The Three Pigeons, Banbury

Descending the couple of steps at the entrance into the Three Pigeons I became aware of loud folk music being played, the friendly barmaid would later inform me that it was a paid for event so the very busy left-hand side of the pub was out of bounds to non-ticket holders. The front tile floored right area has low ceiling beams so I believe this was the original pub with the rear being later extensions. There are two serving counters, each with three doubled up hand pumps that were drawing Purity’s Gold and GK Old Speckled Hen, the Doom Bar was off. Premium keg was also available as was Purity’s Bunny Hop on keg. In the wooden floored rear is some seating, including a couple of armchairs, and the folk was being hosted in an open plan seating area to the left. Out the back is a large patio garden that I imagine gets very busy during the summer months.

Official site of The Three Pigeons - www.thethreepigeons.com

Official site of The Three Pigeons - www.thethreepigeons.com

Clock the three pigeons atop the roof before entering to a rambling low-ceilinged old place which has been blasted and uneasily cleaned into modernity. The multiple areas are formed into in a sort of U shape round the bar with an impressive rear garden in addition. Awful piped music more suited to a Friday night rather than 8pm on a Tuesday with just me and a 6ft 4" transvestite for company - no wonder they were closing early. GBG’24 listed with two cask on, Doom Bar and a pretty good, given the circumstances, Purity Gold (3). I doubt I’d see the need to revisit next time, to be honest. 5.5

We tried the front door of the Three Pigeons only to find it locked on our Wednesday lunchtime visit. However, we did manage to access the pub from the rear, assuming that somebody had forgotten to open the front door. After a while waiting at the bar, the friendly and chatty landlady appeared and asked us how we'd got in. She said that the lunchtime trade was no longer there and that they no longer open until 3pm. However, we were welcome to stay for a drink. I thought this was quite nice of her. Others may have just thrown us out! The real ale choice is now down to Doom Bar & Pure Gold. She did say that they used to have a guest beer, but that it was no longer viable to stock one. The main room sprawls around a central bar. To the rear is a courtyard with accommodation and function rooms off here. It seems that much of the trade at this pub these days is from functions. This is a nicely appointed pub, albeit a bit dark inside, with friendly owners. It probably won't be the highlight of any visit to Banbury, but it's a decent place for a quick drink.