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Beer of the Week (w/e 15th June 2025) with Tris39
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Ye Olde Reine Deer Inn, Banbury
Banbury
OX16 5NA
Reviews (Current Rating Average: 8 of 10) see review guidelines
Strongers . left this review about Ye Olde Reine Deer Inn
Ye Olde Reine Deer Inn is a bare boarded Hook Norton Brewery pub with old wooden ceiling beams, traditional wood panelled walls and a big central bar with front and rear serving counters that support premium keg and Kronenburg alongside six hand pumps, three on each counter, that were all drawing HN ales. To the left of the central entrance padded bench seating runs under the front windows and up the left hand wall to a fireplace at the rear that sits adjacent to the front serving counter. To the right of the entrance more bench seating runs under the front windows opposite the serving counter to a fireplace on the right-hand wall. A couple of steps to the right of the serving counter climb to the rear bar where there are a couple of small seating areas and access can be gained to the upstairs Globe Room that is labelled as a dining area with additional seating. One of the very friendly barmaids served me an excellent pint of Hooky Mild which I enjoyed sat in the front bar where I tried very hard to find fault with the pub… I couldn’t, meaning this was my favourite pub during two days of crawling in Banbury.
On 12th June 2025
- rating: 10
[User has posted 6133 recommendations about 6099 pubs]
Quinno _ left this review about Ye Olde Reine Deer Inn
Much as it ever was and best appreciated on a quieter evening, which I had. It's been kept well and is a delightful venue (if a bit upmarket). The rear garden has also been done-up and was a pleasant spot. Five Hook Norton over six pumps, my Mild was good (NBSS 3.5). Oddly, it’s not GBG 24 listed - perhaps that will change in the next few days. It’s certainly better than the Coach these days, anyway. 8.5
November 2015
Has had a very light-touch refurb since my last visit - tidying round the edges rather than any intrinsic alterations - so still a classic pub. Four Hook Norton ales on; Mild, Hooky, Old Hooky and Lion. Condition fairly good across the board and not as expensive as I’d feared (all under £3.80 and the mild was noticeably cheap). No sign of cider this visit though. Service notably friendly although the MD of the brewery was stalking the premises! Still a default stop in Banbury and worth making a special trip for. Rated 8
December 2011
An historic pub that simply oozes character, from the massive overhanging pub sign that takes up half the width of the street to the dark wood panelled walls and amazing log fireplace to the right of the bar. The central bar splits the pub in two but most of the beer is dispensed at the front end facing the door. Most of the Hook Norton range was available, alongside their seasonal for Christmas, 12 Days, ludicrously priced at £4 a pint. It wasn’t even that great a shape either. The other Hooky beers were at least a bit cheaper, with the Dark coming in at £2.90. In a nod to the season, mulled wine was also available and what I think were flavoured meads served in ornate glass containers above the bar. Westons cider also available. If it’s open, check out the historic Cromwellian Globe Room at the rear of the pub which is cracking and only refitted after the Second World War after being in storage for many years. There’s plenty of breweriana attached to the walls throughout and some pub games were available, including cribbage. Pub food is offered though given how grubby a couple of the tables were I’m not sure I’d want to eat there. All in all, this is a must-visit if in Banbury but it is not without its faults. Rated 8
On 4th September 2024
- rating: 8
[User has posted 5589 recommendations about 5570 pubs]
Please Note: This review is over a year old.
Mild Drinker left this review about Ye Olde Reine Deer Inn
Beautiful old pub with an ornate interior. Hand pumps a plenty from Hook Norton. I had a pint of Hook Norton Mild which was decent along with a burger and chips which was reasonably priced and tasty. Well worth a visit if you're in Banbury town centre.
On 4th May 2024
- rating: 8
[User has posted 108 recommendations about 108 pubs]
Please Note: This review is over a year old.
Blue Scrumpy left this review about Ye Olde Reine Deer Inn
Yesterday's visit to this old town centre pub was a return visit. I was last in here in 2016, when a fight had ensued involving a guy dealing with counterfeit banknotes. On a Wednesday afternoon, things appear to be quieter than Tuesday evenings! There were a few locals enjoying the Hook Norton beers, whilst other groups had not long finished their lunches.
I don't recall exploring the pub much on my last visit. The traditional bar at the front has plenty of Hook Norton memorabilia with lots of wood panelling. From here, a corridor leads to the toilets, an outdoor yard and also to the rather grand-looking Globe Room at the rear.
Bar staff all appeared to be Eastern European. When I asked if they stocked any still ciders, the one barman seemed a little confused. Apparently they don't anymore. Instead, the real ale choice is Hooky, Old Hooky, Off the Hook & Hooky Mild. I was hoping that this might be the one local Hook Norton pub where I might find something a little more interesting from the brewery. Alas, I was disappointed.
Nice pub inside and with no fighting, I was able to enjoy the atmosphere a little more on this visit. But there are better pubs in the town.
On 20th July 2023
- rating: 6
[User has posted 3111 recommendations about 3109 pubs]
Please Note: This review is over a year old.
Moby Duck left this review about Ye Olde Reine Deer Inn
A good looking 16th century pub, traditional and olde worlde inside. Six beers on all from Hook Norton. I liked the look of the pub but the beer tried was a little tired.
On 16th June 2019
- rating: 7
[User has posted 2183 recommendations about 2150 pubs]
Please Note: This review is over a year old.
Real Ale Ray left this review about Ye Olde Reine Deer Inn
Included in the South East England Inventory of Historic Pub Interiors, with parts of the building dating back as far as the Medieval Period and has strong connections with the English Civil War. The Globe room at the rear has connections with Cromwell. On approach, there is a large oak timber strut projecting from the upper floor of the building, which advertises the pub name along with Hook Norton brewery, and stretches halfway across the street.
Six handpumps in operation on our visit, all of which are from Hook Norton. I went for the new brew from Hook Norton, which was the 4 Point Blank Cotswold Pale, which was to my taste. The service was friendly and welcoming and the two main features I really like was the ornate carved fireplace and the rear globe room.
On 26th June 2018
- rating: 9
[User has posted 3684 recommendations about 3684 pubs]
Please Note: This review is over a year old.
Ian Mapp left this review about Ye Olde Reine Deer Inn
Four pubs visited in Banbury. This was easily the best for atmosphere, history and beer. Yet, its not in the 2017 GBG and wetherspoons is.
History dripping off the walls, live music on a Saturday, efficient service and top quality Hook Norton Ales.
Visit blogged at http://bit.ly/2ixN3dV
On 16th January 2017
- rating: 10
[User has posted 277 recommendations about 276 pubs]
Please Note: This review is over a year old.
Aqualung . left this review about Ye Olde Reine Deer Inn
My first visit here was around 40 years ago and I'm not sure that it has changed very much although it did seem larger inside. It's genuinely old and is almost certainly Hook Norton's flagship pub. It's been more than well described below and on my visit had six Hook Norton beers on. I went for the Old Hooky (£3.80) which was in good nick albeit slightly hazy. I have to admit I preferred the more pubby White Horse nearby to this place which is something of an Olde Worlde cliche.
On 5th September 2016
- rating: 7
[User has posted 2143 recommendations about 2143 pubs]
Please Note: This review is over a year old.
Just a quick pint, then I'm off left this review about Ye Olde Reine Deer Inn
Rather nice old Hook Norton house, with plenty of historic features (including the exterior pub sign and a grand - and fully functioning - fireplace in the main bar; all meaning that it retains lots of character both within and without. The efficient staff and pleasingly old-fashioned atmosphere really help too. Patio beer garden to the rear. Available real ales were Hooky, Old Hooky, Lion, Mild (£3.30) and the seasonal Crafty Fox.
On 13th March 2016
- rating: 8
[User has posted 8733 recommendations about 8733 pubs]
Please Note: This review is over a year old.
Bucking Fastard left this review about Ye Olde Reine Deer Inn
A classic pub interior with some great wood panelling,two real fires serving the front bar with a cosy rear snug with it's own access the the island bar.The exterior is pretty special too,so well worth an inspection for historical and original features.Owned by Hook Norton,it will have the largest selection of their real ales in Banbury but it's very much a tied house with no guest beers.
Food is served from a corporate looking pub grub menu,but the quiz night brought with it a good crowd and real pub atmosphere.If you like the malty house style of Hook Norton beers you may well want to stay longer than I managed on a Thursday evening visit.
On 16th April 2015
- rating: 7
[User has posted 2971 recommendations about 2971 pubs]