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Date: 15 December 2018

ROC, KOC, TM, PC, RN, FN & PV

The destination this time was Oxford. Departing at 10.30, the train journey out via Ash Vale, North Camp and Reading went well and we arrived as planned a little after mid-day. The walk to the first pub in Jericho was via the Oxford Canal footpath and the pub easily found despite the map being ripped in half. It started to rain just before we reached the pub.

The Old Bookbinders

Exterior impressions were not entirely favourable – Greene King on the sign – but quickly dispelled. Despite immediately being confronted by menu bearing bar-staff (pub run by a French chef), it turned out to be old, warm and comfortable and offered a range of beers from the GK list. It was busy, but room became available when another group of beer tourists left. The photo display in the Gents was well appreciated. The rain had really come on now but fortunately it was only a short walk to the next pub.

Jericho Tavern

This large corner pub has a famous music venue upstairs, but downstairs in the bar it was all blue and, this Saturday, rather empty. There were, however, a few real ales, quite a bit of craft keg and a few foreign bottled beers to choose from. Most made sensible choices but one did go over the top and go alcohol free. No names, eh, El Tel. Onwards through the rain to the Woodstock Road, with only a slight diversion for PV in the Jericho Cheese shop.

Lamb and Flag

Owned by the nearby St John’s College, the small Georgian frontage of the pub is deceptive – the pub goes a long way back down the adjacent passage. A free house, the pub stocks a couple of Palmers beers, Betty Stogs, Old Peculiar and 3 changing guests. Mengo ended up at the medieval rear where we again came across the other beer tourists from the Old Bookbinders. They looked as wet as us but were in fine spirits.

The Eagle and Child

This pub is also owned by St John’s College; but this one appears to be run by Nicholson’s. There was really nothing which would have normally attracted Mengo, but it had to be done for the Inklings connection with Tolkien and Lewis. The two small snug’s at the front give way to a small bar area and onwards to the conservatory, where we settled. The group got a little disorientated on the way to the next pub until we found a very nice person who guided us to its door.

The Grapes

After all the ancient pubs it was nice to come across a Victorian pub, complete with some of the original tiling. The single room was long and thin, with the bar taking up most of the length of one side with the drinking area separated by a timber balustrade. The pub was busy with a cheery bunch. The staff was helpful and one customer gave invaluable guidance to our next pub. There was plenty of real and keg beers available and some foreign bottled; the only problem being PV got distracted by the guidance and omitted to record the bottled choice.* Armed with directions, we headed off down Broad Street, found the ‘Bridge of Sighs’ and the headed down the small winding passage to our next venue.

The Turf Tavern

This curious pub might be difficult to find but it was packed with locals and tourists. Moving away from the small bar area we found seating in a larger room towards the far end. The toilets were outside, across the passage which now resembled a stream. The next pub was located off the High Street down – you guessed it – a passageway.

The Chequers

This fine old pub dates back to the 16th Century and was, surprisingly not very busy; but then the weather was so bad many shoppers would have given up and gone home. Run by Nicholson’s, the pub was comfortable, and above all else, dry and warm. Good real ale list and a German bottle to tempt the rest. Emboldened by our recent navigational success, we headed off further down the passage and did find it came out near our next destination. RN headed off for the station and home.

St Aldates Tavern

This old coaching in dates back to the 18th Century. Can’t remember much about it other than it offered a fine range of real ale. By now PV had lost the plot a bit and failed to record the foreign beer again.* Then we opted to miss the final pub (The Jam Factory) and head back to the station for the 18.00 to Reading. We caught up with RN at North Camp; he must have been on the same train but missed out on TM’s feast.

THE CROSSWAYS BEER FESTIVAL (Thank’s Ron!)

Friday 21st July 2018

So bright eyed and ready to go we jumped on the 19 bus and had a pleasant journey to Churt. Of course thanks to Ron we had the wrong dates yes one week early, we were not the only ones.

While not the full list of 40 beers expected we went through the card (yes tasters) and all were on top form. Very surprised by the Dorking brews and we agreed the Arundel were very tasty.

PV was on a missing to get fed or we would have been in and out in an hour.

There was only one other punter on our side a very nice talkative guy (one of the Jones) and the rest of the time pasted talking about Aldershot and Bradshaws plus a trip out to see the new pub sign.

Brewery Beer % Church End Brewers Truth 3.6 Black Tor Blonde 3.8 Listers Tail Wagger 4.0 Exile Apollo 4.2 Double Top Summer Ale 4.0 Loose Cannon Session IPA 4.1 Nethergate Stour Valley 4.2 Goddards Wight Squirrel 4.3 Bowman British IPA 4.5 Andwell Red IPA 4.5

Attended by:-

PV and RO

Wetherspoons beer festival and a day out - 24th March 2018

Alton Winter Beer Festival - 17th February 2018

Westy beer list

The Westy Beer Festival 2018

#Westy

A couple of the journey there. In the second photo you can see where we ended up just at the trees at the end of the road.

Camden Town Brewery - Only PV's 20th of the year. Australian brewer and a very fine selection. Just under Finsbury Park West Tube (PV stood up as we passed on our way to Camden Road) nice walk back though!

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