Littlebury Hotel, Bicester

Official site of Littlebury Hotel - littleburyhotel.com

Official site of Littlebury Hotel - littleburyhotel.com

I popped into the Littlebury Hotel on a recent Tuesday evening to find a small bar with a counter along the rear that faces the entrance and seating that runs across the front wall. A cabinet that houses the television on the right-hand wall was open for the special occasion of an England football friendly on terrestrial TV, it was muted. There were twenty or so customers with a few locals at the bar and hotel guests at the tables. A couple of the octogenarians were having a nap and a group of Germans were chuntering away in their mouther tongue while pointing at the television. Whilst the décor is a bit stuffy the governor was polite and humorous, making me feel welcome. Unfortunately the two hand pumps stood unused so the draught options were standard keg and Amstel. I went for a pint of Kronenburg which I drank a little too fast because I wanted to leave before I also fell asleep.

Slightly sad hotel bar 5 minutes out of town. Early 2000's light wood effect interior, all quite staid in terms of atmosphere. The are some interesting touches though, including a lovely tiled floor entrance, modern stained glass windows and wooden box ceiling. A crackly local radio station and muted swimming on the TV for company. Just one ale, a tired and cardboardy tasting (aspiratored?) Shotover Prospect. There's potential here, should anyone care to take advantage of it. 4.5

The Buttery Bar of this traditional hotel is rather more pub-like than one might expect. Mid-shade wooden furniture and decor, with a small screened lounge area in one corner. Only one of the two handpumps was in use when I visited, offering Brill Gold at £3.70 (with keg Courage Best also noted).