The Gardeners Arms, Oxford

A very charming Jericho street corner pub,my favourite on an extended crawl.It retains two sections from the front door both with wooden floors,to the left rectangular and leading to a rear room,to the right the bar with more traditional round and oblong tables and chairs.Very popular with students who all seem to be attracted to the left side,leaving the bar uncluttered.In both sections there is a high shelf with a collection of classic vinyl album covers,a pretty original and well thought out display.The pub has been well known for vegan and vegetarian food since reopening in 2003 and at most reasonable prices even students could manage.Free newspapers were another nice touch and the large collection of pump clips indicates a changing real ale lineup.On my trip that meant White Horse Dragon Hill,Springhead Robin Hood,Brakspears Bitter,Kite Bluestone Bitter (very decent) with a further handpump devoted to Rosie's Pig Cider.A decent real ale selection without any premiership brewers but respectable for Oxford. The pub retains a great atmosphere,everything you could hope for in Jericho and is very genuine.Very well worth a visit,I will be back.