The Woodstock Arms, Woodstock

A traditional looking pub in the heart of Woodstock, it’s clearly had something of a makeover at some point but nonetheless has still managed to retain a certain amount of cosy charm. It was very busy on our recent Saturday evening visit, but it was just before Christmas and many of the tables were taken with large parities. The guy throwing up outside the door didn’t really endear me to the place, but hopefully that’s just a seasonal mishap rather than a regular occurrence. The main bar area is to the left and this was a pleasant enough spot with Victorian style tiling making something of a feature in the centre of the floor and dark wooden boards elsewhere. There was plenty of exposed Cotswold stone on the walls as well as some distressed wood panelling and khaki green timberwork. Trendy modern touches included exposed filament light bulbs, and copper piping above the bar that had been made in to a wine glass rack. Other accruements included a selection of copper pans and various antlers. A few Chesterfield sofas off to the right looked to be a cosy spot. The room to the right was perhaps more intended for dining and this had plenty of beams on the ceiling, many of which were liberally adorned with bunches of hops. Beers on tap were perhaps a little disappointing with Greene King IPA, Old Speckled Hen, Old Mulled Hen and their own House of Jacob Best Bitter. Two further pumps appeared unused. The solitary cider meanwhile was Stowford Press.

Greene King & Cask Marque in the centre of town. Mainly for eating, but make sure you book (at least for summer weekends). St Edmunds ale was good.