please note - reviews on this site are purely the opinion of site visitors, so don't take them too seriously.
Best pub in central Banbury. Well managed, pleasant staff and a historic ambience. Food and beer are top class also - with free wi-fi.
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Ye Olde Reine Deer is a historic pub on what appeared to be a semi-pedestrianised street in Banbury's town centre. It's a Hook Norton pub with a good range of their ales - Hooky, Old Hooky, Hooky Gold, Hooky Mild & Lion. In addition, I was to surprised to see Old Rosie & Rosie's Pig ciders. Nice enough pub and I was settling in for a quiet drink when the free Tuesday entertainment started. A guy who had apparently earlier being dealing with counterfeit notes was bundled through the door and surrounded by locals. He was trying to escape, but was prevented from doing so. Not quite what I was expecting when I first entered. But this was still the best pub on my crawl so far and who would have thought that you could get such free entertainment on a Tuesday night!
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A first visit for me last week - and one I shall be repeating when next in Banbury. Proper old fashioned pub with a very agreeable atmosphere. I noted five different Hook Norton ales on hand pump, had two pints of Old Hooky which was in tip-top condition. I also heard other customers saying that the various other beers were of similar quality. Food-wise, I opted for the 'Reine Deer Special' which was listed as being ham, home-made bubble & squeak, baked beans and a fried egg. I requested the egg to be omitted owing to an allergy, and was pleasantly surprised to be offered extra ham instead. The food was of an equal standard to the beer and everything was reasonably priced. The staff were friendly and I was made to feel welcome. Recommended.
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The photo above is NOT the Reindeer.
It is the pub that was the Flyer but is now called the Old Actioneer.
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A revisit for me last Saturday and still an exelent pub.
My pint of Old Hooky was 20p more than I paid 2 and a half years ago and very nice it was too.
GBG 2015.
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Visited in May 13 intending to have a quick one and ended up staying for 3 hours. A really good traditional pud serving excellent Hookie Ales, including Mild. 9/10 and "I'll be back"
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Lovely place - a proper pub, with reliable real ale, and good quality and well priced food.
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A must visit if ever in the area.
7 hand pulls with 5 for Hook Norton Ales.
I had a very nice pint of Old Hooky for �3.40.
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Back again and still excellent. A couple of seasonal Hooky ales on tap as the pub had recently featured in a TV programme. Always recommnded!!
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Absolutely superb, and in my view one of the best pubs in England. It's a Hook Norton Ales pub so no problems with the beer, and a really good unspoilt traditional interior of an old coaching inn. Open fire and friendly staff - though sadly the much feared pub cat Cromwell passed away in July.
Spent new years eve there, the place was heaving with a hog roast and good band, free entry, and if that's not enough they brought round bottles of fizz to everytable, on the house, to toast the new year. And even better they had excellent Hooky Double Stout on draught.
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Again with apologies to those who read my remarks in The Coach and Horses - Ye Olde Reine Deer is actually listed although the photo seems to show a pub called The New Flyer!!
Anyway - this is the place to go; super old interior with many historical connections. Hooky Beers in very good nick and I have always had a good time in this pub - talking to the locals and the licensee about this and that and beer and the proposed closure of the General Foods/Knorr/Kraft factory (no more Maxwell House coffee or Birds Custard from Banbury - it will all probably soon be made cheaply in Poland or some other such foreign land). Some lovely old adverts around the panelled walls and some great architectural features. Two bar areas and a patio at the rear (car parking as well). Not too far from the train station and certainly worth the walk. They also do fruit drinks such as elderflower and peach etc. from nice old glass containers. A bit of history and a good pint - we even missed our train to enjoy a second beer.
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A piece of history, with a function room at the back said to have been used for meetings by Oliver Cromwell. It may not suit those who are looking for lots of action, but if you want a chin-wag in peace ond quiet, this place is for you. The Hook Norton beers are good and the staff are pleasant. Probably the best pub in Banbury!
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Lovely old pub. Always visit when in Banbury and never disappoints. Always found bar staff friendly, and never seen the telly on!
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This should be the best pub in town...the decor, the layout, the history!! Sadly I can only describe it as knackered...the atmosphere is dreadful and the words "past glories" spring to mind. Beer is distinctly average and the staff are unsightly and surly. With an injection of personality and energy this pub could be transformed...
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A polite e-mail to the site admin may achieve more than a comment like that!
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CHANGE....THE......F***ING PICTURE
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Great town centre pub full of charector and fab ale, really good Hook Norton beers, good for a cheeky pint if out shopping. Jamie
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Had some great Hook Norton in here recently, lovely pub but I must agree that the TV is a curse. The barmaid was transfixed by it all evening and told more than one customer to wait while she stared at it. Throw it in the nearest skip!
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I worked in Banbury from 2000-2004 and used to pop in here every so often without ever really appreciating it. I'm a bit older now and appreciate beer and decent pubs rather more, and when I popped in for a pint en route to the Banbury Beer Festival recently, I wondered why I ever went anywhere else in Banbury. It's a gorgeous pub on the inside, and the Hook Norton beers are excellent. Very good indeed.
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Lovely pub interior,Excellent pint of Hooky Dark,Great Place 8/10
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I had to register just to back up what a previous poster had written (at the end of last year). My wife and I went into this pub for the first time on Saturday evening last weekend (27th March). We arrived at about 6pm. All the comments I had read about it being a great pub with great beer were spot on - BUT, we had to leave after a couple of drinks as the TV set over the door was completely dominating the front bar (where we were sat). If I want to listen to Wipeout or Search for Dorothy, I'll stay in and watch them, I go out to avoid such things!!!
The landlord was transfixed by the telly, and had to break off from watching it to serve his customers. A real shame, as the beer was fantastic, as was the wooden bar area/fireplace etc. I got the feeling we weren't the only ones to feel this way as a number of couples came in, had 1 drink then left, glancing up at the telly and giggling as they did so. Real shame.
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TAKE THE FLYER OFF THIS PAGE - ARE YOU DAFT? The Reindeer sells beer - the Flyer serves arseholes....
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This pub has a old, atmospheric interior, with oak beams, a wooden floor and dark wood panelling. There are several handsome engraved mirrors (including one for the now defunct Benskins Brewery) adorning the walls, along with pictures of the outside of the pub before the hideous pedestrianisation of the street. A TV set, sitting above the entrance corridor, spoiled the ambience somewhat. Hook Norton ales on tap - Hooky Bitter, Old Hooky, Hooky Dark and Twelve Days. My pints of Old Hooky and Dark were well kept.
A very nice pub in a town sorely lacking decent pubs.
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Oh by the way.... they're right - you have still got the wrong pic up.
anonymous - 18 Oct 2009 20:35 |
A busy pub on a shopping street. Welcoming bar as you come in and quirky angles to the corners. Four Hook Norton Beers on - went for the Old Hooky which was a very nice pint. Food appeared to be the standard kind of pub fare. A good old fashioned town centre pub - wish I'd stayed for another here instead of following the Good Beer Guide's recomendation.
anonymous - 18 Oct 2009 20:35 |
STILL GOT THE PIC OF THE FLYER INSTEAD OF THE REINDEER
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I can't comment on this pub as I have not been there for over 4 years when I lived in Banbury.
However I have massive pangs to go back there as the only downside used to be the smoke. Now it should be wonderful. It's a shame that they've got the wrong picture above, which does it no favours.
The pub is homely, atmospheric and a true step into history. The beer used to be good as well.
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Disregard the below post by Alf1984 its a Nigerian Scam and has been reported for Removal. Chris (mod.) please remove this comment when you remove Alf1984.
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I'm going back there for a quick visit from London in the New Year - now if that doesn't say something then what does? Who the hell put the rubbish New Flyer on here?
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WEBMASTER.....CHANGE THE PHOTO ABOVE TO ONE OF THE REINDEER
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I love this pub,when I moved to North Oxfordshire and was checking out the pubs in Banbury imagin my delight in discovering this olde world gem.This pub is one of my all time favourites and I love pubs and spend more time in them than my other half would like,I should say I like my pubs to be how they used to be,that is drinking houses,quiet,without the all to common music, machines etc etc.It seems to me that the Reindeer has it all,the staff are great,one lass in particular is lovely.Don't forget to take a peep in the room at the back where Cromwell spent time during the English civel war.Living in Yorkshire now I miss Banbury a lot,what I particularly miss is the Reindeer,one of Englands great pubs.
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I can only echo what's already been written, great Ale (Hook Norton), traditional british food.
Ale & Steak Pie went down a treat.
A very, very traditional feel to it - 10/10.
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Lovely pub with a traditional feel about it - the Hook Norton beers were on form. A worthy addition to the GBG.
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This is Banbury's TOP pub! Good beer, service and ambiance! 'wellinformed' seems to be a frustrated critic who can't tell a steak from a nut roast! Having read his review of this pub and the Woolpack I would say he was drinking some other kind of fizzy beer and did so to excess! Still, if he prefers to drink 'up the road' then that will help this one remain No. 1 ! Oh and Dot and Tony aren't leaving this year so not so 'wellinformed'. Girls, this is the pub to enjoy beer without unwanted harrassment from the staff!
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Best pub in Banbury bar none. Great beers, lovely people. Thoroughly recommended.
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I drink in here most lunchtimes. Superb Hook Norton Pub. Well looked after in every way. Keep it up guys.
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Dot and Tony are such a pleasant pair of hosts you almost forgive them for letting the occasional brat in there. But I would rather have kids in a pub than teenagers and this pub tries to keep them out with its over-21 policy. The Hook Norton range of beers is second to none and Tony has worked his arse off to keep them in great condition over the years. They will be very very sorely missed and I hope the pub stays as unspoilt - you cant beat this place with its log fire in the winter, it's tennis coverage during summer and it's grumpy scratchy cat. Food is simple inexpensive and perfectly acceptable nourishing fayre. Worth a train trip alone.
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Really fantastic building, full of charm and history, sadly has recently been allowed to wind down.The currant tenents are leaving in November and have taken their eye of the ball somewhat, the beer quality has dropped as has the quality of some of the customers. It is still a pub to visit when in town and hopefuuly it will get back on track, it deserves to !
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A good characterful, old-fashioned pub with atmosphere, though can be boisterous with serious drinkers so not necessary a place for a quiet bevy. Range of Hook Norton beers, though sadly the dark had run out when we visited.
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This used to be our favourite pub in Banbury. Contrary to the fact that no under 21s are allowed, on our last 2 visits we have unable to stay to have a drink and a meal due to the fact that there are kids, babies and buggies clogging up the bar area.
On our last visit, we were more or less pushed off our table by a woman, her man,two kids and a buggie. These people of course, took priority over we adults.
At another table there was a family who allowed their children to eat with their fingers.
Although, we were looking at a notice saying no under 21s allowed, it is obvious that kids and buggies now have priority in this pub above adults and smokers! We do not smoke and have no objection to those who do. We do however, take exception to kids taking over adult places which is what pubs are supposed to be.
The next thing we expect to hear is that we have to be careful about what we discuss in case it is not suitable for kids!!!!!
anonymous - 11 Sep 2007 09:25 |
Nice, friendly pub with a good atmosphere (the 'no under 21' rule seems to be the reason for that). Although a pub for the older generation, it is a good meeting place with good, well kept beer. Plenty of history and has been consistent for many years. A bastion of the good old fashioned 'pub' (well done to the management). Get's very busy at the weekends.
Food: Not sure if they do food
Decor: Well balanced with the theme of the pub 'Naturally aged' (in a good way)
Toilets: A bit cramped but well decorated & fairly clean
Service: Very friendly, prompt service
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What a welcome retreat in a town centre which has far too many mediocre pubs. The beer is always in immaculate condition.
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Marvellous old pub, full of character and history. Big hanging sign suspended halfway across street, superb old panelling to left hand side and big fireplace to right. Big u-shaped bar, lots of good decoration, excellent beers, always a chatty atmosphere. Tends not to attract those who walk the Banbury circuit - just as well, really.
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A lovely pub with atmosphere and busy when we called. Liked the fireplace and had a walk round to get the feel of the place. A pub not to be missed when in Banbury and served good quality Hook Norton Ales. Guest a bit pricey at �3 a pint.
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My favourite pub in Banbury. It has a timeless quality only achieved by long careful, undisturbed maturation. I once asked if I could buy one of their Hook Norton tin trays, and was amazed to be presented with it free of charge. "You're the first person who's asked - they usually steal 'em!"
Beer is always in tip-top condition. A proper pub.
Cheers,
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Well kept town centre pub at least four Hook Norton ales on tap plus an ever changing guest beer... over 21`s only hence the older drinkers use it as a meet and greet and move on pub then when the other pubs in the area get too loud, crowded and full of alcopopin` kids a welcome haven to finish off the night
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Historic, well run Hook Norton pub ideally placed in the Town Centre. The best place in Banbury to try the full rang of seasonally available Hook Norton beers with the odd guest thrown in. Always friendly and well staffed, Tony and Dot run the pub very well.
The historic Globe Room is to the rear and may have to be opened specialy in the evenings but it is well worth a look.
Interesting Food list at lunchtimes.
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Great pub, fantastic atmospere and loads of history. This is a real pub. Oh and the food is wholesome, well prepared and well priced. You will not be dissapointed.
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A genuinely historic pub in the centre of a nice old market town. A sign outside indicates the building dates from 1570 and Oliver Cromwell apparently used it as a base during the Civil War, Banbury being a Roundhead stronghold. Make sure you take a look at the original oak-panelled room at the back, much of which was removed to (I think) the V&A museum during the early part of the last century but restored to the pub after World War II. Also many interesting old photographs on the walls. Tasty looking food was being served during lunchtime and four ales were available from the Hook Norton range, though sadly not my favourite beer of theirs, Double Stout.
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Nice old proper pub. Not really my scene but it's good that this kind of place can co-exist with Yates's just a few doors down.
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Nice pub for a pint and a chat with friends. I like this place because it is one of the few places these days were I am not anywhere near the oldest in there.
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Super little pub!
Lovely ambience, although a bit tricky for those over 6ft!
Excellent range of beer including local Brewers.
Excellent choice of fruit wine and definitely the best pint of Guinness in Banbury - it's worth paying a little more for!
This mixed with the "Olde Worlde" feel that Banbury should show more of - a great pub!
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My favourite drinking pub in Banbury. Food lunchtimes only. Westons Stowford Press cider.
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Nice Cotswoldy-stone pub just in Banbury town centre. Looks pleasant fomr the outside and looks are not deceiving in this case. Hook Norton and one other guest beer on draft. My mild was a little cloudy but perfectly fine. Other beers looked maybe better. Good quality pub cat as well.
David Jollie - 15 Feb 2005 14:10 |
