The Nut Tree Inn, Kidlington

A gastropub in the wilderness between Bicester and Kidlington, with a duck pond out front (the ducks had to be removed from wandered about the car park on our arrival) and a former Hall's charge evinced by a ceramic plaque to the left of the entrance. There's a small bar the right on entry, with limited seating - tiny padded seating in the nook of a window next to the bar, and a sofa and armchair opposite the bar itself before you're into dining territory. There's plenty of nice exposed stone and what seem to be original wooden beams and posts. We got there early (just after opening), so were lucky enough to get a spot out of the way whilst the white-shirted, be-aproned staff bustled around readying things for the expectant hordes (they were fully-booked for lunch apparently). A three-ale line-up consisted of Brakspear Bitter, Tring Side Pocket For A Toad and Vale 'Nut Tree Ale' and my companion's Brakspear was in decent nick.

Official site of the Nut Tree - www.nuttreeinn.co.uk

Official site of the Nut Tree - www.nuttreeinn.co.uk