The Slow & Steady, Oxford

A first into what was until recently the Folly Bridge Tavern, now renamed after the road which it abuts and not to be confused with Botley Road’s One Bar, formerly called the White House. Superficially, it’s quite a grand stone pub built in the late 19th century. It’s in a reasonably attractive location, overlooking Brasenose College’s playing fields. There’s an extensive beer garden/patio with an Aunt Sally. Through the doors and it’s a bit of a different story being rather a bland affair – not tatty as such, just a bit boring with what in effect is two rooms, one with a pool table, games machine and a large roving dog; the bar’s to the rear. The floor’s carpeted and furniture is best described as modern/contemporary; music played at a sensible level. There’s food too but it’s more along the lines of spag bol and chilli con carne which is fine by me. Few clients were in evidence mid-evening, but were mainly young though probably not Oxford students given the holidays were in full swing. There were also some rather eccentric-looking older types in here; overall, I got the impression that this is something of a locals’ pub. There were three Wadworth’s ales on, dispensed by a rather glum barmaid: one I couldn’t quite see, IPA and XXXXXX served in what looked like an oversized sherry glass and at a reasonable – for Oxford – £1.95 a half and in good nick, though the glass’ shape made it difficult to drink, the inwardly curved lip ensuring that a goodly quantity went up my nose. This isn’t a bad place but there’s little to recommend it and given its distance from the city’s centre, I can’t see myself making a return visit.