The Punter, Osney, Oxford

A trendy sort of "vegan/vegetarian pub" in a nice waterside location. The Morlands plaque on the wall outside reveals its history, but the inside has been stripped back to plain white walls hung with original oil paintings. On handpump were Golden Hen, Morlands Original and Animal/XT Lobster: the Original proved to be undrinkable but was replaced without question.

Situated in an attractive residential area, quite a walk from the city centre and just a few feet from the Thames. It's now really what I'd describe as a restaurant with tables packed with diners on this Bank Holiday evening. There were about three stools at the bar with one solitary drinker and from what I could see, one equally solitary pump. There's a small patio to the side but as a drinkery, I won't bother returning.

Relatively upmarket corner local, refurbished from the Watermans Arms in 2010 and only a couple of minutes from the train station if you know where you’re going. Doesn't look like much from the outside but does hold a decent position overlooking the River Isis. Bare boarded with a colour scheme not too dissimilar to the nearby Holly Bush. Here, it is less opened out, with some pillars in the main bar and a semi separate room to the left which is carpeted. Gravelled side garden that looks ok. Daily papers, dog friendly and an inlaid chess table with pieces in a mug. Various prints on the walls - equine, old Oxford and cricket. Three pumps, Morlands and Vale (pretty good) with another GK clip turned. Food offered as to be expected. Decent stop though not essential given Oxford’s riches.

Official site of The Punter - www.thepunteroxford.co.uk

Official site of The Punter - www.thepunteroxford.co.uk