Clifden Arms, Aylesbury

Facebook page of Clifden Arms - www.facebook.com

Facebook page of Clifden Arms - www.facebook.com

In the sticks between Thame and Wheatley, despite having a Bucks postcode (the border undulates between Bucks and Oxon in these here parts). A charming part-thatched country pub down a small lane just off a right-hander, this had previously had a bit of an open-closed chequered history, but has now thankfully found some stability and now offers accommodation in outhouses the other side of the car park. Entry from the car park either takes you into the bar (door to the left; original building; Halls tiling to the left of the door) or to the restaurant (door dead ahead; add-on) where you'll find a greeter (bar, please!? yes, it's to your left, sir). Two bars; a sparsely-decorated public bar and main bar which opens into the restaurant. An adventurous four beers at the jump: Rebellion Overthrow, 30, 'Clifden IPA' (AKA Rebellion IPA) and Courage Directors. The latter was in very good shape as you'd expect for £4.90, as was a half of the 30 (£2.20). A mixture of locals and plummy voices ("I got the hat in 2009; I remember as we went to Panama then Costa Rica"). The money shot is the garden, which surrounds half of the premises. Most was marqueed due to a forthcoming 'Sausage & Cider Fest' but there's a bit with some patio and outdoor furniture which is shaded but overlooks fields. All very 'picture-scew' as my Dad would say.

Official site of Clifden Arms - www.theclifdenarms.co.uk

Official site of Clifden Arms - www.theclifdenarms.co.uk

Large multi-roomed pub that has recently been restored with some of the restorations still going on.the emphasis is on food but they do have two rotating real ales. Large front and rear gardens.