The Chequers, Oxford

The pub was very busy on our visit, so we had to do a bit of vertical drinking, which was beneficial as we had a good view of the entire pub, especially the wood carving across the upstairs balcony. Their ale choice was also good for a Nicholson's, so went for the Red Squirrel Hopfest, which was a good session beer. An interesting pub this one, so well worth a visit.

Despite being a High Street pub, the Chequers is easily missed as it is accessed via a narrow alleyway that seems to evade the attention of the tourist masses. Originally the private residence of a moneylender, the building was purchased by All Souls College in 1466 and converted into a tavern around the turn of the 16th Century. It is currently operated by Nicholsons, who generally do a good job with this sort of interesting historic pub. The alleyway leads into a nice, partly covered, cobbled courtyard, with the pub to the right. The main bar has a bit of a baronial feel to it with dark wood flooring and some grand decorative touches throughout. The room is split into two halves, with the simple Monks Bar up a few stairs to the left and the main bar area on the lower section to the right. A long servery runs along the back wall and there is plenty of standard seating in both areas. Large boards bearing various coats of arms protrude from the walls and there are decorative friezes, ceilings and walls to be marvelled at through much of the room. A plaque outside explains that there is a well beneath the pub that was once used for brewing, although sadly this enterprise has long since been abandoned. The courtyard turned out to be a good place to enjoy drinks on a sunny summer afternoon, with nice floral displays creating a bright, attractive space for relaxing. Sadly, the peace was broken by a group of loud, braying students (of the sort who do unspeakable things to dead pigs), although there appeared to have been some graduation ceremonies taking place that day, so this may have been a one off. The ale range here is as extensive as you are likely to find anywhere is Oxford, with options on this visit comprising Marston Pedigree and New World Pale, Hook Norton Lion, Black Wolf ROK IPA, Wells Bombardier, Sharps Doom Bar, Nicholsons Pale Ale, Woodforde Norfolk Champion and Shepherd Neame Red Sail Cherry Porter. I tried the Red Sail Porter, which was okay but not really my cup of tea, and the New World Pale, which was in very good shape. The bar staff were very friendly and helpful, assisting some uninitiated customers in the art of selecting the right beer. I thought this was a good pub to escape the crowds and enjoy beers from a wide range. The interior is well worth a look, although perhaps a little more cramped than you'd initially expect, whilst the courtyard is a fine spot for summer drinks. This seems like a well run place and would be a good addition to any crawl around the city.

Good selection of porters & stouts available when I visited yesterday. Worth a visit given its location & history.

Closed from 4th August for 3 weeks for refurbishment.