Horse & Groom, Bicester

I paid a brief but enjoyable visit to this rural pub late on a Friday evening. It was dark outside and if there was a car park, I failed to find it, instead parking up the side lane and using a torch to navigate my back to the pub! A couple were still sat out in the garden and after eventually finding the right door to get into the pub, I soon entered the small interior where a few locals were gathered around the bar. They did all give me a strange look, perhaps because they don't get too many strangers walking in late on a Friday evening. The interior is split into two parts, with the main bar area and a dining area slightly away from the bar. A lady was clearing up after the earlier meal service. There is also a pleasant (mostly covered) outdoor seating yard to the rear in addition to the more open grassy area at the front. Toilets are also outside in this area. Just a couple of real ales were on - Goff's Jouster & Nuttycombe Pitchfork. However, my attention had been grabbed by a small blackboard to the side of the bar listing 4 real ciders - Lilley's Mango Cider, Snail's Bank Perry Bomb, Garden Cider Company Vintage & Saxby's Traditional. The French landlord soon appeared from the cellar with pints of cider for a couple of locals, before I sent him down again for my order. A CAMRA discount used to be offered, but has now been discontinued. I found this to be a lovely country pub with plenty of atmosphere and fairly welcoming, despite the locals' initial surprise at my arrival. It was worth the detour off the M40 for a swift half for me.

Small C18 pub with a thatched roof – ignore the Brakspear-style signage, this is a genuine freehouse. Small main bar as you enter with the servery to the right and a roaring log fire to left, as well as some wooden pew seating. To the rear is a small cosy formal dining room with jugs hanging from the beams. Small but nice beer garden out front. Big on grub and food majors on French style cuisine at French style prices, a main will set you back 15 quid. GBG 2016 listed and at the bar there were four on; White Horse Bitter (mediocre condition), Church End Goats Milk (very good nick), Church End Stout (good) and Cottage Try Me (I didn’t). It’s a decent little place, perhaps a bit small to cope with both the food and drinking brigades though fair play for trying to spin both plates simultaneously.

Official site of Horse & Groom - www.horseandgroomcaulcott.co.uk

Official site of Horse & Groom - www.horseandgroomcaulcott.co.uk