Fox & Pine, Oldham

Visited in January. 10 hand pulls at the bar, all on, including three dark ales. Various keg taps too. Home made sausage rolls, mini pies, pork pies, samosas and bhajis available. No standing at the bar is allowed (apparently an Oldham custom) but they seem to have worked round this by having a row of eight or so stools pushed up directly facing the bar from the left hand window. Conversation was flowing between (presumably) a couple of regulars in this loophole quasi standing area and the bar staff. My ale was £1.90 for a half so very well priced and certainly enjoyable. A beer garden is signposted. No under 18s allowed.

Visited earlier this week, mid week early afternoon. 10 hand pulls for cask ale and all were on. There were three dark ales available, which was pleasing to see. There are some keg taps too, including ABK, Camden Stout and a Cloudwater hazy pale. It's fairly small but enough seating despite being fairly busy for a Tuesday afternoon. There are high tables near the window and lower tables and chairs further into the place. There is an upstairs area that I didn't investigate, but must have additional seating as a couple of ladies disappeared up there with their drinks. I received a friendlier exit here than at the Cob & Coal! Definitely somewhere I'd like to make a return visit to.

Ten handpumps, so enough to make any CAMRA zealot and their ilk cream themselves especially when it serves Draught Bass, the other beers were from small breweries, the kegs are from generally craft or pseudo-craft breweries. Wines and spirits too, so is it a kosher micro? Whatever there’s no surprise it’s in the GBG. Beer quality is very good in spite of the pump count. A small corner micro but with seating upstairs as well as downstairs a few tables with stools and a sprinkling of taller chairs at shelves, there’s a pew in one corner. Odd decor which is largely animal based obviously including foxes, plus a selection of CAMRA awards, cut down keg lamp shades, a bus destination blind, footy scarves and “witty” signs. Toilets and the extra seating upstairs, there’s also a rear garden and there’s no standing at the bar. Slightly cliquey vibe.

Small place (a micro? maybe) with a wooded floor and an intriguing fox, owl and dog décor – I presume this is a nod to the football clubs supported by the owners. Snooker on the telly, it’s still a thing up this way. Doing a roaring trade Friday evening and was rammed, with a cracking atmosphere; I had to beg to share a table such was the level of custom. 10 pumps, all operating; I went straight for the Bass which was in good shape (NBSS 3.5). Hard to get a good look at the other options but I think I saw some cider and a couple of unusual German kegs from ABK. Despite the squeeze I liked this one and would pop in again. GBG’23 listed, of course.