Tile Shop Ale House, Oxford

A micro just off the main road. A good use of limited space; cushioned bench seating either side with some bright tiling (natch) and nik-naks to make it more homely than the average. 70s MoR on the speakers, so not a puritan micro. Atmosphere a bit flat unfortunately, just us and two other customers on a Saturday afternoon with a non-engaging barman – may well be the same ‘gawping youth’ referenced below, hopefully it’s a bit livelier in the evening. Just two cask plus three keg, I went for the Tring Ridgeway (NBSS 4) at a competitive price. The beer quality means I’d pop back in again en route to the Mason’s but micros really do rely on the guv’nor to set the tone and this one missed the beat. GBG’23 listed, which is fair. 6.5

Facebook page of Tile Shop Ale House - www.facebook.com

Facebook page of Tile Shop Ale House - www.facebook.com

This little pub really is a gem The main focus is on locally produced real ale with 1 regular cask,1 rotation guest and 3-keg beers always available. 12 bottled ciders, various wines, spirits and cocktails for those who prefer something different. The ales are served straight from the cask and kept very well and to top national standards. A great place for friends to meet and chat without any of the normal chain-pub distractions. A range of bar snacks are also available. A real must for real ale drinkers and anyone who likes their beer served fresh. Lovely atmosphere and great friendly hosts. The interior floor is the original display floor from when it was a tile shop. Now included in the good beer guide.

A cosy little micro-pub in a typical shop conversion. The wooden benches and chairs are liberally strewn with cushions and there are perhaps slightly more decorations round the walls than the average, while an interesting tiled floor seems to have been constructed from oddments. The little bar at the back fronts a small stillage of beers from the Tring Brewery, with a boxed cider and the usual fridge of more exotic stuff. Ales now priced at £4. Pleasant enough.