The Blue Posts, Piccadilly

Nice old-fashioned Victorian pub, but very small - up until about 7.30pm in the week it's standing room only. Then the theatre crowd leave and there's room for all to sit. Bar staff when we were there were a young Chinese couple - the male of whom had a bright red mohican haircut - totally out of keeping with the decor, but fun - what would Mr Dickens have thought though!

18 Mar 2010 21:49

The Trout Inn, Wolvercote

Dreadful place! - another example of an genuine old pub that's been gutted and replaced with fake 'old' decor, so that it looks like every other fake-old pub in every other town. For the first time I can remember I felt underdressed in a pub! - or should I say "pub", because this is really just an over-priced restaurant for the local monied classes and tourists. They should stop the pretence and take the pub sign down outside and rip the bar out to put more tables in. Shame because it has a great riverside location.

18 Mar 2010 21:43

The Black Boy, Headington

A fairly down-at-heel boozer that's been tarted up into a gastro-pub. Unfortunately it's not been done with any great taste or imagination - basically the bar's been painted white, there's awful white flock wallpaper, and a ghastly seventies-style plastic lampshade in the middle of the ceiling. Food was reasonable, although limited choice - the steak and chips were good (but no veg!), but the chocolate mousse was much too thin in consistency and a very small portion. Beer was reasonable but can't imagine anyone going here in the evenings if they just want a drink.

26 Feb 2009 22:54