The Castle, Oxford

Eye-catching Brewers Tudor building, slightly elevated following a lowering of the road outside, and really standing out from its mostly modern neighbours. Opened out within to leave a L-shaped bar, although this has been given a sadly bland semi-modern refurbishment. Small patio beer garden to the rear. As a Hook Norton pub, we found Hooky, Off the Hook and Hooky Mild available from the two banks of six handpumps, with the Old Hooky having run out earlier. Overall, though, something of a disappointment.