Dashwood Hotel, Kidlington

A traditional, stone, village pub from the outside which has been refurbished in the gastro style internally. It's been done well with several separate areas left, wood floors, exposed stone walls, achingly trendy dark grey paint, comfortable mismatched wood furniture, cushions and flowers on each table. It's actually a very decent place to be for a pint or something to eat. We were warmly greeted on arrival and asked, eventually, if we were eating. We were but planting ourselves in the bar rather than the restaurant area didn't present any problems. The menu is extensive and although we went for lunchtime snacks, the food was good quality. Two Rebellion beers on cask, Roasted Nuts and Smuggler the former going down very well. A decent and friendly village boozer with decent ale and a food option - can't ask for a huge amount more.

One of the solo pub goer's nightmares is timing a visit badly, so arriving at The Dashwood just after a party of seven arrived meant a 15 minute wait as dithering over drinks and food took its toll at the small bar. A gastro pub on a bend in the road in this village all Cotswold stone with stone tiles floor, part-exposed stone, part-render and exposed original beams. The main part of the interior, although semi-sectioned off is set for dining with an open servery allowing a glimpse into the kitchen. There's a smallish bar area opposite the bar with wooden bench seating and upholstered cushioned seating and small, round tables. Three Rebellion beers - IPA (turned around), Smuggler and Zebedee all served from 22-pint boxes hidden under the bar (the cellar is 150ft away apparently). Nice patio area out front for clement whether. Pleasant enough, but no more than "tick"-worthy.

Official site of the Dashwood - www.thedashwood.co.uk

Official site of the Dashwood - www.thedashwood.co.uk