The Punchbowl, Abingdon

There are two entrances at the rear of the Punchbowl accessed from a corridor down the left side of the pub. The first entrance leads to a small lounge bar at the rear that could be classed as a snug. The second door leads to an L-shaped bar with dartboard and jukebox that was playing some background music. The L-shaped serving counter supports standard and premium keg as well as Morland Original and TT landlord from the two handpumps. I wasn’t that impressed with this place.

Pretty, if squat, Greene King pub in the square. Enter to the front bar which has been molested a little but retains a bit of character with some fabric banquettes and a drinkers vibe. The star attraction however is tucked away to the rear (and I only noticed it through the bar) - a little secret room, almost an outsized snug, which is carpeted and has dark varnish wood panelling from floor to ceiling and a wonky ceiling; wonderfully atmospheric and listed on CAMRA's Regional Inventory of Historic Pub Interiors. Two ales on; GK Morlands Original (very good nick) and Hogsback TEA, served up by a friendly lass behind the bar. A good shout when in Abingdon and worth putting on the must-do list along with the Nags and Brewery Tap, even if there is less in the way of ale riches here.

My review from May 2012 is still accurate. Nothing has changed in the interim. Runs a super Meat Draw at 2.00pm every saturday. The pub is packed for this. If visiting Abingdon do not miss this superb example of pubs as they used to be.