The Victoria Arms, Old Marston, Oxford

Visited in 1994 and again in 1996 so a revisit was in the offing. This started as a ferryman's cottage in the 17th century and a claim is made that it was visited by Oliver Cromwell and can be approached by punt, though nowadays the favoured vehicle of choice would seem to be the Jag or Range Rover. The place bears no resemblence to what I recall, with a modern/traditional interior with muted blue gastro hues and some modern 'traditional' wood fittings and now a large pergola to the rear beer terrace with a rolling lawn down to the river dotted with a great many picnic tables. It's now in the hands of Butcombe with just two of their beers on offer: Rare Breed and Original which paired with a g 'n' t, came to £8.75. There may be a great dining element to this place, certainly with very professional staff to hand, but it's a bit like an upmarket Harvester and given the relative inaccessibility, I don't envisage a return visit but it's probably a useful asset for Oxfordians with a car, even a small one.

Official site of The Victoria Arms - www.victoriaarms.co.uk

Official site of The Victoria Arms - www.victoriaarms.co.uk