The Wild Rabbit, Chipping Norton

A pleasant enough pub in this small village, it certainly looks appealing with it’s typical Cotswold stone exterior, enclosed garden at the front, and at this time of the year, various Christmas trees and so on around the porch. Inside it’s doesn’t quite have the olde worlde charm that you might expect – it all looks freshly built, even the exposed stone walls, and if I didn’t know better I’d think I was in some modern place pretending to be old. Internally, the main bar area runs along the front of the pub, and the sandy colour tiles on the floor probably don’t help in terms of trying to make it look original. There were a couple of chunky beams on the ceiling, but even these didn’t look particularly old and the cream wood panelling covering the rest of the ceiling seemed an odd choice. A large, free standing brick fire-place was an interesting feature that divided the bulk of the pub from a smaller room off to the side, and the barman kept this well stocked with logs. Another fire-place at the opposite side of the pub looked an appealing spot with a couple of old arm-chairs around a table, but unfortunately this hadn’t been cleared and was left covered with the detritus from someone’s lunch. The rear part of the pub looked to be even more contemporary and is perhaps more geared up for dining, since I noticed a large table to one side had a meat slicer on it. Beers on this occasion were Prescott Hill Climb, Hook Norton’s Hooky and Wadworth IPA whilst the solitary cider was a pretty decent Stowford Press. All in all whilst I didn’t really warm to the inauthentic charm of this pub, it nonetheless was certainly a cosy spot and I would have happily stayed for a couple more if we hadn’t had a table booked down the road.

A pretentious bar / restaurant in an area full of them, with at least three real ales - Hooky Bitter, Wadworth IPA and Prescott Hill Climb (the latter not too bad at £1.85 a half). There's a hipsterfied rustic vibe going on in the patio out front with some weathered wood and iron chairs and benches, but is definitely a rucksack-free zone. Food ain't on the cheap side either, with starters beginning at £12-plus...

Ludicrously posh village pub that has had a lot of cash thrown at it in order to open it up, clean the internal brickwork and aim for Michelin star food. Decent amount of character though and plenty of drinking space; two areas off the main bar, the left has an impressive fireplace whilst the right has an open fire and upright piano. Exposed Cotswold stone walls throughout and pleasing rustic wood furnishings, including old pews. Modern tongue and groove ceiling with what may or may not be original beams. Large and modern (but sympathetic) extension makes for a light and airy rear dining area. Selection of papers available. Two ales, Waddies 6X, Prescott Hill Climb (very impressive nick for the latter) and reasonably priced given the set-up. Also three keg Meantime beers. Was kept amused by the poshest couple I've ever encountered having a good old bicker about anything and everything. Surprisingly good place and I’d be happy to pop in again.