The Brewery Tap, Abingdon

Formerly the Morland's brewery tap, the Victorian tower brewery is visible up a side street next to the pub, it now sells the inferior Bury St Edmunds version of Morland's Original plus thankfully five better beers on handpump and the usual kegs and bottles. Guest ales were from Hook Norton, Batemans and a some local micros including the very nice Loose Cannon beers. Very firmly positioning itself as an ale house the inside is a muddle of small rooms and spaces on varying levels and striped pine is the order of the day for walls and tables. The front bar by the corner door and counter has stone flags, a mix of furniture, a juke box and a dart board. The screens, one of which continually shows adverts, rather spoilt the overall effect. The etched Morlands windows are worth noting, there are also some on an adjacent building which I took to be the former brewery offices. The only pub in Abingdon in the 2012 Good Beer Guide, it also does a good line in more interesting bar snacks.

One of the better pubs in a town with more than its fair share of average ones. Usually six real ales available. Although a Greene King house there are usually a couple of genuine guest ales (i.e. not from the Greene King list of 'approved' guests). The prices here though are a bit on the steep side (ranging from £3.05 to £3.60 a pint depending on ABV). Fosters was £3.35 and Peroni £4.00. This has the effect of attracting the more 'mature' type of drinker. Food is available lunchtimes. Occasional live music, especially on Bank Holidays. Quiz night on a tuesday.

Official site of the Brewery Tap, includes menu and events listing - www.thebrewerytap.net

Official site of the Brewery Tap, includes menu and events listing - www.thebrewerytap.net