The Old Auctioneer, Banbury

I was escorted by the bouncer to one of high tables that run opposite the Viking-like serving counter that runs up the right-hand wall. This was the only venue where I encountered a bouncer during my two days in Banbury, which I found odd because it’s more of a restaurant than a pub. I didn’t see a menu, but the food must be good because every one of the tables amongst the green panelled walls and pillars was being used by mainly young couples and large family groups. The building has been knocked through at some point to create an open plan space, but the wooden floor and old beams have been retained so there is some character. The staff were friendly, especially considering how busy it was, but only one of the two hand pumps was in use drawing TT Landlord. Premium and mainstream craft keg products were also available, but this is more restaurant than pub so I’ll not be revisiting the Old Auctioneer just for a pint again.

Official site of The Old Auctioneer - www.theoldauctioneer.com

Official site of The Old Auctioneer - www.theoldauctioneer.com

A most attractive old building,probably a coaching inn at one time,the exposed beams across all the ceilings are a real feature.It's primarily a restaurant but the high tables and drinking shelves close to the wood clad bar are for people who just want to drink.Elsewhere are dining tables,including a raised section to the rear and behind the bar.Outside there is a large courtyard garden,mostly covered and this is also popular with drinkers.The large interior is worth walking around ,lots of tradition on offer. Charming barmaid pulled my pint of Adnams Ghost Ship (NBSS 3,£4.80) ,the other option was a house beer called Dirty Bear brewed by Theakstons. The keg taps included Beavertown Neck Oil and Tiny Rebel Clwb Tropicana.The food did smell good but I was only in for a beer which I enjoyed.If you are crawling around town,put this on the list for the good interior.

Curious place - obviously a historic building (at least in parts), but definitely modern in both style and interior appearance. Mix of furniture in the various seating / dining areas around the 'L'-shaped bar, with further space up a few steps towards the rear (semi-open) kitchen and in an upstairs room (not in use when I stopped by). Generally light decor throughout. Three real ales from the four handpumps: Bombardier, Deuchars IPA and the 'house' Dirty Bear (£3.25).

Small, low ceilinged, old but unsympathetically modernised with an open plan layout. Devoted mainly to eating even my too cold Theakstons tasted of salt and vinegar - rank - and as they don't do bar snacks I couldn't disguise the taste with nuts. The white walls, some plastered, some painted brick, some only partly there, abound with arty pictures to match the food and trendy punters. It was probably a nice old pub once. It's got free wifi from BT though but that doesn't make up.

Called in Sunday night not a customer waited at the bar young lad came in from the beer Garden got a pint of caledonian sunseeker warm flat as hell know i am down south but you southerners should be able to pull it a bit better than that. It looks as if the pub as been tarted up and its gone badly wrong. Buy these people get these ideas and rip good pubs in bits and it goes tits up