please note - reviews on this site are purely the opinion of site visitors, so don't take them too seriously.
Last Tuesday was a return visit to Abingdon for me. I don't think I was reviewing pubs on this site when I was last there. The King's Head & Bell is an old coaching inn with a more modern feel these days. The young barmaids were bubbly and friendly. Three ales were on - Adnams Regatta, Loose Cannon Minion & Cameron's Road Crew. Most people were enjoying the courtyard which sits between the buildings.
|
Really good even if it is slightly more veered towards diners than drinkers - the food was superb - a haddock burger served on a meltingly soft brioche bun with great fries and coleslaw. Good ale too including Abingdon Bridge as you would expect and a couple of decent guests. A nice alternative option to the Brewery Tap in downtown Abingdon
|
Very busy and clearly catering to many satisfied customers. The courtyard and general facilities are quite attractive and the beers (from Hook Norton and Box Steam) were up to scratch. On the last occasion I ate there, 10 of us were in the group - my meal was tasteless and generic and none of the others looked very interesting. Maybe some attention needed in the menu and execution
|
So almost 3 years on from the re-furb. The KHB is a fantastic pub to go to in the town centre. The lovely courtyard is now sporting new outside furniture, plus plants! Covered area has comfy cushions and is quite a nice space to sit. Had a couple of good pints of Abingdon Bridge. There were a few other beers, plus plenty of ciders, lagers and wine. Food menu is better too - they do a fantastic burger. Yes, I know it's almost �10, but it's massive. Really good quality steak mince and a nice seeded ciabatta style roll - very nice! It does get very busy, especially when things are going on in the market place, but that shows that it truely is a good pub. I've been there a couple of times on my own (husband was away on boy's trip) and the staff were lovely and stopped to have a brief chat and make sure I was OK. Definitely recommend
|
Went in to the pub on Monday evening, was a bit quiet. they had 2 ales brewed in Abingdon and 2 brewed further a field, Me and the wife tried most of them!
We ate there as well. we had the meal on the specials board, Liver and bacon with mash that had black pudding in it, really nice meal. will have to come back again.
And in reference to the previous review, both mine and the wife's glasses were clean, Ha Ha
|
Good range of drinks and is very nice inside. Large if uninspiring beer 'garden'. I've been to this pub quite a few times and I don't think I've been served a drink in a clean glass yet.
|
They've done a really good job with doing this pub up. Really nice inside, good food and a decent amount of beers/lagers. Staff seem friendly - it's got to be the best pub in the town centre.
|
Went to the opening night and was very impressed indeed. They have done a really nice job on the place and it has not lost any of its character. There is an extention on the side of building but it still leaves plenty of space in the garden including a very nice under cover seated smoking area. Adnams and Hook Norton ales were on sale and in good condition. The landlord seems to be keen on getting different guest ales on which is very encouraging. The upstairs area has also been refurbished. They have plans on having quiz and poker nights up there.
All in all a very positive start. I wish the staff every success and I look forward to my next visit.
|
That's great news. If they are going to have cask ales I hope they concentrate on locally produced ale from the Oxfordshire area and not boring old london pride and green king which you can get everywhere!!!
|
I don;t know where this rumour about a wine bar keeps coming from.
It is owned by Foundation Inns who are currently doing the construction work to reopen this autumn or early next year. The planning permission is easily viewable at the district council web site, which clearly show it is still going to be a pub.
I contacted Foundation Inns to find out what it is going on and they said "Cask ales will be part of the offer along with a good selection of other product ranges and we will be introducing a good food offering at reasonable prices."
|
Rumour is that this pub will be re-opening as a wine bar in the not too distant future
|
This pub is closed and has been for quite some time.
Shame because it's a nice old building and was a good boozer in it's time.
|
Beautiful old building with sprawling, maze-like interior and lots of little cubby-holes. Big open fires and low beams. Despite that, it hasn't become a gastropub and retains a grotty indie ambience more like that of a student bar.
|
Yet another pub that has changed it's face over the years. Back in the early 90's it looked very different. Broken chairs with the foam ripped out of them. Nicotine stains everywhere you looked. Nackered tiolets that regularly blocked up and flooded the floor, it was great!! The garden now looks like something out of lego land and the pub itself is full of cheap nasty ornaments to make it authentic looking to the time King Charles passed through the town and stayed at the pub. But saying that it is a good pub and to be honest the town is badly lacking them these days. Green King has closed most of them down. Red Lion, Horse and Jockey R.I.P. Just to name a few. Well worth a visit!!
|
Has an excellent snug with nice comfy armchairs and serves a nice pint of Directors. The main bar can be a bit noisy but seemed good natured enough, mostly full of student types when I last visited.
|
Great place to get drunk!
Matt - 11 Mar 2004 14:52 |
