The Duke, Banbury

Undeterred by some road closure signs, we eventually made it to the Duke shortly after its 4pm weekday opening time. The pub has a large campsite to the rear of the car park, which appeared to be very popular. Numerous guests of the campsite kept appearing in the pub, some arguing over the price, others booking a table for an evening meal. However, we were the only actual customers in the pub throughout our visit. There is a single large sub-divided room with the bar at the rear right-hand side. There are 4 handpulls. We arrived to find one clip turned. So, the selection was Uley Pig's Ear, Vale Black Beauty & North Cotswold Shagweaver. The Black Beauty clip was also soon turned. Although my half of it was still in good condition. I also tried the Shagweaver, which was also fine. Listed in the Good Beer Guide, this was probably the best pub we visited of 9 in the Banbury area yesterday, mainly because it was the only one stocking some slightly more interesting beers without any Hook Norton or any common national beers present.

Some money has been spent here creating a pleasant interior to the stone walled thatched pub in this small village.The main entrance is from the car park,and opens into a group of rooms with the main tap room having a good sized fireplace delivering much need warmth on a cold day.There are lots of beams,while the furniture is wooden and traditional.Beyond the bar there is a room with more dining tables but with the light off,so I assume this is only used as an overflow.Most punters will be dining,although there is no problem pitching down on a numbered table to sup some ale.However it doesn't have the atmosphere of a local,although the welcome was friendly.The muzak seemed a shade too loud and a little out of place but I was pleased to see 5 handpumps offering Turpin's Golden Citrus (decent),Hook Norton Greedy Goose,Tring Sidepocket and a very good North Cotswold Hung,Drawn and Portered. It's a bit of a leg up a narrow and fast country lane from the Oxford Canal,but I felt the effort was worth it for a decent pint of real ale.However it is more a venue in which to eat rather than drink,but at least it has reopened.

Official site of The Duke at Clifton - thecliftonduke.co.uk

Official site of The Duke at Clifton - thecliftonduke.co.uk