The Coach & Horses, Banbury

Facebook page of The Coach & Horses - www.facebook.com

Official site of The Coach & Horses - thecoachandhorsesbanbury.com

Facebook page of The Coach & Horses - www.facebook.com

Official site of The Coach & Horses - thecoachandhorsesbanbury.com

Massive change here to the extent I momentarily questioned whether I'd entered the right pub. Any old cosiness has been ruthlessly stripped out, areas have been further knocked into and the walls are now red blue and yellow like a Fisher Price TV show set. Lights off early weekday evening and it felt gloomy. Almost all the tables reserved, most of them were still empty well-past their allotted showtimes. Retreated to the decent rear patio garden with the alphabetti spaghetti Pride flags strung-up so I'm assuming they're trying to corner the Tik-Tok yoof market; whether said market will keep the range of Hook Norton ales turning over is perhaps a different matter, but my pint of Hooky was fine (NBSS 3), if served in a glass that proves they have a fundamental problem with their dishwasher. GBG listed for ’24. February 2012 A Hook Norton pub hidden away up a side-street with a brand new posh interior still smelling of mocha and wood which I thought was done rather well. The snuggy bit to the left of the bar with horsey wall paper looked very good and I rather fancied sitting there, alas it was being hogged by a female staff member eating her dinner. An impressive patio garden to the rear makes it look like a good summer pub. Four ales, Hooky Gold, Bitter, 12 Days and Oxfordshire Ales Uncle Scrooge (all served through sparklers, sadly). I tried the Scrooge and 12 Days and both came out pretty well, if expensive. Still, the 12 Days was 30p cheaper than the Reindeer! Food is pushed and there were a family eating opposite. I rather liked it in here, though the traditional pub-goer might have reservations. Give it a go. Rated 7

Hook Norton pub in the town centre that is slightly set back from the main shopping street on a separate side street. It was quiet when we arrived, with just 2 customers present, a man inside and a woman outside. Music was playing at quite a loud volume, but the young barmaid offered a friendly welcome. Hooky, Old Hooky & Off The Hook are the real ales. The cider was Rosie's Pig. The pub is listed in the Good Beer Guide. Inside is quite brightly decorated with a large room nearest the bar and a smaller side room (probably more suited to diners) off to the left-hand side. The garden area was partly covered and seemed like a nice space. It also contained a dartboard.

Nice imposing building, inside is modernised including fairy lights. Hook Norton beers and worth a stop

Historic Hook Norton pub, but given an unexpected light, modern makeover that actually works quite well and is seemingly popular with younger customers too. Excellent choice from the bank of six handpumps, including the Mild (£4.00) and Red Rye in addition to the expected Hooky, Old Hooky and Hooky Gold, plus Rosie's Pig cider.