Old Black Horse, St Clements, Oxford

Reportedly dating back to the 17th century and although it looks to be of some vintage, maybe it was rebuilt sometime later? A first in here the other night for our group of three, on a night out in St. Clements, home to the Port Mahon, Angel & Greyhound, Half Moon and Cape of Good Hope, all of which seemed to be doing a roaring trade. This pub looks a bit rundown with a flashing LED sign in the window reading ‘open’ – it makes the pub look like an aging kebab shop or late-night convenience store with a beer patio out front. Quite small inside with conventional furniture, a games machine, TVs and a friendly barman, but with some shouty man in a very bad mood upstairs. And no real ale. We sat towards the left of the pub but despite the joy going on in the other St. Clements inns, the Old Black Horse was empty save for the angry man. A bit weird this place and not one for the discerning pub-goer, so we won’t be back.

Ropey old dump, complete with boarded-over front window pane. Bit of pit inside, some old bits of a nicer pub (wood panelling) remain. Cheap laminate flooring, makeshift chipboard bar. Unusual cheese wedge seats (think Trivial Pursuit) made for a talking point that wasn’t simply grumbling. Large screen showing MTV to an audience of nil. Couple of framed football shirts on the walls. Printed sign on boarded-up window stated "if you do not have a drink you will be asked to leave" which makes you wonder. Single ale - Fisher & Co Confessor at a whopping £2.25 a half and it wasn’t even that great. Pub food appeared to consist of some samosas in a heater at the bar. A poor place, avoid.

Official site of The Old Black Horse Hotel - www.oldblackhorse.com

Official site of The Old Black Horse Hotel - www.oldblackhorse.com

During my first visit to this 17th century coaching inn I thought it was just a hotel bar. I remember my group being the only people in here and having to punch in a code to get to the urinal. Against my better judgement I was dragged in here again to watch Burnley v Arsenal at the beginning of the year, what a difference. The extremely helpful barman opened up the upstairs room so that we could all sit comfortably and watch the match and the place was bustling with rugby and football fans. I tucked into the Stella and a dodgy Japanese lager (£1.50 a pint I think) and had a thoroughly enjoyable afternoon. I'll definitely pop back when I'm in the area again.