The Chequers, Headington, Oxford

This is the oldest pub in the Headington quarry area, which was subdivided into an Indian restaurant in 2011. On approach this appears to be a lovely picturesque olden-style village pub, but what greets you on entering is anything but. It’s carpeted and very brightly lit, giving for all the world the appearance of a modern estate pub, though with traditional furniture and loud [c]rap music. Customers were very local, me arriving mid-argument between two women, the older in tears, the younger pointing at her and exclaiming ‘You don’t know the half of it!’ before storming out. At this point I had expected the East Enders drumroll to kick in, but no. With two unused pumps, there’s now no real ale here (CAMRA confirms), me opting for a half of Guinness at £2.40, served by a friendly landlady. This isn’t a great pub by any stretch and I was glad to leave, but it hadn’t prepared me for the Six Bells next door…