Sturdy's Castle, Kidlington

A mix of restaurant, hotel and bar located on the A4260 between Banbury and Kidlington. The entrance is accessed via double doors to the right of the building from the small car park, with a restaurant area to the right upon entry and the narrow bar is accessed via a small flight of steps then a slalom to the left. Obviously madeover over the years, it's now a riot of brushed stone, newly-distressed wood and creaky bare wooded floor. Ales were Wadworth 6X and North Cotswold Cotswold Best - the latter £3.85 a pint and in very good shape, so an extra mark there, but there are better bets either side of the A4260 if you persevere. However, this ticks numerous boxes, and gets an additional mark for dint of at least having a local ale on the go.

Official site of Sturdy's Castle - www.sturdyscastleoxford.com

Official site of Sturdy's Castle - www.sturdyscastleoxford.com