The Coach & Horses, Banbury

Quinno _ left this review about The Coach & Horses

Massive change here to the extent I momentarily questioned whether I'd entered the right pub. Any old cosiness has been ruthlessly stripped out, areas have been further knocked into and the walls are now red blue and yellow like a Fisher Price TV show set. Lights off early weekday evening and it felt gloomy. Almost all the tables reserved, most of them were still empty well-past their allotted showtimes. Retreated to the decent rear patio garden with the alphabetti spaghetti Pride flags strung-up so I'm assuming they're trying to corner the Tik-Tok yoof market; whether said market will keep the range of Hook Norton ales turning over is perhaps a different matter, but my pint of Hooky was fine (NBSS 3), if served in a glass that proves they have a fundamental problem with their dishwasher. GBG listed for ’24.

February 2012
A Hook Norton pub hidden away up a side-street with a brand new posh interior still smelling of mocha and wood which I thought was done rather well. The snuggy bit to the left of the bar with horsey wall paper looked very good and I rather fancied sitting there, alas it was being hogged by a female staff member eating her dinner. An impressive patio garden to the rear makes it look like a good summer pub. Four ales, Hooky Gold, Bitter, 12 Days and Oxfordshire Ales Uncle Scrooge (all served through sparklers, sadly). I tried the Scrooge and 12 Days and both came out pretty well, if expensive. Still, the 12 Days was 30p cheaper than the Reindeer! Food is pushed and there were a family eating opposite. I rather liked it in here, though the traditional pub-goer might have reservations. Give it a go. Rated 7

On 4^th September 2024 - rating: 5
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