The Chequers, Chipping Norton

An attractive looking, cottage style pub located just off the High Street, it’s considerably bigger inside than might be expected with the pub extending through in to the adjoining buildings, even though there is no sign that this is the case from the outside. Internally it’s quite cosy with very low light levels, so might either be described as atmospheric or gloomy, depending on your point of view. It has possibly been opened out a bit at some point, but it has certainly lost none of it’s charm and there are still some individual rooms as well. The bar counter was an attractive feature made of dark wood panelling, and had old signs set in to the top of the bar such as Spirits, Wines, Fine Ales, etc. Flooring was rough wooden boards with a large rug in one of the rooms, whilst the walls were a mixture of exposed stonework and various shades of dark paintwork. The ceilings too were painted in dark shades which did nothing to add to the light levels. A small snug section opposite ethe bar counter had a large brick fireplace with a black chimney hood, large brass plate on the wall and a collection of tankards, as well as a recessed display case with a small trumpet, wicker backet, old bottles, and so on. Another snug at the front had a smaller brick fireplace with a wood burning stove, a Chesterfield armchair and a piano with a collection of board games on top. Out towards the rear of the pub, there’s a complete change of style, a sort of conservatory extension bridges the gap between adjacent buildings and this was light and airy and felt a little more contemporary, although it retained the original stone walls on either side. A large collection of pot plants were arranged over the higher of the two walls. Beers on tap were predominantly from Fullers with their Seafarer’s, Oliver’s Island and London Pride, as well as Dark Star’s American Pale Ale. A further pump appeared unused. The solitary cider meanwhile was Cornish Orchards. Overall I thought this was a lovely old pub, and certainly the best of the ones that we tried in Chipping Norton.

Official site of The Chequers - www.chequerschippingnorton.co.uk

Official site of The Chequers - www.chequerschippingnorton.co.uk

About as perfect a pub as you could hope to find. Traditional Fullers house hosting many of their wares. As usual, I stopped perusing once I reached ESB - which is a go to beer. Low ceilings, lots of little alcoves and a roaring log fire in the centre of the pub. Food was high quality and suitable priced. Service was a little bit hit and miss in these Covid times but hats off to the young lad who was showing the older gent how to look after customers. I did get my tea in the end :-)

Official site of Chequers Inn - www.chequers-pub.com

Official site of Chequers Inn - www.chequers-pub.com

A Fullers pub, located down a steep incline in a quiet street off the main road. Seven pumps with six ales on, most of the branded Fullers range plus two seasonals (London Porter and Wild River) and a guest (Kings Shipment). The Porter was hidden round the far corner of the bar, so beware hasty choices! I was able to sample three – the Porter was excellent, Wild River good but the Kings Shipment fairly awful, basically pond water. Luckily that one wasn’t my purchase. As to be expected of a Fuller’s house these days, prices were fairly steep. The interior is small, low-ceilinged multi-roomed with a nice dining area down a corridor to rear. It certainly has a bit of character if somewhat cramped with more than a handful of people in. Features of note included an upright piano, inglenook fireplace, board games and a well-stocked bookshelf. Food is pushed here and the ‘pint and burger for six quid special’ was given a good review by a fellow crawlee (the standard menu was somewhat pricier). It’s a nice place for a pint and if the beer had been consistent across the board I may have marked it higher.