The Chequers Inn, Churchill

The conversion into a restaurant with a bar added is unsuccessful (aside from anything else, it produced awful acoustics). There's a poor selection of beers; the food is OK, though it certainly falls well below "gastropub" standards. The service ranges from the offhand to the effusive (with not much between). Trying to escape the noise of the interior leaves you with a choice of three tables, one at the side, two at the front; in each case you're squeezed in behind parked cars. The village is pretty, but spoilt by the all the cars (as it seemed inexplicably to be a popular pub; certainly a very noisy one).

26 Jul 2010 19:21

The Tite Inn, Chadlington

We tried it again recently, after having been there a few times in the past. The refurbishment is generally sympathetic, and the outside seating area should make it an ideal location for a pleasant evening out, as its beautifully located. Unfortunately, the poor selection of beers and the very limited menu let it down. The staff are generally pleasant (though not exactly attentive), and they knocked a fair bit off our bill for mistakes made with our meal.

I was surprised by its emptiness when we arrived, but not by the time we left.

26 Jul 2010 19:13

The Old Tom, Oxford

Their Thai food is cheap and good, with generous portions. The staff are friendly. It doesn't strike me as a touristy place, though it does tend to be full of academics and (to a much lesser extent) undergraduates.

26 Jul 2010 19:00