Fox Inn, Oswestry

Being refurbished March 2015. Short closure.

A small ,cosy Elizabethan building with a very interesting interior tied to Marstons.The low entrance leads to a small front room with four handpumps on the bar,a couple of bar stools and ledge seating at the sides.Through a low doorway is the main room,with a large fireplace,wood burner,quarry tiles and a collection of guitars with Zapper is King insignia and other musical instruments.Further back on the way to the loos is another section with some old furniture while down a narrow corridor to the left is an almost secret back room with a fitted bench around the walls.An interior worthy of listing,and most charming. There wasn't much real ale choice as the Cockerhoop had gone off and the Wychwood Bountiful had disappointed elsewhere,but the remaining Wakatu Single Hop proved a good quaff.The landlord came over for a chat and proved a real character.He explained that a lot of his regulars didn't fit in elsewhere and as the evening wore on ,a bohemian mix of punters emerged.It was jam night and three excellent musicians turned up ,with drinkers handed percussion instrument to join in.It made for a memorable night,there was free chilli for anyone taking part and I'm sure after a long session this would all get munched through. The landlord has been in charge for 11 years and is uncertain about the future given Marston's wants to sell the freehold.I only pray that the character and the interior of this classic boozer are not lost.Best to get there soon just in case.