The Oxford, Nottingham

A fairly dire ex Smith And Jones pub. A large open plan box which Wetherspoons would have made a better job of. Standard national beers on. This pub is only worth visiting if you're ticking off pubs to be honest.

Official site of The Oxford - ambertaverns.co.uk

Official site of The Oxford - ambertaverns.co.uk

They say travel broadens the mind, but all I see is that it reinforces prejudice. In this case, it's another dire Smith and Jones clone pub, typical of this now defunct chain and confirming my view that I didn't like Smith and Jones pubs. A single large bar has been created in a former commercial premises, it has awful carpets throughout, mass-produced factory furniture and really, really annoying tv screens showing second-rate sporting events. There are also gaming machines and a pool table. The staff were friendly enough, but the locals were not – one suspects they were all waiting for their call from Jeremy Kyle. Two ales on – I had the Ringwood Boondoggle which was in poor condition. To be fair, it's comfortable, the beer is drinkable if not perfect, and there are worse pubs around. I hope the new owners make something decent of it.

The Lockstone is a Smith & Jones pub that was opened about 5 years ago in the old gas showrooms. Once inside here the bar is to the left and there are some seats at the front which are quite comfy,the room goes back quite a bit and the seating nearer the bar is tall tables and chairs there is also a raised area to the right which has more comfier seating. There are two real ales on the bar but with nothing special on usually Bombadier or Old Speckled hen. This pub opens early but does'nt serve alcohol untill 11,i find this pub is ok for one drink but i would'nt stay any longer.