The Lamb Inn, Bicester

The awning outside the front of the Lamb Inn was welcome as the heavens opened on a recent Tuesday early evening. Absolutely chucked it down, I had to wait for the rain to abate because I couldn’t get around the couple of smokers in the tightly packed café seating without wandering back into the onslaught. When I finally got in I found a large open plan high street sports pub with televisions everywhere, including in each of the booths that run up the right-hand wall. High tables are found across the front and a row of booths that butt onto a row of tables and chairs run up the centre. A pool table and dartboard are found at the rear. The serving counter runs from midway along the left-hand wall to the rear. Standard and premium keg were available alongside Brixton Lager, alas the four hand pumps stood unused. The service was friendly, but if I was in town wanting to watch a match I’d use the White Hart on the other side of the road.

Official site of The Lamb Inn - www.craftunionpubs.com

Official site of The Lamb Inn - www.craftunionpubs.com

Feels like a pseudo Wetherspoon without the merits of said chain – so no surprise to find out it was an old Yates that has been decommissioned and is now a Stonegate pub. Internally it’s a large square room with some central zig zag booths. Pool table at the rear and Sky Sports on a drop-down TV. Two ales on, Doom Bar and St Austell Tribute. The latter was £1.25 and barely drinkable. Oddly, there were 6 ciders in the fridge. On Saturday afternoon there were only half a dozen people in the place and it wasn’t difficult to see why. Presumably more of an evening venue?

Large Stonegate pub featuring a large rectangular bar with part of the seating area located up a solitary step. Recently refurbished in a light semi-modern style with a mixture of table types. Also has a patio area out on the pavement. Two of three handpumps in operation, with Doom Bar and Tribute (only £2.50, but rather indifferent) on offer.

One of the best Yates i have been in had a good pint of Green King IPA WELL WORTH A CALL

Change of name

Stand outside and admire the carved exterior. As the premier hotel in Ludlow its always been pricey. The odd occassion I have visited the beer has never impressed. Give it a try,you can always say that you have had a drink here on its many appearances on TV. Ludlow is built on a steep hill and many of its buildings are ancient. Getting about and access by wheelchair can be difficult. The Feathers is probably the best for access .

Now renamed " Yates" at the end of Bicesters pedestrianised main street.Disabled parking bays across the road and wheelchair access is good. Not much special in the way of beer I think its all keg. During the day its a place for cheap meals and a bottle of wine often visited by crumblies like me.The night times can be a different matter. Admin note:- Renamed Yates's (23/09/09)