoons.

I hope you have a good day out.

[Quinno]

For a special treat jump on a number 7C or 8 bus and go to the Masons Arms in Headington. It brews its own beer (Old Bog brewery) and is a great community pub, but be warned it is hard to find and check it doesn't close in the afternoons.

The Masons Arms now that's a good 'un, been there!

I've asked for the 28th off, more in hope than expectation mind you!

[RogerB]

I've cut my tick list down to 12 so far and all the ones you have all mentioned are still on the list so pub review websites must be doing something right! I'll make a note of the Masons Arms and see if I can fit it in but given that this is my first proper beer trip to Oxford, I will probably just stay with the town centre pubs on this occasion unless anyone joins me and wants to do otherwise.

[gillhalfpint]

The Royal Blenheim is an Everards scheme pub so there is usually one of theirs on plus about 3 White Horse brewery and about 6 guests on so is worth a visit. Agree with the other suggestions too.

[RogerB]

I think the only one on my list that no-one has mentioned is the Duke's Cut so I'll use that as a reserve if I finish the other 11 with time to spare!

[Quinno]

I've asked for the 28th off, more in hope than expectation mind you!

Well I've been (grudgingly) given it, so count me in.

What time are you planning on being there?

[RogerB]

Well I've been (grudgingly) given it, so count me in.

What time are you planning on being there?

Excellent - my train leaves Paddington 9.50 arriving in Oxford at 10.48. I'll be heading for the Four Candles for my customary 'Spoons breakfast and first pint. My train back is at 8.01pm.

[Quinno]

Excellent - my train leaves Paddington 9.50 arriving in Oxford at 10.48. I'll be heading for the Four Candles for my customary 'Spoons breakfast and first pint. My train back is at 8.01pm.

I'll be on the same trains then, leaving Reading 10:22